Confessions of a Grammar Queen: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Description

There are no female publishing CEOs in 1960's New York. And that is exactly what savvy, ambitious Bernadette Swift plans to change. There are no female publishing CEOs in 1960's New York. And that is exactly what savvy, ambitious Bernadette Swift plans to change. 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 Bernedette 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.

Reviews

"Confessions of a Grammar Queen is the ultimate women-supporting-other-women book. Bernadette Swift is a spirited heroine you want to root for and the point of view from her dog, Frank's, perspective was adorable and fun. Knight is the ultimate Queen Bee Grammarian as she brings the struggles of women in the 60's to life with her incredible research and perfect prose. If you've ever silently (or not silently) corrected someone's grammar, this book is for you!" -- Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Booklover's Library
"A compelling story of breaking down walls, the power of words, strength in determination, the primacy of friendship, and, last but not least, the love and devotion of a Great Dane who will steal your heart--and perhaps your dinner. I highly recommend this absolute delight!" -- Katherine Reay, bestselling author of The London House and The English Library
"Bernadette Swift is the friend and mentor we all wish we had. Quirky, heartwarming, and full of wit, Confessions of a Grammar Queen is a story of breaking glass ceilings, one book at a time. Sometimes, all it takes is one fearless woman to turn the page on an entire industry. Eliza Knight's latest is utterly charming!" -- Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary and The London Sance Society
"Eliza Knight's latest is Lessons in Chemistry meets Mad Men--plus an adorable dog! Whip-smart Bernadette Swift has brains, style, and ambition to burn, determined to work her way up from first female copyeditor in her office to first female CEO of a publishing house. On her side she's got an army of friends in her feminist book club, a handsome senior editor paying court, and a devoted Great Dane named Frank--but with a spiteful boss and an army of snickering co-workers determined to see a woman fail at any cost, will Bernadette ever be able to crack that glass ceiling Confessions of a Grammar Queen is just a delight from start to finish!" -- Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar Club and The Diamond Eye
"I absolutely adored Eliza Knight's Confessions of a Grammar Queen, a deeply feel-good story of a female copy editor at a 1960s New York publishing house who summons the courage to fight for what she deserves in a Mad Men-esque, male-dominated workplace designed to keep her down. I cheered as Bernadette stopped shrinking from her coarse, chauvinistic boss; delighted in her decision to form a book club of like-minded women; blinked back tears as she worried about losing her brother in Vietnam; and rooted hard for one of the most satisfying love stories I've read in ages. The icing on the cake is that some of the chapters are from the viewpoint of Bernadette's dog--an enormous Harlequin Great Dane named Frank--whose dedication to 'his girl' and tender insights about her life will touch your heart. An inspiring story of friendship, determination, and finding the courage to stand up for oneself, woven through with a deep love of books, Confessions of a Grammar Queen is one of my favorite novels of the year." -- Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost and The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau
"In Confessions of a Grammar Queen, Knight masterfully immerses the reader in a Mad Men-esque world of fun book talk and female worker camaraderie. When the adorable and ambitious Bernadette Swift sets her sights on becoming the first female CEO of a major publishing house, she finds herself fending off all manner of workplace harassment and starting a revolution (even including a march in the Manhattan streets!) with her band of lively co-workers and book club friends. With secondary narration on occasion by Frank, Bernadette's protective and task-hungry dog, Knight has crafted a tale full of heart, pluck and determination, with a heroine as engaging and likable as they come." -- Natalie Jenner, internationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society, Bloomsbury Girls, and Every Time We Say Goodbye
"Confessions of a Grammar Queen is for everyone who loved Lessons in Chemistry--but it's even better because instead of chemistry, it's about books! I adored main character Bernadette, whose pluck and charm have you rooting for her throughout the story as she navigates love, the sexist 1960s publishing industry and a boss who just wants to keep her in her place. This is going to be THE book of the summer, so make sure you get your hands on a copy!" -- Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan

Author Bio

Eliza Knight is an award-winning and USA Today and international bestselling author of historical women's fiction. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles. As an avid history buff, she's written dozens of novels including The Mayfair Bookshop, Starring Adele Astaire, Ribbons of Scarlet, A Day of Fire, and Can't We Be Friends, which have been translated into multiple languages. She is the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and host of the History, Books and Wine podcast. Knight lives in Maryland and Florida with her husband, three daughters, two dogs, and a turtle.