Somehow I didn't realize this was historical fiction because, oh, how little has changed! I loved Bernadette and her spunk and attitude. It was a great read and would be perfect FOR a book club!

Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight is a lively, feminist-leaning historical novel set in the male-dominated publishing world of 1960s New York. Bernadette Swift is an ambitious and determined heroine, and her drive to break barriers in an industry stacked against her is inspiring. The feminist book club subplot was a charming addition, and the book captures the energy of women banding together to demand more from both their careers and their lives.

That said, the story sometimes leaned a little too heavily on predictability. The villainous boss and jealous coworker felt more like stock characters than nuanced obstacles, and the romantic subplot, while sweet, followed a very familiar pattern. The pacing dragged in spots, and I occasionally wished for a bit more complexity in how the systemic sexism of the era was portrayed.

Overall, Confessions of a Grammar Queen is a fun, empowering read with a likable heroine and a clear message about persistence and equality. It’s uplifting and enjoyable, even if it doesn’t quite break new ground in the genre.

I really enjoyed this! I listened to it in one day, the narration was wonderful and the story was powerful. I loved the Frank chapters. I cried and I laughed. As a woman who was also an English major in college I really related to this novel. While I understand that I don’t relate 100% because I have never had to fight for the right to work in the same way as this novel it did remind me that there is still work that needs to be done today. If you are looking for a fun and thought provoking read you definitely need to pick this up.

🎧Audio Book Review🎧

Confessions Of A Grammar Queen
Eliza Knight

🌟🌟🌟🌟

As you all know, I never read a blurb before reading books and so it was the front cover and title of this one that drew my attention.
I loved the idea that it was going to be bookish in some form or another and therefore, I'd love it!

As we started to get into this, I have to admit my interest waned slightly to begin with.
Now, don't get me wrong - unpopular opinion - but I'm not big on reading super feminist themes in books.
I am a woman - I'm happy for all those women who want to work - I'm proud of those who stood up for women's rights etc - it's just not for me in my tbr.
I don't want to get political - I just want equality for all and that includes all human beings regardless.
So I was a little worried that this might end up feeling a bit preachy over and above any other storyline.

I'm pleased to say that this was absolutely not the case.
The women's rights elements were written so well into an interesting storyline and I learned from this read rather than it feeling too pushy and uncomfortable.

I absolutely loved Bernadette and her determination to calmly deal with all of the rubbish she had to put up with in her male dominated job - and honestly, I don't know how she managed to stay so calm with the hideous Mr Wall!
He was not ok!!
Luckily, we had the lovely Graham and Mr Bass who managed to offer support throughout.

I loved that there were so many strands to this read and they all blended seamlessly.
We saw a lovely relationship develop as well as some great friendships.
But I have to mention Frank!
He had such a great personality and I adored the way he saw the world around him.

I have to confess, when I heard him talk at the start, I was a little bemused, but oh how I came to love his pov chapters!

Definitely not something I'd have picked up from it's blurb, so I'm really pleased that this one worked out so well and I really enjoyed it in the end!



💕Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my ARC copy - this is my honest review 💕

I enjoyed listening to this book, but I wasn't blown away. I think this book explores some important themes about women in the workplace, gender dynamics at work and within a household, and female friendships, but it felt a bit too idealistic and not quite in touch with all the complexities of these issues. While I don't expect a fictional book from one character's perspective to address super complicated aspects of feminism and equality or the history of various civil rights movements, some parts of this novel gave me pause. However, it was a fun glimpse into the publishing world in the 60s, and I really enjoyed Bernadette and Graham as characters.

I just finished Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight and here are my thoughts!

Bernadette has a dream. To be the first female CEO of a publishing house but it's the 60s and even getting fair wages is a struggle. Navigating a chauvinistic world where being a female copy editor means making the coffee and looking pretty is all the men in the office want. Finding support from a clandestine book club and knowing at least one man in the office sees the real her, has Bernadette crashing through that glass ceiling with panache.

OK the best part of the whole book was the POV of the dog! I did the audiobook and he was absolutely hilarious! Frank is my favorite book character.

The book was light while it covered some tough topics, fun, quirky and thoroughly entertaining. What did I love? That women came together even after tearing others down. It was a really solid audiobook. I loved the flow, the pace was a bit slow but I think it did a great job of story building. I liked the ending too but it felt a tad farfetched. A woman who only held a position for a moment gets to run the whole place? I don’t think so but if you can suspend your disbelief, this book has real charm.

I didn’t connect with Bernadette. I don’t know why, I should have but I felt she was a tad underdeveloped and that was my biggest issue with the book. She felt a tad unrealistic I guess.

All in all a solid book and I gave it 4 stars!

Thank you to @netgalley and Tantor Audio for my gifted copy!

I so enjoyed this story. Bernadette is such an amazing character and I loved how she took on the world of publishing. Women's rights have come a long way since the 1960s, but there is still a long way to go. "Confessions of a Grammar Queen" is not only entertaining, but also educational in the best way.
Also, I adored the side story of Bernadette and Graham.

DNF, couldn't get into this, I listened to some of it the narration was fine, writing also fine and of course the actual plot was fine but I just couldn't get into it so I'll be giving it a 3 star but take that with a grain of salt.

This is my first book to read by Eliza Knight and it was a DELIGHT! I absolutely loved main character Bernadette Swift and her attempts to climb up the corporate ladder as a woman in the 1960's in New York. In addition to all the information in the book about publishing, Ms. Knight also fills the book with other powerful female characters who learn how to create their own ways in a male-dominated world. We also have colorful splashes of the female fashion of the time and how the characters also use their clothing in ways to revolt or prove a point. And of course, we can't have a 1960's story without mention of the Vietnam War.

Confessions of a Grammar Queen is uplifting and leaves you smiling throughout. It is told from two POVs-- Bernadette's and another character who I do not want to give away right now. (But I will tell you that it is clever and fun and you will love it!) There is a smidge of sweet romance. A dash of revolution. A pinch of a very particular grammarian. You may even laugh out loud a few times.

I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook version of this book as the narrators were both superb. Special thanks to #NetGalley and #RBMedia for the Advanced Recording of this Audiobook. In my opinion, everyone needs a little bit of Bernadette Swift in their lives!

Thank You NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to listen to this book.

Confessions of a Grammar Queen was a decent read—light, quirky, and entertaining in parts. It had its charm, especially for someone who enjoys the odd grammar quirk or linguistic laugh. But beyond the witty bits, it didn’t quite leave a lasting impression. Fun while it lasted, but not something I’d rave about. One of those “read once and move on” kind of books.

I loved this book because it has the vibes of the 60s, almost "Mad Men" style, and also for the characters of Bernadette, Graham, and Frank. Bernadette, for her spunk and determination. Graham for being unrepentant about his beliefs that women should have equal chances. And, when I first heard that Frank was a Great Dane living in an apartment, I chuckled. When I heard him speak (what a voice!) I fell in love! And I'm not even a dog person. The devotion of a dog is so perfectly portrayed by Frank, it added a lot of fun to the book.

In addition to the romcom theme of the book, the theme of women's treatment in the workplace was very real. It was uplifting to hear Bernadette's struggles and the outcome of that effort. For those who weren't around in that era, it will be an eye-opener. But, overall, I loved the book and highly recommend it! Don't worry about the "grammar" in the title. Bernadette's role as an editor (and the inclusion of unusual words) simply adds another dimension to the story--not overwhelming at all!

Loved the book! Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for providing access to an advance review copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.

Wow, simply superb. This book was written so well and could have been extremely serious, but with the addition of beautiful lovely Frank , Eliza was able to add some fun.

Bernadette and Graham are just so sweet together. Behind every successful woman, there is an amazing man, and Bernadette has 2, Graham and Frank.

The fight for justice and the empowerment of those around her made Bernadette a true heroine.

Just loved this amazing book, and the audio version was great!

#netgalley #ConfessionsofaGrammarQueen

Bernadette Swift is a copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing. She has her sights set on being the first woman CEO in publishing. Her brother was training a Great Dane named Frank, but he has been shipped off to Vietnam in the 1960's.

Confessions of a Grammar Queen definitely gives many Lessons in Chemistry (by Bonnie Garmus) vibes.

Also working at Lenox & Park is a Mr. Reynolds, who always seems to be appearing at the most opportune moments.

Enjoyed Confessions of a Grammar Queen very much; Frank stole the show ... especially when listening to the audiobook!

Lots of unusual words, but the author phrases the wording so that it explains/defines the particular word. (Thank you Eliza Knight.)

Between 4 & 5 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for approving my request to listen to the advance copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The audiobook is approx 10 hr, 37 minutes.

I did especially like the afterward where author Eliza Knight says that Eleanor Gould Packard and Phyllis E. Grann were inspiration for Bernadette Swift's character.

Thank you to NetGalley, Eliza Knight, and RBmedia for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a joy to read. Seeing Bernadette break down barriers, succeed in her career, inspire others, build friendships, it was really just so inspiring.

If you loved Lessons in Chemistry, you will love this book. Eliza Knight has delivered an inspiring novel with a spirited main character named Bernadette and her devoted Great Dane. Will Bernadette be able to break down "walls" and reach her goals in the 1960's publishing business? Delightful!

Stina Nielsen and P.J. Ochlan did a fabulous job of narrating this audiobook.

Synopsis:
Bernadette Swift, a young copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, is determined to become the first female CEO in the publishing industry. But first she needs to take the next step up that ladder with a promotion that her boorish and sexist boss wants to thwart. Seeking a base of support, Bernadette joins a feminist women's book club at the New York Public Library, and soon, she's inspiring her fellow members to challenge the male gatekeepers and decades of ingrained sexism in their workplaces and pursue their personal and professional dreams.

And that is precisely what Bernadette does on a daily basis: keeps her eye on the prize—equality for women in the workplace, and a promotion—while fending off the ire of her boss and the sabotaging efforts of a jealous coworker. With the support of her book club buddies and a certain charismatic editor at Lenox & Park who has completely fallen for her, maybe, just maybe, Bernadette will prove able to claim victory for herself and the young women coming after her.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Media for the advanced digital copy of the audiobook.

This novel is well-written but I personally didn't fall in love with it. Three stars from me means that I believe the author achieved their aims, and I think other people will really like it, but it just wasn't for me (sorry).

This would have been a 3.5 or 4 star rating however, the cover is very misleading. The main character is not that young. I thought I would be reading about a woman in her 20s. However, the setting and the story was very entertaining. I love books set around books and the industry. Bernadette followed her gut, did what was right, and came out on top.

I loveddd this, such a good feminism story and the romance was chef’s kiss. The dog POV chapters were just a little jarring and odd

This was an interesting read for anyone who has ever wanted to work in the book industry!

The book shows the sometimes ugly side of publishing as a woman specifically, but is ultimately an inspiring story.

I didn’t love the audio for Frank, but I can see how others may have enjoyed it. I understand it is for a dog, but that was a bit over the top.

This book is absolutely exquisite. I expanded my vocabulary just by reading it. The audiobook narrators did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life including the main character’s dog.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the advance reader copy.