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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
fast-paced
I sped through this one, it's a fun book but pretty surface-level "rah rah" pussy-hat feminism -- there is a character clearly based on Ruth Bader Ginsburg cheering the main character along -- but it definitely kept me entertained. I did enjoy the aspects about copy-editing that I wasn't previously aware of. The perspective of the main character's dog was a pretty silly addition, but I liked the plot points about her brother in Vietnam. Overall, I could take or leave this, but I'm not mad I read it.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I really enjoyed this! It reminded me a lot of Lessons in Chemistry, in that there's a strong female lead trying to hold her own in a sexist, male-dominated workplace, a charming male coworker who actually wants to see her succeed, and a particularly perceptive dog who pops in now and then as a narrator.
Bernadette Swift knows her worth (as a woman and as a copy editor), and I loved how sure of herself she was, even with so many people trying to get in her way. I was rooting for her the whole time, and I’m glad the story ultimately had a happy ending. Given the time period, I’m not sure how realistic it is that someone like her boss would’ve actually faced any real consequences... but it was still satisfying to see it play out that way.
I also loved Bernadette’s circle of friends and their feminist book club. The way they showed up for each other was genuinely moving and made me want to find my own book club to join.
You do have to suspend your disbelief a little. Bernadette and some of the other women go through a lot at the hands of the men in their lives, and it felt like everyone’s stories wrapped up a little too neatly. Not a dealbreaker for me, just something that made the ending feel a bit more idealized.
The chapters from Bernadette’s dog Frank’s POV were extremely cute, but didn’t add much to the story for me. That said, they didn’t take anything away from it either IMO.
All in all, I liked this a lot. It was very readable, and I found myself just wanting to keep going to see how everything turned out. A solid 3.75–4 stars for that!
Thank you to NetGalley (and of course the publisher) for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Bernadette Swift knows her worth (as a woman and as a copy editor), and I loved how sure of herself she was, even with so many people trying to get in her way. I was rooting for her the whole time, and I’m glad the story ultimately had a happy ending. Given the time period, I’m not sure how realistic it is that someone like her boss would’ve actually faced any real consequences... but it was still satisfying to see it play out that way.
I also loved Bernadette’s circle of friends and their feminist book club. The way they showed up for each other was genuinely moving and made me want to find my own book club to join.
You do have to suspend your disbelief a little. Bernadette and some of the other women go through a lot at the hands of the men in their lives, and it felt like everyone’s stories wrapped up a little too neatly. Not a dealbreaker for me, just something that made the ending feel a bit more idealized.
The chapters from Bernadette’s dog Frank’s POV were extremely cute, but didn’t add much to the story for me. That said, they didn’t take anything away from it either IMO.
All in all, I liked this a lot. It was very readable, and I found myself just wanting to keep going to see how everything turned out. A solid 3.75–4 stars for that!
Thank you to NetGalley (and of course the publisher) for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
An absolutely entertaining read about the publishing world in the 1960s. Bernadette wants to eventually be the CEO of a publishing house but for now she has to navigate her way through the chauvinistic world of male copy editors that want nothing to with a woman in the business world. She rallies the other women working as secretaries and receptionists to fight back for the right to work in jobs commensurate with their qualifications. The male characters run the gamut from full on awful humans to compassionate and supportive friends. The characters are well developed and have diverse personalities that are amusing to read about. A pleasant surprise were the chapters from her dog Frank's perspective. He is a Great Dane and plays an important role in the story. I enjoyed how Bernadette had a goal and stopped at nothing to achieve it. The epilogue wraps up the story nicely and the Author Notes give you some backstory of how the protagonist was based on real women, which I love.
For those historical fiction fans that want a little lighter content, this is the perfect story of a woman overcoming the challenges of the time. I highly recommend this delightful book!
#ConfessionsofaGrammarQueen #historicalfiction #netgalley
Thank you Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
For those historical fiction fans that want a little lighter content, this is the perfect story of a woman overcoming the challenges of the time. I highly recommend this delightful book!
#ConfessionsofaGrammarQueen #historicalfiction #netgalley
Thank you Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A woman copy editor's story set in the 1960s publishing world is intriguing for any logophile. Bernadette is a feisty heroine and I loved her thoroughly. Her character is very inspiring and yet very real in light of the social context. The writing flows effortlessly, with well-researched nods to the women's rights movement and literature.. There is a whole ensemble of supporting characters that are done beautifully too. The only parts that felt forced were that of Frank, her pet. While the love between Bernadette and Frank shined through, the dog's POV felt out of place at times.
Apart from that, the book is enjoyable and a toast to female friendships,determination and love of language. The book club, the quotes, the discussions- all were very endearing.
I have a personal fondness for this book due to its homage to Jane Eyre, my all-time favorite classic. All in all, it’s an uplifting and encouraging read.
Apart from that, the book is enjoyable and a toast to female friendships,determination and love of language. The book club, the quotes, the discussions- all were very endearing.
I have a personal fondness for this book due to its homage to Jane Eyre, my all-time favorite classic. All in all, it’s an uplifting and encouraging read.
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
A very light, predictable story that was encouraging and fun but not realistic enough with the tensions and risks for women. The characters were flat and Graham was too good to believe, like a well programmed robot. The Ben and Frank parts were unnecessary and distracting from the author’s ideal takeaway, I think. Overall, it was fine but read like a straight line without any peaks or valleys.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced