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.

Confessions of a Grammar Queen is a look into the publishing world in the 1960's. It was an an inspiring story following an strong FMC in a male dominated industry at that time. The story reminded me of Lessons in Chemistry with the dog's perspective being a big part of the story as well as the FMC being that they were set in the same time frame.

I listened to the audiobook and was not disappointed. I absolutely adored the dual narration (Bernadette and Frank the dog). The voices and pacing added to my enjoyment.

Thank you Net Galley, Eliza Knight and Tantor Audio for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
Confessions of a Grammar Queen is now available to add to your summer TBR!

If you have a Lessons in Chemistry shaped hole in your life, then I’d highly recommend picking up this empowering and uplifting novel! Whilst it’s not quite as dark or tragic as Lessons in Chemistry, this still has all those strong feminist vibes (and even a talking dog, which was probably the only part I wasn’t so sure about, although I did love Frank!).

It’s also set in the publishing industry (specifically the copy-editing department) in 1960s New York, so perfect for readers and grammar perfectionists. And the most satisfying ending to leave you cheering 🙌

(Also loved the audio narrator who may be a new favourite).

This audiobook had two narrations: one for the main character and another for her dog. Both narrators fit the tone of the story and their respective characters. The audiobook was well done, but I may have preferred reading this instead of listening. The story line was slow and it was hard to stay focused.

Our main character, Bernadette, works hard at a publishing house. But, being the 1960's, women didn't get the credit when it is owed. Bernadette is determined to make the workplace better for all women through organized events. We also see our main character stand up for what is right and refuses to let her horrible boss win. This causes problems for her at her job and makes work harder on her.

I liked the idea of the story and the characters within, but the story was just ok for me. The author does a good job showing the reader how women were treated in the workforce during the 60's. I can't figure out what is missing, but I would have preferred the story stay focused on this and her fight for her well deserved job. This could have been written more in depth and it often felt like the problem was easily fixed.

The dog added some comic relief throughout the story, but overall I don't know how I felt about the added POV.. The dog is tied in with the storyline of her brother, but I didn't quite see where this storyline fit overall other than to give historical context. The story would have given the same affect if this storyline had not been included.

While this audiobook wasn't for me, I can see others enjoying the story.

Thank you Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

We love a book about books—and Confessions of a Grammar Queen absolutely delivers. Set against the backdrop of a male-dominated publishing world, this timely “I am woman, hear me roar” story had me hooked from the first chapter. Bernadette is bold, intelligent, and determined to prove herself, even as her male counterparts (and ahem Sarah) go to absurd and infuriating lengths to sabotage her.

There’s also a sweet side romance that never overshadows the main plot but adds a lovely touch of warmth and heart. And let’s talk about the real MVP: Frank the dog. Truly the icing on the cake to get his POV. Such a fun, unexpected addition.

The audiobook is well done overall, though I found the narrator’s voice for Bernadette to be almost too soft for such a fierce character—not quiet, but just a touch too gentle for her fire.

If you were a fan of Lessons in Chemistry, this one should definitely be on your radar!

This may end up being my favorite book of 2025!

They say to never judge a book by its cover. That is exactly what I did here - the cover caught my eye and reeled me in with that title. I am a teacher, and I love teaching grammar. This book was tailor-made for me!

Bernadette Swift is a copy editor at a publishing company. Her goal is to be the first female CEO of a publishing company in her lifetime. But, it is 1960s, and she and the other women she works with are viewed as glorified secretaries. That isn't going to stop this grammarian. She really is the Queen B.

This is a story of women fighting to be seen and heard. They are good at what they do, whether it is in the workforce or at home. But they all have something important in common: they want more. Bernadette is a strong voice for these women. She gets them to use their voices to be seen and heard. It isn't always easy. There are so many mountains to climb, but she never gives up.

I enjoyed the book club storyline of this one as well. So many of the books that are mentioned I have read, but others I added to my TBR. I loved Bernadette's love of words and grammar. This book is truly inspiring!

The reader is also treated to a few chapters from Frank's POV - Frank is Bernadette's dog, and he is incredible. I also loved the supporting characters.

I cannot express enough how much I love this book! Grammar, words, women's issues, and great history all wrapped up in a wonderful story.

The audiobook has two wonderful narrators. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is terrific!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this one! I also ordered a physical copy for my bookshelf because I will be sharing this one and rereading it! It is out now, and I highly recommend it!