Book Review: Today Will Be Different

12.4.2016

Off the Powell's New + Recommended shelf, I picked up Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple. And unfortunately, it won't be finding it's way to my 'New + Recommended' list any time soon. The book follows Eleanor through a particularly whirl-wind day, from her son Timby feigning illness to her husband becoming an unexpected Christian. It was charming and short, definitely a decent mindless read to have on as background noise. Though the main character, Eleanor, was entertaining I didn't find that I connected with her very much, or particularly cared what happened to her. That's more on me than the novel -- she's a nuanced and well-formed character, a mildly neurotic housewife doing her best amid the mess that is Life, who I think a lot of people will resonate with. I just didn't. But beyond that, the book was honestly boring. Boring books aren't always bad, they can keep you company and fill the space between more grandiose cousins. But at the end of the day there's nothing memorable, lasting, or insightful about the book. If you're looking for something to pick up this isn't the first thing I'd recommend, but it's not the worst choice either. It's the 'meh' choice.