Today Will Be Different Summary
Maria Semple

Today Will Be Different Overview

Maria Semple’s novel Today Will Be Different tracks the attempts of 49-year-old artist Eleanor Flood to live out her mantra: “Today I will be my best self, the person I’m capable of being. Today will be different” (3). Over the course of the day, her missteps kick up memories of her estranged sister and test how well she understands her husband. The novel balances humor with depth as Eleanor struggles to come to terms with her past. It deals with themes of perspective, childhood, and artistic expression.