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The Operator
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
30 posts | 30 read | 43 to read
A clever, surprising, and ultimately moving debut novel, set in a small Midwestern town in the early 1950s, about a nosy switchboard operator who overhears gossip involving her own family, and the unraveling that discovery sets into motion. In a small town, everyone knows everyone else's business . . . Nobody knows the people of Wooster, Ohio, better than switchboard operator Vivian Dalton, and she'd be the first to tell you that. She calls it intuition. Her teenage daughter, Charlotte, calls it eavesdropping. Vivian and the other women who work at Bell on East Liberty Street connect lines and lives. They aren't supposed to listen in on conversations, but they do, and they all have opinions on what they hear?especially Vivian. She knows that Mrs. Butler's ungrateful daughter, Maxine, still hasn't thanked her mother for the quilt she made, and that Ginny Frazier turned down yet another invitation to go to the A&W with Clyde Walsh. Then, one cold December night, Vivian listens in on a call between that snob Betty Miller and someone whose voice she can't quite place and hears something shocking. Betty Miller's mystery friend has news that, if true, will shatter Vivian's tidy life in Wooster, humiliating her and making her the laughingstock of the town. Vivian may be mortified, but she isn't going to take this lying down. She's going to get to the bottom of that rumor--get into it, get under it, poke around in the corners. Find every last bit. Vivian wants the truth, no matter how painful it may be. But as Vivian is about to be reminded, in a small town like Wooster, one secret usually leads to another. . . .
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BeeMagical
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Panpan

Book 83🎧 1.5⭐️

I trudged through this one… historical fiction appears not to be for me😂I tried!

The premise had so much potential but it felt a little ho-hum to me. I wanted a little more scandal!

I think this idea could make a great thriller/mystery. But this wasn‘t it!

Operator overhears something scandalous about her family between calls she is connecting…

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TamTracy
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Panpan

I wasn‘t a huge fan of the writing style of this one. The story was just ok but I feel like where there was supposed to be suspense it ended up just being a pause in the story with a mad woman. The characters were not likeable and I had a hard time with the constant nursery rhyme lines thrown in. ⭐️⭐️

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megnews
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Mehso-so

Unfortunately I can‘t say this was exactly a #JoysofJune. I‘d been looking forward to this for quite some time. The storyline was good. I don‘t mind cussing in a book but this had a LOT of g— d—, c—sakes, J—C—. It was unnecessarily too much. Not sure I‘d read anything else by Berg.

Andrew65 Unfortunately sometimes happens. 🥺 3y
megnews @Andrew65 yeah. I know it doesn‘t bother some people. It‘s just one thing that turns me off in a book 3y
46 likes2 comments
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Betty_Boa
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Pickpick

Haven't been on here for a while doesn't mean I haven't been reading 😉. I really loved this one Vivian can't help herself in listening to the towns gossip via her job. Until that is she hears some gossip that hits close to home. Also it made me think bored housewives have nothing better to do than be snobby and cruel. Not Vivian her fault was being nosey lol but I loved her character development towards end of book

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Karkar
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Mehso-so

Just finished this one today. I say it is so so because I hated the main lady for most of the book, until the end.

Smartypants Thank you for this review. I have this in my TBR from library and if it doesn‘t get my attention right away, I‘ll be ok DNFing it. 3y
46 likes1 comment
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SilversReviews
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Operators listening in on conversations?

It‘s the 1950‘s, and that could be done with a simple "number please." The operators could also disconnect a call too.

THE OPERATOR is a light, comical, enjoyable read that should be enjoyed by readers of all genres. 5/5

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/u3rq7an

#gretchenberg
@williammorrowbooks

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LiteraryinLawrence
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Pickpick

This was my November #bookspin and my 17th completed book this month. @TheAromaofBooks

I know people have had mixed feelings about this one, but I liked it! It was a quiet/slow way of storytelling but there were actually a lot of surprising turns to the plot and some real character growth. I would recommend it! It also seems to be based on the author‘s family, which is cool even though I didn‘t know that while reading.

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! What a great month!! I really like the way you colored them in by what week you read them! 3y
62 likes1 stack add1 comment
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BittersweetBooks
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Charitable Thoughts 📞📰💬

18 likes1 stack add
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GidgetsTreasures75
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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7-19-20: My 52nd finished book of 2020! I didn‘t know what to expect because many people didn‘t seem to like it but I really did! 1953 small town rumors and gossip! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #theoperator #gretchenberg 👍🏼📖#️⃣5️⃣2️⃣

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GidgetsTreasures75
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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7-18-20: My new puppy, Colby. I want to read but I don‘t want to disturb him 🐶

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Hi Colby!😍 I've seen mixed reviews on this book but the premise sounds interesting. 4y
GidgetsTreasures75 @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I read a bunch of reviews that said it wasn‘t good but I‘m liking it. It‘s a small town full of gossip in 1953 type of book so you have to like that, which I do 👍🏼 4y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Great! That's what caught my interest about it! I have tons of books, so I figured I'll wait until it hits paperback or if I find it used to pick it up. 4y
GidgetsTreasures75 @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I just finished it and I thought it was much better than I anticipated! 4y
8 likes4 comments
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Addison_Reads
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Mehso-so

I had higher hopes for this one. 😕

Vivian listens in on a phone call and finds out a secret, but the build up to finding out what the secret is takes too long. The change in perspective takes away from the cohesiveness of the story too.

Overall, it was just okay, nothing exciting.

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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
Panpan

This library hold for the ebook came in. This is Nothing what I expected! I was thinking it would be a feel-good and charming read, like Dear Mrs. Bird. NOT what was inside these pages at all! So disappointing. A marketing fail on this one for sure!

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SilversReviews
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Thank you to:

#MagicalMay
@Eggs

Today‘s Prompt: NOSTALGIA

Loved this book. If you haven‘t read it, why not check it out.

It‘s the 1950‘s, listening to conversations could be done by switchboard operators with a simple "number please." The operators could also disconnect a call.

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/u3rq7an

#gretchenberg

Eggs Looks so good! I remember the party lines 🤗 (beware of gossiping) in mid 1950s... 4y
SilversReviews @Eggs Oh yes. We even had a party line in the 60‘s. 4y
38 likes1 stack add2 comments
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bookandbedandtea
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Mehso-so

I was very eager to read this but it didn't quite live up to expectations. The premise is intriguing but the author holds us in suspense about the secret too long then the way it's finally revealed is jarring. In fact the way the story skips around time & jerks from one POV to another makes it feel disjointed. Despite it being based in truth both this &a 2ndary story about a bank robbery seem too coincidental. Perhaps that's just small towns?🤷‍♀️

bookandbedandtea @thearomaofbooks This was supposed to be my number 16 for #BookSpinBonanza but I read it 2nd as it's a library book and I have it now. Three more holds just came in so I'll be completely messing up my reading order! 4y
TheAromaofBooks haha I know the feeling!!! No worries - glad you are working through the list!! 4y
23 likes2 comments
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Jemgirl2014
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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I'm excited about this one! 🌋😝🙌

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bookandbedandtea
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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I had never heard this expression before but now that I have I dearly hope I remember to use it! 😁🤣😂🐘

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bookandbedandtea
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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It's a glorious day and I really wanted to sit on my back porch to read but ( #firstworldproblems ) it's too hard. 😭

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NikkiKey94
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Pickpick

The Operator by Gretchen Berg details the struggle of Vivian Dalton after she eavesdrops on a call she connected as an operator. This call held an earth shattering secret that involved Vivian herself. While this book takes place in the 1950s, it displays how life can be in a small town even today. Most small towns feed on gossip and rumors. Everyone thinks they know everyone‘s business and this is how it was in Wooster. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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mollyrotondo
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a really well written drama with so many great reveals that were also perfectly timed throughout the story. There is a little bit of humor which I also love in a quirky drama. Having this type of story set in the ‘50s made it seem very fresh compared to somewhat similar books that take place in the present. While reading I felt like one of the nosey neighbors in Wooster. Thank you #HarperCollins for this #bookclubgirl pick

JaclynW Great review! 4y
53 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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mollyrotondo
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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“Vivian Dalton‘s worn old ankle boots crunched over the packed snow in front of Freedlander‘s, the bright lights of the department store spilling right out onto the sidewalk and mixing with the glow of the streetlamps.”
#FirstLineFridays

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Jess_Read_This
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Pickpick

📞4⭐️ A fun escape to a world when telephone switchboard operators controlled telephone communication. Yet the timeless perils of eavesdropping are a constant! I wish the plot centered more on the telephone switchboard workers and their relationships with each other. However, following along on the evolution of Vivian was a treat.

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Readswithcoffee
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Pickpick

Vivian Dalton, a small town telephone operator in the 1950‘s, loves listening in on other people‘s conversations. Small towns have big secrets. A fun, easy listening audiobook. Thanks, #Scribd, for the 30 days of free audiobooks!

43 likes1 stack add
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Pamwurtzler
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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I just got back from a strange weekend in NYC to find this #bookmail! Thanks, @WilliamMorrowBooks for the Instagram giveaway. I‘m excited to read this while I socially distance.

rubyslippersreads ❤️❤️❤️ this cover! 📞 4y
Karkar Yes, thank you @Pamwurtzler for tagging me so I got one too!!!! Very excited to read it!! 4y
34 likes3 comments
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Joanielovesbooks
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Next!

Crazeedi Great cover💚💚 4y
Joanielovesbooks I liked this one! 👍🏻 4y
23 likes1 stack add2 comments
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whatrebeccasread
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Pickpick

“The Operator” is a light-hearted, entertaining story set in Ohio during the 1950s. Vivian Dalton is a fascinating leading lady and the secrets she uncovers are pretty interesting too. It‘s 4 stars from me!

My full review is up on my blog now 📚

96 likes5 stack adds
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SilversReviews
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Pickpick

HAPPY PUB DAY!!

Do NOT miss reading this book!!

Operators listening in on conversations?

It‘s the 1950‘s, and yes that could be done with a simple "number please." The operators could also disconnect a call too.

Secrets and gossip kept the small town of Wooster buzzing.

FULL REVIEW HERE: https://tinyurl.com/u3rq7an

#gretchenberg
@williammorrowbooks
#WMTastemakers

erank58 I've had this on my radar but was waiting to see some reviews. So far looks promising!! 4y
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SilversReviews @erank58 Oh...it's such fun. ENJOY!! 4y
Crazeedi Want to read this one! 4y
58 likes3 stack adds6 comments
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Amie
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Mehso-so

The author clearly did her research about Wooster (a city I know well), but details such as name-dropping stores like Freedlander's and Buehler's seemed forced. AND Wooster is NOT a small town, not even in the first half of the 20th century. In spite of the research, this book didn't seem to really capture the heart of the people of Wooster. The characters are mostly terrible people who are petty, vindictive and only concerned about appearances.

kalinichta OMG, I grew up in Wayne County! I'm definitely going to have to check this out. 4y
Amie @kalinichta I grew up there, too 😊. I thought it would be fun to read about a place that I know. 4y
BookNAround @Amie @kalinichta I went Wooster for undergrad and still go back to visit a good friend who grew up there and lives there now. Small world! 4y
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SilversReviews Loved, loved, loved this book. ❤️ 4y
kalinichta @BookNAround @Amie Neat! Even people in Cleveland haven't heard of Wooster, so this is crazy. 🤯 4y
ljuliel I‘ve been looking forward to this one. Another Wayne County resident. ( lifelong) 4y
Amie @BookNAround Small world, indeed! 4y
47 likes1 stack add7 comments
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Amie
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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Starting this arc from#netgalley tonight. This caught my eye because it is set in Wooster, Ohio, which I grew up near. It will either be fun to read about a place I'm familiar with, or I'll be annoyed by inaccuracies. Given that the description calls Wooster a "small town," which it is not and was not even in the 50s, it will likely be the latter.

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Reviewsbylola
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
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I just got this one in the mail. I have extremely high expectations, and my hope is that it‘s reminiscent of The Other Typist and The Rules of Civility. 🤞🏻🤞🏻 Thanks @WilliamMorrowBooks ! #bookmail

rubyslippersreads Great cover! 4y
TaciturnWhenReading The cover reminds me an awful lot of the Bird Box paperback version. 4y
Mdargusch Lucky! 4y
101 likes3 comments
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jillrhudy
The Operator: A Novel | Gretchen Berg
Panpan

This historical fiction novel was written about the author‘s own grandmother, which makes it all the more astounding that every character is lifeless and uninteresting. The novel begins with Vivian Dalton, an operator at Bell, eavesdropping on phone calls in 1952 in the small town of Wooster, OH. Various “scandals” and “revelations” tie various characters together in plot twists, to which I remained indifferent. #arc #Netgalley

BookNAround That‘s disappointing to hear. I have an arc copy to read too. Hope I like it better than you (and the fact that I went to college in Wooster, OH means I probably will, at least a little). 4y
jillrhudy @BookNAround probably! Your mileage may vary! 4y
19 likes2 comments