One-line summary:

Eleanor Flood, a quirky and self-deprecating woman, embarks on a day of self-improvement and self-discovery, only to find that life has other plans for her in Maria Semple’s novel, “Today Will Be Different.”

A Day of Intentions

In “Today Will Be Different,” Eleanor Flood wakes up determined to have a perfect day. She vows to be present, kind, and to make positive changes in her life. As a former animator, Eleanor is now a stay-at-home mom to her eight-year-old son, Timby, and wife to her successful hand surgeon husband, Joe. However, her life is far from perfect. She struggles with anxiety, a strained relationship with her sister, Ivy, and a general feeling of dissatisfaction.

Eleanor’s day starts with a series of mishaps, including her son faking illness to get out of school and her husband mysteriously disappearing. As she navigates through these unexpected events, Eleanor’s plans for self-improvement quickly unravel. She finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of chaos and self-reflection, forcing her to confront her past and the choices she has made.

Unearthing the Past

As Eleanor tries to track down her husband, she stumbles upon a forgotten journal from her childhood. This discovery triggers a flood of memories and unresolved emotions, leading her to revisit her troubled relationship with her estranged sister, Ivy. Through a series of flashbacks, the reader gains insight into Eleanor’s upbringing and the events that shaped her into the person she is today.

Eleanor’s journey to find her husband becomes intertwined with her quest for self-discovery. Along the way, she encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a former colleague who is now a famous artist, a psychic who claims to have a message from her dead grandmother, and a young woman who may hold the key to her husband’s whereabouts. These encounters force Eleanor to confront her fears, confront her past, and ultimately confront herself.

Embracing Imperfection

As the day progresses, Eleanor realizes that her pursuit of perfection is both futile and exhausting. She learns to embrace the messy and imperfect nature of life, finding beauty in the chaos. Through her journey, she discovers that true happiness lies in accepting oneself and the unpredictability of life.

In the end, Eleanor’s day of self-improvement may not have gone as planned, but it leads her to a greater understanding of herself and the importance of embracing imperfections. She learns that life is full of surprises and that sometimes the best moments are the ones we least expect.

Key Takeaways:

• Life rarely goes as planned, and it’s important to embrace the unexpected.
• Self-improvement is a lifelong journey, and it’s okay to have setbacks along the way.
• Family relationships can be complex and require effort to mend.
• Perfection is an unattainable goal, and happiness lies in accepting imperfections.

“Today will be different. Today I will be present. Today, anyone I’m speaking to, I will