Confession: While I concede that John Kennedy Toole’s “A Confederacy of Dunces” is remarkable, it’s never made me laugh. Neither has Kingsley Amis’ “Lucky Jim,” nor any other of the many novels that are most lauded for being hilarious. Which is why Maria Semple is such a treasure. “Today Will Be Different” has a simple premise: Eleanor Flood, a wealthy, middle-aged Seattle resident with a penchant for negativity, decides to be better. "Today Will Be Different" by Maria Semple Little, Brown "Today Will Be Different" by Maria Semple "Today Will Be Different" by Maria Semple (Little, Brown)“Today Will Be Different”Maria SempleLittle, Brown and Co.: 272 pp., $27

Source: Los Angeles Times October 06, 2016 18:00 UTC