Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a funny, sharp, and surprisingly tender story about Elizabeth Zott - an unapologetically brilliant chemist fighting for respect in the 1960s' relentlessly sexist world. It's packed with biting humor, a quirky cast (including an unforgettable dog!), and a protagonist you'll root for from the first page. If you love strong, unconventional heroines who challenge societal norms, witty dialogue, or stories about women in STEM, this one's for you. Fans of historical fiction with a modern twist and anyone who enjoys social commentary woven into an engaging plot will especially enjoy it.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the story heavy-handed with its feminist messaging, portraying the era and men in broad strokes that can feel unrealistic or even diminishing to real women's achievements. Others felt Elizabeth herself comes off as too perfect or anachronistic - a 21st-century woman dropped into the 1960s - and that characters could be one-dimensional. There are those who struggled with the use of the dog’s POV and moments of over-the-top quirkiness. Plus, people who prefer subtle social commentary or deeply nuanced character studies may find it a bit on-the-nose or simplistic.
About:
'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus is a comedic novel set in the 1950s, following the story of Elizabeth Zott, a chemist whose ambitions are constantly thwarted. The book features quirky characters, such as Elizabeth's precocious daughter, a supportive neighbor, and a few good men, who help create a new style of family and challenge societal norms. Through the lens of Elizabeth's experiences, the book provides a funny and poignant commentary on disrupting societal assumptions, particularly in the male-dominated field of science.
Elizabeth Zott, the protagonist, is portrayed as a brilliant woman breaking into the boys' club of science in the 1950s. Despite facing obstacles and denigration, Elizabeth remains dedicated to her work and empowers other women through her platform on a TV show called 'Supper at Six,' where she gives 'Lessons in Chemistry' to encourage women to pursue greater things beyond traditional roles as wives and mothers.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of sexual assault, misogyny, and the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated profession.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance in the book, primarily revolving around the protagonist's relationship with a fellow chemist.
From The Publisher:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK
A must-read debut! Meet Elizabeth Zott: a "formidable, unapologetic and inspiring" ( PARADE ) scientist in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show in this novel that is "irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel. It reminds you that change takes time and always requires heat" ( The New York Times Book Review ).
"A unique heroine ... you'll find yourself wishing she wasn't fictional." - Seattle Times
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it's the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel-prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with-of all things-her mind. True chemistry results.
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America's most beloved cooking show Supper at Six . Elizabeth's unusual approach to cooking ("combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride") proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn't just teaching women to cook. She's daring them to change the status quo.
Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.
Ratings (495)
Incredible (122) | |
Loved It (215) | |
Liked It (91) | |
It Was OK (44) | |
Did Not Like (17) | |
Hated It (6) |
Reader Stats (773):
Read It (515) | |
Currently Reading (6) | |
Want To Read (171) | |
Did Not Finish (23) | |
Not Interested (58) |
21 comment(s)
Thank you to the author for writing this book and letting others know the path MANY women had to travel in the workplace.
Endearing, entertaining, empowering. I love these characters! The author did a good job of working the technical writing into the plot. This is an important reflection on the sex politics of the 50s & 60s and a reminder of the obstacles faced by women- the obstacles still faced by women today- and the potential tragedy of aspirations and ambitions never realized. Loved the dog storyline of course ☺️
“Courage is the root of change and change is what we’re chemically designed to do.”
I immediately knew why this was the “best book of 2022.”
I could not put it down, and I felt I was consuming the book as if it was the last book on earth.
Elizabeth Zott (yes you have to say her full name) was a total bad ass and I felt so connected to her character. Mostly because I saw hints of myself. This book is riddled with heartache and loss, but it created at atmosphere that compliments Elizabeth Zott perfectly.
Hell, if you read this book for nothing other than the dog (Six Thirty) you’ll be satisfied. He is the bestest boy, and his internal dialogue was unmatched.
“ This concludes your introduction to chemistry. Class dismissed.
Great premise and all the right things but it still felt meh. There were bits that were brilliant. Quotes that were wonderful and yet the dog was my favorite part. For me this might have actually worked better as an audio book.
This book was so much more than I expected. It's was a wonderful read. The plot twists and turns. It made me greatful to not be living in the time period the book was written in.
Expected a fun little romance story, didn’t expect my heart being ripped out and fed back to me.
Just WOW
I truly believe this will be my favorite read of 2024, and it's only March.. but this book is something else! It has tragedy, humor, romance.. and, of course.. chemistry!
Lightweight summer beach read. Would have been four stars but for the horribly rushed saccharine conclusion.
It was very cute and charming and then suddenly everything turned SAD and then I was empowered and encouraged and then it went SAD again! And now I’m happy that everything worked out in the end
3.75⭐️ wasn’t bad but wasn’t memorable enough… I think reading it after top 5 Kristin Hannah’s novels was a mistake…
What can you read after
Lessons in Chemistry?
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