Bernice Bobs Her Hair

By: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Narrated by: B. J. Harrison

Bernice has rare beauty and wealth, but is undeniably socially awkward. Her cousin Marjorie does her best to make Bernice into a social vampire. Being a socialite in America in the 1920s, it seems to her that some of the more archaic feminine ideals need to go. Bernice's long, luxurious hair may need to go, too.

Public Domain (P)2007 B.J. Harrison

Love F. Scott

He has such a clear writing style that makes it an easy listen. If you liked the Great Gatsby, you'll love this short story. I can honestly say I did not foresee the twist at the end.

Humorous and amusing

Would you consider the audio edition of Bernice Bobs Her Hair to be better than the print version?

This is a very humorous story of social life of young upper-class people in the '30s and hearing it read so effortlessly gives it some extra weight.

What other book might you compare Bernice Bobs Her Hair to and why?

You could compare this book with Bridget Jones's Diary. Bernice is being taught how to go about catching a guy which is more or less the theme of Jones's Diary written more than 80 years later.

What does B. J. Harrison bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The Southern accent of the characters makes it more authentic - the characters come alive.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end is obviously terrific, I am still laughing.

Any additional comments?

Scott Fitzgerald is a curious author. I also listened to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and it is also very amusing and different.

Love F. Scott

He has such a clear writing style that makes it an easy listen. If you liked the Great Gatsby, you'll love this short story. I can honestly say I did not foresee the twist at the end.

Who's Afraid of F Scott Fitzgerald ?

Any additional comments?

If you've hesitated to read F Scott Fitzgerald because his novels are so... respected and loved by literary intellectuals, give his short stories a shot. They are friendly, extremely interesting, filled with memorable and easily recognized characters. Bernice Bobs Her Hair is only one of many, so keep in mind that you're getting a one-hour recording, but still well worth your purchase. And funny. Bernice is a typical young woman learning to maneuver through her societies. Whether you picture her in Fitzgerald's early 20th C setting or transport her into current social events, her predicament and solution ring true and delightfully recognizable. I love Fitzgerald for a light short read on a quiet afternoon. (and yeah, the novels are surprisingly approachable--though not as lighthearted--too.)

LOVE F. Scott Fitzgerald

Great short story, interesting snapshot of an interesting era, good characters-if only two dimensional-and a great ending.