The Observer

by Natalie Wexler

Baltimore, 1807: Eliza Anderson, 26 years old, defies prevailing ideas about a woman's proper place to become editor of the Observer, a magazine that blends serious commentary and satire. But while Eliza mocks her neighbors, someone in her household is observing her—and feeding scandalous information to her enemies. Based on real events and incorporating excerpts from actual publications, The Observer sheds light on an era when the young nation was both insecure and feisty. At the same time, it spins a universal tale of forbidden ambition, frustrated love, and ultimately, empathy across boundaries of class and culture.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2014

About the author

Natalie Wexler is an education writer focusing on cognitive science, literacy, and fairness. She is the author of "Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning" and "The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix It." She is also the co-author of "The Writing Revolution 2.0: Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades," a step-by-step guide to using the instructional method developed by Dr. Judith C. Hochman. She blogs at her free Substack, Minding the Gap, and was the host of Season 1 and a co-host of Season 3 of the Knowledge Matters Podcast.

Reviews

[Patrice Clifford]

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. The main character was a selfish, neglectful mother, and a self-centered, pretentious gossip who thought she was smarter and better than most people around her. I found it frustrating and tiresome to read about her. I also did not enjoy reading the author's attempt to write in the voice" of the 19th century.