I adored this book. It was almost like a female version of “A Man Called Ove,” but the setting is New York City. The story revolves around a ninety-five-year-old widow who has an epiphany one day and causes quite a stir with her family, neighbors, and employees as she tries to plan a big soirée. Each chapter of the book was told from a different character’s point of view, with their current life and their backstory/history being depicted. It made the story move along to read the ‘mini’ stories of the other character’s lives and how they came to be a part of Bette’s life. I have to say that my favorite character was Miss Sidenstriker “The Old Lady’s Across-the-Hall Neighbor.” At first, I thought she was just another crotchety-old lady who lived alone and enjoyed making everyone miserable. But once I got to know her, I felt sympathy for her. This book was a nice balance of a being a character-driven novel, while also having an entertaining storyline. I was so curious about what Bette was up to. And who doesn’t love a classic New York City-based novel, with big apartment houses, doormen, and nosey neighbors? It was cute, humorous, heartfelt, and a quick read at 296 pages. I listened to it on audio and enjoyed the narrator Kimberly Austin. I hope there is a follow-up novel or I can easily see this being adapted for television. I do have one question, why “Alpha” in the title? Was it just a play on words, like alphabet? Or was it because she was the “Alpha” character?

"Alpha Bette" by Jennifer Manocherian is a delightful and heartwarming children's book that celebrates the power of friendship, diversity, and the joy of learning. Through its charming narrative and vibrant illustrations, Manocherian weaves a tale that captivates young readers and inspires them to embrace their individuality while also fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its endearing protagonist, Bette. As a young girl with a unique gift for letters and words, Bette's journey of self-discovery resonates with readers of all ages. Her determination to share her love of language with her friends is both relatable and empowering, serving as a testament to the importance of embracing one's passions and talents.

The theme of friendship is beautifully explored throughout "Alpha Bette," as Bette and her friends embark on a magical adventure to save their beloved Alphabet Park. Each character brings their own strengths and quirks to the group, highlighting the beauty of diversity and the value of collaboration. Manocherian's characters are lovable and well-developed, making it easy for young readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs.

The book's illustrations are a visual feast, bursting with color and detail that bring Alphabet Park to life. From the whimsical landscapes to the expressive characters, every page is a delight to behold. The illustrations complement the text perfectly, adding depth and dimension to the story while engaging young readers' imaginations.

At its core, "Alpha Bette" is a celebration of the joy of learning. Through Bette's adventures in Alphabet Park, readers are introduced to the wonders of language, encouraging them to explore the alphabet in creative and imaginative ways. The book is filled with playful wordplay and interactive elements that make learning fun and engaging, fostering a love of reading and literacy from an early age.

In conclusion, "Alpha Bette" by Jennifer Manocherian is a charming and uplifting children's book that delights and inspires. With its lovable characters, enchanting illustrations, and positive messages, it is sure to become a favorite among young readers and their families. Manocherian's storytelling prowess and genuine passion for education shine through in every page, making "Alpha Bette" a must-have addition to any child's library.

Not my favorite book. The characters were interesting, but it was hard to get into. Felt it jumped around a lot, and that it seemed like too much to have happened in one day.

This fell flat for me.. I expected more sass.
That said I did appreciate the matriarch strength of Bette.
It was sweet overall.
The ending felt rushed.

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.

Unique premise, but nearly all the characters in this book are EXTREMELY unlikeable. The premise is very poorly executed. And there literally is no ending. You're left with ??? wtf ??? I was excited for this book, but it was extremely disappointing.

Great Author, Great Story,. A great entertaining book for a lazy weekend afternoon for an escape. Thanks

4 stars

I loved this book. It is written so very well. All of these characters and situations felt so real and so relatable.
This was a perfect reading experience and I didn’t really want it to end.

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.

What a great title and cover. So many great characters included in the story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I thought the book flowed well from one character's point of view to the next and so on. Entertaining!