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Alpha Bette
HOW TO RATTLE YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST A resonant tale of love, loss, and learning how to let go
Bette Gartner, a ninety-five-year-old widow, wakes up one morning and decides to throw a dinner party that night for her small family, staff, two neighbors, and a medium—and no one knows why. The story takes place over the course of the day and is told through the multiple points of view of Bette’s guests, switching back and forth between them as we learn about their motivations, dreams, hopes, and fears. These various storylines converge at the dinner table, where the coming together of different personalities, each with their own tensions and pain points, erupts into epiphanies, resolutions, and new beginnings before the final act of the evening Bette has planned. Alpha Bette is more than the story of a particular family’s history. Aside from recounting how the characters navigate the daily mundanities of urban life, it also dwells on their larger existential anxieties and the impact of the holes and absences that deceased and displaced loved ones leave behind.
Bette Gartner, a ninety-five-year-old widow, wakes up one morning and decides to throw a dinner party that night for her small family, staff, two neighbors, and a medium—and no one knows why. The story takes place over the course of the day and is told through the multiple points of view of Bette’s guests, switching back and forth between them as we learn about their motivations, dreams, hopes, and fears. These various storylines converge at the dinner table, where the coming together of different personalities, each with their own tensions and pain points, erupts into epiphanies, resolutions, and new beginnings before the final act of the evening Bette has planned. Alpha Bette is more than the story of a particular family’s history. Aside from recounting how the characters navigate the daily mundanities of urban life, it also dwells on their larger existential anxieties and the impact of the holes and absences that deceased and displaced loved ones leave behind.
- GenresFictionLiterary Fiction
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2024
20 people are currently reading
2605 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 12, 2023
I absolutely adored this book. The cast of characters were superb - all felt real, honest & raw. I felt that despite the character - be it the title character, her daughter, granddaughter or staff - I could relate to them all. I do love family sagas & examinations of relationships between characters & this book is a prime example.
December 27, 2023
It's hard to believe all of this happened in one day.
September 27, 2023
Disappointing
I loved the premise of this book but what a disappointment. Other than liking Bette this book went no where.
I loved the premise of this book but what a disappointment. Other than liking Bette this book went no where.
January 12, 2024
This story had a lot of interesting characters and it pulled me in from the beginning. I like how the chapters (with rotating POVs) were titled with how the person related to the main character Bette and not just by their first names. It made it much easier to follow, especially since we were listening to it on audio.
However, that was a lot to happen in just one day--especially for a 95 year old lady. Lol
☆☆☆I rated this book 3 stars instead of 4 because of the very abrupt ending.
However, that was a lot to happen in just one day--especially for a 95 year old lady. Lol
☆☆☆I rated this book 3 stars instead of 4 because of the very abrupt ending.
September 15, 2023
With humor and poignancy, Alpha Bette is a novel about one determined matriarch of a family, actual and created, in her nine decades of living in New York City. Deftly rotating eight points of view, Manocherian shows us this family's strengths and weaknesses, how they're bound together and why they all need a nudge to move on, change, take risks despite themselves. I loved this novel, especially the ending.
December 26, 2023
I received a digital ARC of this book. I struggled with the beginning, as I'm dealing with a stubborn, elderly mother who also wants to live independently.
The characters in 95 year old Bette's life were interesting, but too many of them. I appreciate that chapters had titles of The Neighbor, The Great Granddaughter, etc.
The ending was too abrupt.
The characters in 95 year old Bette's life were interesting, but too many of them. I appreciate that chapters had titles of The Neighbor, The Great Granddaughter, etc.
The ending was too abrupt.
December 8, 2023
Thanks so much for the free Kindle copy. While I enjoyed the characters very much, the end disappointed me.A little more explanation would have been helpful.
November 10, 2023
📚 Book Review: "Alpha Bette" by
Jennifer Manocherian 📚
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉"Alpha Bette" is a captivating literary journey that invites readers into the world of Bette Gartner, a spirited ninety-five-year-old widow who's experienced a lifetime of love and loss. Set against the backdrop of New York City, this narrative unfolds over the course of a single day, revealing the profound impact of absent loved ones and the enduring connection between Bette and her late husband, George.
👉Jennifer Manocherian's debut novel is nothing short of a masterpiece. The characters come to life amidst the bustling cityscape, and you'll find yourself drawn into their hopes, dreams, and emotional landscapes. The story seamlessly weaves multiple perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of human experiences.
👉The book's cover is both visually appealing and representative of the central character, Bette, and the chapter titles are a delightful touch that keeps you engaged.
👉From the very first page, "Alpha Bette" captures your heart and doesn't let go. It's a poignant exploration of family dynamics, love, and the way we cope with loss. With a diverse cast of characters, this narrative offers a refreshing and immersive reading experience. The story is both fast-paced and thought-provoking, making it difficult to put down until you've reached the final page.
👉For readers who enjoy tales with rich character development and a rollercoaster of emotions, "Alpha Bette" is a must-read. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
👉Jennifer Manocherian's storytelling prowess shines through in this debut novel, and I'm eagerly looking forward to her future works. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book for a heartwarming and enriching experience.
#AlphaBette #JenniferManocherian #BookReview #MustRead #LiteraryJourney #EmotionalRollercoaster #CaptivatingCharacters #NewYorkCity #BookLovers #ReadingRecommendation #Bookworm #BookNerd
Jennifer Manocherian 📚
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉"Alpha Bette" is a captivating literary journey that invites readers into the world of Bette Gartner, a spirited ninety-five-year-old widow who's experienced a lifetime of love and loss. Set against the backdrop of New York City, this narrative unfolds over the course of a single day, revealing the profound impact of absent loved ones and the enduring connection between Bette and her late husband, George.
👉Jennifer Manocherian's debut novel is nothing short of a masterpiece. The characters come to life amidst the bustling cityscape, and you'll find yourself drawn into their hopes, dreams, and emotional landscapes. The story seamlessly weaves multiple perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of human experiences.
👉The book's cover is both visually appealing and representative of the central character, Bette, and the chapter titles are a delightful touch that keeps you engaged.
👉From the very first page, "Alpha Bette" captures your heart and doesn't let go. It's a poignant exploration of family dynamics, love, and the way we cope with loss. With a diverse cast of characters, this narrative offers a refreshing and immersive reading experience. The story is both fast-paced and thought-provoking, making it difficult to put down until you've reached the final page.
👉For readers who enjoy tales with rich character development and a rollercoaster of emotions, "Alpha Bette" is a must-read. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
👉Jennifer Manocherian's storytelling prowess shines through in this debut novel, and I'm eagerly looking forward to her future works. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book for a heartwarming and enriching experience.
#AlphaBette #JenniferManocherian #BookReview #MustRead #LiteraryJourney #EmotionalRollercoaster #CaptivatingCharacters #NewYorkCity #BookLovers #ReadingRecommendation #Bookworm #BookNerd
December 11, 2023
I’m still not quite sure what to make of Bette, the eponymous protagonist of this novel, and I think that might have been the point. She’s definitely a character that sticks with you, someone you don’t really expect. Indeed, the quirky cast of characters is the primary draw of this novel; they’re ordinary, but uniquely so, and thereby, strangely unforgettable.
Alpha Bette revolves around Bette, the ancient matriarch of an urbane New York family, who, recently widowed, has been left to sputter out the rest of her life in an upscale apartment with her night nurse and daytime housekeeper. Her children, grandchildren, and great grand child are grown, living lives of their own without her. Bette wakes up one morning and decides she’s going to throw a dinner party. Over the course of the frantic day during which Bette and her housekeeper attempt to make all the necessary arrangements, Bette’s neighbors and others on the periphery of her life, present and past, are woven into the story and the dinner party plans.
The novel is about those encounters, the myriad of ways in which we connect — or don’t — with those closest around us, whether they are family, friends, employers, employees, neighbors, enemies, etc. The novel dregs up those age-old existential questions posing them in charming ways: What’s the point of this all? What really matters in the end?
Indeed, “charming” is the perfect descriptor for this piece of contemporary fiction. The characters — even the crotchety ones — are charming in their own ways. The story itself, charming. The life Bette lives and has lived, charming and charmed. All in all, this is an enjoyable, entertaining read with tangible, fleshy characters, some of whom you’ll like and some you’ll enjoy hating.
Alpha Bette revolves around Bette, the ancient matriarch of an urbane New York family, who, recently widowed, has been left to sputter out the rest of her life in an upscale apartment with her night nurse and daytime housekeeper. Her children, grandchildren, and great grand child are grown, living lives of their own without her. Bette wakes up one morning and decides she’s going to throw a dinner party. Over the course of the frantic day during which Bette and her housekeeper attempt to make all the necessary arrangements, Bette’s neighbors and others on the periphery of her life, present and past, are woven into the story and the dinner party plans.
The novel is about those encounters, the myriad of ways in which we connect — or don’t — with those closest around us, whether they are family, friends, employers, employees, neighbors, enemies, etc. The novel dregs up those age-old existential questions posing them in charming ways: What’s the point of this all? What really matters in the end?
Indeed, “charming” is the perfect descriptor for this piece of contemporary fiction. The characters — even the crotchety ones — are charming in their own ways. The story itself, charming. The life Bette lives and has lived, charming and charmed. All in all, this is an enjoyable, entertaining read with tangible, fleshy characters, some of whom you’ll like and some you’ll enjoy hating.
December 4, 2023
Jennifer Manocherian, the Author of “Alpha Bette,” has written a unique, thought-provoking, and heartfelt novel. The author vividly describes this well-written story’s timeline, scenery, and dramatic and colorful characters. The story takes place in New York City, is set in the present, and goes to the past regarding the characters and events.
The author describes her characters as complex, complicated, controversial, flawed, and troubled. Bette, both the protagonist and a seasoned character of 95 years, mentions the difficulties and adaptations she must make to live comfortably. She has a housekeeper and a night aide that she depends on. Bette lives in a building and is familiar with a few people. Bette also has some friends and family. Bette is a widow and discusses her husband. Her children and grandchildren have their own set of problems they are working through. Bette has lived with love and loss and wants to be independent.
On one particular day, Bette celebrates and throws a dinner party that includes her family, neighbors, and friends. She invites her housekeeper and night nurse, as well as a psychic. Everything has to be perfect. Her guests are confused by her actions. Bette hasn’t entertained in years. She insists that everyone wear formal attire.
I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of family, friends, neighbors, communication, love, and hope. I enjoyed this memorable book, and I highly recommend it to others. I was stunned and surprised by the ending! Happy Reading!
The author describes her characters as complex, complicated, controversial, flawed, and troubled. Bette, both the protagonist and a seasoned character of 95 years, mentions the difficulties and adaptations she must make to live comfortably. She has a housekeeper and a night aide that she depends on. Bette lives in a building and is familiar with a few people. Bette also has some friends and family. Bette is a widow and discusses her husband. Her children and grandchildren have their own set of problems they are working through. Bette has lived with love and loss and wants to be independent.
On one particular day, Bette celebrates and throws a dinner party that includes her family, neighbors, and friends. She invites her housekeeper and night nurse, as well as a psychic. Everything has to be perfect. Her guests are confused by her actions. Bette hasn’t entertained in years. She insists that everyone wear formal attire.
I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of family, friends, neighbors, communication, love, and hope. I enjoyed this memorable book, and I highly recommend it to others. I was stunned and surprised by the ending! Happy Reading!
December 30, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Bette is 95 years old and a bit cranky. But I think at 95 a person has a right to be. She misses her husband, George, who died when he was 100 years old, and Bette is convinced he died on the day he wanted to.
Upon waking today, Bette decides to host a dinner party for her family and a few selected guests. It’s unlike her, and the invitation surprises them, but it’s Bette’s wish.
The story tells of the day’s events leading up to the party. We hear from multiple people that all swirl around Bette's life: her aide, her housekeeper, her daughter, her granddaughter, her great-granddaughter, a neighbor, and, of course, Bette herself. As they wonder why Bette has called this gathering, we get some interesting insights into this family’s dynamics.
I can’t say that much happens in the way of the plot; it’s more revelatory for the characters. I believe Bette had something up her sleeve when she planned this out-of-the-blue party; it seems to make others have to face things in their own life. I felt it was subtle yet touching. If you love family drama and relational dynamics, I think you’ll enjoy Bette and her family.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours @jennifermanocherian for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
Bette is 95 years old and a bit cranky. But I think at 95 a person has a right to be. She misses her husband, George, who died when he was 100 years old, and Bette is convinced he died on the day he wanted to.
Upon waking today, Bette decides to host a dinner party for her family and a few selected guests. It’s unlike her, and the invitation surprises them, but it’s Bette’s wish.
The story tells of the day’s events leading up to the party. We hear from multiple people that all swirl around Bette's life: her aide, her housekeeper, her daughter, her granddaughter, her great-granddaughter, a neighbor, and, of course, Bette herself. As they wonder why Bette has called this gathering, we get some interesting insights into this family’s dynamics.
I can’t say that much happens in the way of the plot; it’s more revelatory for the characters. I believe Bette had something up her sleeve when she planned this out-of-the-blue party; it seems to make others have to face things in their own life. I felt it was subtle yet touching. If you love family drama and relational dynamics, I think you’ll enjoy Bette and her family.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours @jennifermanocherian for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
January 19, 2024
What a strange book. Enjoyable, but odd. With each new chapter, we change the point of view, rotating through what's happening with eight characters, all just trying to get though the day. I said 'the day' since this entire story takes place on one particular day in New York City. A 95 year old widowed woman named Bette Gartner has set the events of this day into motion, whether or not the people caught up in her plans like it or not.
I don't like to go into particulars about plots when I write reviews, as that diminishes your experience of having the story unfold for you. I will talk about the characters, though. I found each and every one of them interesting in their own particular way. They are all singularly unique, spanning a variety of ages, lifestyles, and backgrounds.
I've given this book three stars based on what I felt was an abrupt conclusion. It was satisfying in theory, but I would have liked to have dwelled on the last scene much longer. I was left with the impression that the writer suddenly realized she'd left the stove on and rushed off.
In spite of that, if you are a people-watcher and enjoy being a voyeur into other people's lives, you'll enjoy this people-centric oddity!
I don't like to go into particulars about plots when I write reviews, as that diminishes your experience of having the story unfold for you. I will talk about the characters, though. I found each and every one of them interesting in their own particular way. They are all singularly unique, spanning a variety of ages, lifestyles, and backgrounds.
I've given this book three stars based on what I felt was an abrupt conclusion. It was satisfying in theory, but I would have liked to have dwelled on the last scene much longer. I was left with the impression that the writer suddenly realized she'd left the stove on and rushed off.
In spite of that, if you are a people-watcher and enjoy being a voyeur into other people's lives, you'll enjoy this people-centric oddity!
May 19, 2024
This book takes place in one day. A lot is going on. The story is told from multiple points of view. There's Bette, Bette's daughter, Bette's great-granddaughter, Bette's night aide, Bette's housekeeper, Bette's neighbor across the hall, and Bette's downstairs neighbor. When told from this many points of view, a story can often get confusing. The characters were different enough that I didn't feel confused. Some characters get more chapters than others. There's not a pattern or order to who gets the next chapter.
I felt like the characters felt very authentic. They each have their struggles and insecurities, which in many cases they hide from the other characters.
This book does have some swearing. There are some mild sexual innuendos but nothing too scandalous. There's no violence.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. For the most part, it's a solid 4-star book. The ending felt a bit rushed and anticlimactic, so I'd bring that down to a 3.5-star rating. I would like a second book. I'd be interested to know how the dinner party changed people's lives and how many of the characters took Bette's advice and made changes in their lives after the dinner party.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, and I provided a voluntary review.
I felt like the characters felt very authentic. They each have their struggles and insecurities, which in many cases they hide from the other characters.
This book does have some swearing. There are some mild sexual innuendos but nothing too scandalous. There's no violence.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. For the most part, it's a solid 4-star book. The ending felt a bit rushed and anticlimactic, so I'd bring that down to a 3.5-star rating. I would like a second book. I'd be interested to know how the dinner party changed people's lives and how many of the characters took Bette's advice and made changes in their lives after the dinner party.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, and I provided a voluntary review.
October 26, 2023
Alpha Bette written by the author Jennifer Manocherian is a gripping story. The main character of the story is a ninety-five-year-old widow Bette Gartner. The story details the lives of Bette's family and friends. Bette lost her husband George when he was one hundred years old. George went away on his birthday during COVID times.
Bette has outlived many of her family members. After her husband's death, her daughter Claire insisted on having a full-time house help but Bette doesn't like having someone at the house all the time. I could relate myself to Bette for this as I feel my freedom is lost if a househelp is around me all the time. Still, now she has Rosie and Venera to look after her.
The story has the backdrop of New York, one of my favorite cities. The story is fast paced and you won't be bored anytime while reading this book. The cover photo of the book is nice and the title is suitable. I had a great time reading this book. This novel has characters of different ages. If you enjoy reading stories with many characters then get your hands on this book.
Bette has outlived many of her family members. After her husband's death, her daughter Claire insisted on having a full-time house help but Bette doesn't like having someone at the house all the time. I could relate myself to Bette for this as I feel my freedom is lost if a househelp is around me all the time. Still, now she has Rosie and Venera to look after her.
The story has the backdrop of New York, one of my favorite cities. The story is fast paced and you won't be bored anytime while reading this book. The cover photo of the book is nice and the title is suitable. I had a great time reading this book. This novel has characters of different ages. If you enjoy reading stories with many characters then get your hands on this book.
October 26, 2023
There are very few books that have the power to capture the reader's attention from the first page itself. Alpha Bette penned by Jennifer Manocherian is one such book. The protagonist of the story is a ninety-year-old widow Betty. She has lived a long life with her husband George. Betty lost her husband in March 2020 and she has missed him every day since he died.
Outliving her husband wasn't what Betty had expected from her life. She had a pact with George that whoever dies first would give a signal to the other one. Sometimes, she wonders why her husband hasn't tried making a connection with her. As the story progresses, we meet many characters and Betty is the common character among all the characters.
The narration is smooth and strong. The cover photo is eye-catching. This book hooked my attention from the first page itself and I couldn't put it down until the last page. There are many characters in this story and I was able to keep track of all of them. The author has done a fantastic job in her debut novel. I will be interested in reading more novels by her in the future.
Outliving her husband wasn't what Betty had expected from her life. She had a pact with George that whoever dies first would give a signal to the other one. Sometimes, she wonders why her husband hasn't tried making a connection with her. As the story progresses, we meet many characters and Betty is the common character among all the characters.
The narration is smooth and strong. The cover photo is eye-catching. This book hooked my attention from the first page itself and I couldn't put it down until the last page. There are many characters in this story and I was able to keep track of all of them. The author has done a fantastic job in her debut novel. I will be interested in reading more novels by her in the future.
December 21, 2023
Bette has decided to throw a dinner party…a formal dinner party. Bette is 95 years old and she knows her time is limited and she has some important things to say. Did I mention she is also inviting a medium. Yes! A medium. Of course, this whole situation sends her daughter into a dither!
This story is adorable. Now, I will be honest, the plot is a little thin. But you really don’t notice it until you finish the book and you think about it. Why? Because the characters are so great. Every single one of them is so well done. And I will bet, as a reader, you will have at least two of them in your real life.
Bette is a mess and she will put you in your place in a heartbeat! She takes no prisoners. She, of course, is my favorite. As her health declines she is determined not to fall into the “woe is me” category! And this sends her daughter into a forever tizzy! But, Bette being Bette does whatever she wants anyway! Gotta love her!
Need a good family drama…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the author for a honest review.
This story is adorable. Now, I will be honest, the plot is a little thin. But you really don’t notice it until you finish the book and you think about it. Why? Because the characters are so great. Every single one of them is so well done. And I will bet, as a reader, you will have at least two of them in your real life.
Bette is a mess and she will put you in your place in a heartbeat! She takes no prisoners. She, of course, is my favorite. As her health declines she is determined not to fall into the “woe is me” category! And this sends her daughter into a forever tizzy! But, Bette being Bette does whatever she wants anyway! Gotta love her!
Need a good family drama…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the author for a honest review.
February 7, 2024
This was an interesting book, but a bit perplexing, if I'm honest. The book involves 95 year old Bette, who has lost the love of her life on his 100th birthday and who is now confined to a wheelchair. The chapters alternate between Bette, her housekeeper Rosie, her night aide Venera, her daughter Claire (who lost a daughter and still suffers from the loss 20 years later) and two of her neighbors. Each chapter tells the story of each of these people and Bette's subtle attempts to make their lives better. The premise of the book is that Bette wakes up in the middle of the night one night and decides to throw a formal dinner party, THAT night. Miraculously, all the above people are able to attend on such short notice. Bette invites a medium as well. There is much speculation about why the medium is invited. Will there be a séance? Is she going to do readings? In the end, the invitation of the medium is just a way for Bette to control the ending of the party. In a weird way, what was most disturbing about the book was "THE END" after the last sentence.
May 14, 2024
Bette Gartner, the ninety-five year-old New York City widow at the center of this novel, wakes up well before dawn with the notion that she must host a dinner party that night. She enlists the assistance of both her night aide and housekeeper, whom she also invites to the formal soiree in her lavish New York City apartment, along with her mean-spirited next-door-neighbor; the young man downstairs, whose parents were friends of Bette and her late husband George; her daughter and son-in-law; and her great-granddaughter and her boyfriend. And a medium. The character-development is surprisingly strong for a novel that takes place over the course of one day, and the point of view shifts from one character to another in each successive chapter. While the focus of the story is one single event—the dinner party—it is nevertheless a character-driven novel. The suspense builds throughout the day of this unusual event, and the dinner party itself concludes in a most unexpected but satisfactory way.
October 26, 2023
Alpha Bette is a fascinating read. Bette is a character that is very likable. The story focuses on a ninety-year-old widow Bette Gartner. After losing her beloved husband George, Bette has been waiting for a sign from him. When George and Bette were newly married, they made a pact that whoever died first would signal the other from the afterlife.
Bette likes her freedom and independence. She doesn't like to be dependent to get her from bed. She feels how difficult it must be for Venera to do the job of removing her soiled sheets from bed. One morning strange events happen and Bette takes the matter into her hand.
Read the story to know what happens next. The story is gripping with a big character cast. Readers wouldn't forget the characters for a long time. The cover of the book is well designed. It has the main character Betty. The title of the chapters is interesting and I loved that. It is a refreshing read that one would enjoy binge reading.
Bette likes her freedom and independence. She doesn't like to be dependent to get her from bed. She feels how difficult it must be for Venera to do the job of removing her soiled sheets from bed. One morning strange events happen and Bette takes the matter into her hand.
Read the story to know what happens next. The story is gripping with a big character cast. Readers wouldn't forget the characters for a long time. The cover of the book is well designed. It has the main character Betty. The title of the chapters is interesting and I loved that. It is a refreshing read that one would enjoy binge reading.
January 12, 2024
The name of this book and the feisty lady on the cover caught my eye. I ended up entering a giveaway here on Goodreads and winning a Kindle version of it! Typically I end up giving a free book a higher rating just because the author/publisher was so kind in giving away copies. This one though...I could not. I am still not sure what the premise of the book was supposed to be. I love books that go back in forth between characters, but I feel like the author never had a plan for the characters and just went with something meant to be funny or dramatic, depending on the character. Alpha is not even the word I'd use to describe Bette, so I think although witty, it was crappy title. And the ending, nonsense. Just when I was ready to figure it all out and tie up the loose ends the author said, nope.
January 16, 2024
I actually listened to this book which was very nicely narrated and an easy listen.
The book centers around Bette who is determined to have a fancy dinner party and brings a hodgepodge of family and neighbors together for this event.
My favorite part of this read was the way this book made me feel like each character had their own identity and separate story away from the main character of 95 year old Bette Gartner.
The book does have multiple points of view and each person does have a connection to Bette, but their narratives are varied.
This book does a great job of also telling the story of past events and emotions and how they impact each characters’ trajectory.
I thought the ending was quite interesting and it definitely surprised me in a good way.
The book centers around Bette who is determined to have a fancy dinner party and brings a hodgepodge of family and neighbors together for this event.
My favorite part of this read was the way this book made me feel like each character had their own identity and separate story away from the main character of 95 year old Bette Gartner.
The book does have multiple points of view and each person does have a connection to Bette, but their narratives are varied.
This book does a great job of also telling the story of past events and emotions and how they impact each characters’ trajectory.
I thought the ending was quite interesting and it definitely surprised me in a good way.
February 29, 2024
I read Alpha Bette on vacation and was sad when it ended. I thought the author did a wonderful job of developing the characters, the apartment building, and using NYC as the backdrop. I could picture it all. I enjoyed reading from the perspective of each of the characters and enjoyed the author built the storyline to end with the dinner. I did not expect that ending! I found the reality of Bette's plans going sideways throughout the day to be so authentic. How could anything like that go exactly as planned?! It left me wanting more, but I also had a sense that the characters would be OK (something I like to pretend when reading or watching movies). Bette gave them each a gift and left one for herself.
November 30, 2023
Alpha Bette
The general premise of this book centers around Bette. It explains her immediate family, her neighbors, and the person that takes care of her. One day, she decides to gather all of them together to deliver a special message. The book kept building and telling about the personal lives of all the people invited to this dinner. At the dinner each person walks away as a big moment of their lives was resolved. In the end the message was so boring and mundane that it was a let down. All the work the author put into the other parts of the book just to fail at the end. Sad.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
The general premise of this book centers around Bette. It explains her immediate family, her neighbors, and the person that takes care of her. One day, she decides to gather all of them together to deliver a special message. The book kept building and telling about the personal lives of all the people invited to this dinner. At the dinner each person walks away as a big moment of their lives was resolved. In the end the message was so boring and mundane that it was a let down. All the work the author put into the other parts of the book just to fail at the end. Sad.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
September 12, 2023
I absolutely adored this book -- quirky, surprising, and humorous, but with some serious and thought-provoking themes as well. A perfect combo! You'll fall in love with Bette, a 95-year-old widow living in New York City, as she sets about to hold a dinner party with a specific and unique purpose. This is a wonderful story about family, city life, community, and what's involved when our obligation to ourselves conflicts with the expectations of others. This book is really unlike anything else you've ever read. Don't miss it!
September 13, 2023
Don't we all hope to have the chance to throw one more dinner party? To run around town with a credit card in hand ready to splurge on the perfect dress, great food, and all the accoutrements we've ever dreamt of serving our family and friends. In Alpha Bette, we have the chance to see the world through her eyes--to feel the irony of aging and the sadness of her husband waiting in the great beyond. This is a delightful story told by Bette who dares us to dare her not to design her final journey.
January 14, 2024
I LOVED this book. I suspected I would enjoy it based on the synopsis but had no idea that it would be so entertaining. I always appreciate a good curmudgeon and Bette’s across the hall neighbor might have taken the top spot in that category for me. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this even though it dealt with some serious subjects. The characters were unique and sometimes quirky and I could clearly picture all of them. I give this book all the stars and it will stay with me for quite some time.
March 11, 2024
95 year old Bette Gartner wakes up one day and decides she will have a dinner party for her small family, aides and neighbors. This sets off numerous reactions from said family, aides and neighbors.
As the book unfolds, in a single day ala Ulysses, the reader learns all about the dinner party guests. More is revealed with each chapter and event.
The book sparked memories of A Man Called Ove, but also wove the frailties associated with old age even when it complicated the plot or hurt the feelings of certain characters. Such is life is it not?
As the book unfolds, in a single day ala Ulysses, the reader learns all about the dinner party guests. More is revealed with each chapter and event.
The book sparked memories of A Man Called Ove, but also wove the frailties associated with old age even when it complicated the plot or hurt the feelings of certain characters. Such is life is it not?
November 30, 2024
A good read
I enjoyed the book; however, I did feel that it was short on characterization in an odd way. You were given info about the characters, but not quite enough to make them all come to life or really mesh in the telling. There were a few inconsistencies in the details that was distracting as well. For example, Dariush's father is mentioned as being both dead and imprisoned in the same passage. Oversll, though, a good read. Were it not for those pesky inconsistencies, I probably would have given it a five star rating. I really enjoyed meeting Bette.
I enjoyed the book; however, I did feel that it was short on characterization in an odd way. You were given info about the characters, but not quite enough to make them all come to life or really mesh in the telling. There were a few inconsistencies in the details that was distracting as well. For example, Dariush's father is mentioned as being both dead and imprisoned in the same passage. Oversll, though, a good read. Were it not for those pesky inconsistencies, I probably would have given it a five star rating. I really enjoyed meeting Bette.
November 19, 2023
An enjoyable romp through a complex families single day. I loved the format of the book. We go through the day with each character up until the fated dinner party. We get to know the characters in snippets as each proceeds with their day. They are are kooky crew of eccentrics. But by the end, which is the evenings dinner party, I wish I was a guest at their table. And I wonder what they each do the following day.
December 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and could not put it down. I loved the complexities and intricacies of the family and the people that hang at the wings. I liked how the unintentional led to so many different relations between the people in this book. The character study was great. I wish there would have been a little more resolution, but overall this was a great read. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.
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