Lessons in Chemistry Paperback – 1 January 2023

Set in the 1960s, Lessons in Chemistry introduces us to Elizabeth Zott, a fiercely intelligent chemist navigating a world that constantly underestimates her. Rejected by the male-dominated scientific community, Elizabeth’s life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six. But this isn’t your average show—Elizabeth sneaks in lessons on chemistry (both literal and metaphorical) to empower women and encourage them to break free from societal norms.This book is a perfect blend of humor and heartbreak. Elizabeth is a character you can’t help but root for. Her resilience and unapologetic pursuit of her passions are inspiring, and her journey is a stark reminder of how much women have had to fight for basic recognition. The supporting cast adds layers to the story, especially her quirky dog, Six-Thirty, whose unique perspective brings both warmth and humor.Garmus beautifully tackles themes like sexism, love, loss, and perseverance. The feminist undertones are strong, but they never feel forced. Instead, they’re woven seamlessly into Elizabeth’s story, making you think about how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go.The writing is sharp and engaging, with moments that make you laugh, cry, and cheer for Elizabeth. Garmus also does a brilliant job of making scientific concepts accessible and interesting, turning the mundane into something extraordinary.Lessons in Chemistry is more than just a story; it’s a call to challenge societal norms and believe in your own power. Whether you’re a fan of strong female leads, love stories with depth, or books that make you think, this one’s for you.

“Your day is your choice, Elizabeth.” And what a choice Bonnie Garmus has made with Lessons in Chemistry! This dazzling debut novel seamlessly blends wit, feminism, and resilience, delivering a story as complex and powerful as its protagonist.Elizabeth Zott isn’t your conventional 1960s woman. A brilliant chemist navigating a male-dominated world, she challenges societal norms with intellect and an indomitable spirit. The narrative brims with her rebellious energy, showing how she carves her path despite the odds.The story revolves around Elizabeth’s unlikely journey from a dismissed scientist to a TV cooking show host, using food as a medium to teach chemistry—and subtly, empowerment. “Cooking is chemistry,” she declares, transforming the domestic into the scientific.But Lessons in Chemistry isn’t just about Elizabeth’s fiery defiance—it’s about the tender, profound relationships she builds. From Six-Thirty, her fiercely loyal and intelligent dog, to her daughter Madeline, who inherits her mother’s fiery spirit, each bond is layered and authentic.This novel bursts with humor and biting commentary, often delivered in Elizabeth’s matter-of-fact observations: “Sometimes I think life gets so complicated that the only thing we can do is to simplify it. Break it into its smallest parts and go from there.”Bonnie Garmus masterfully explores themes of sexism, grief, love, and ambition without compromising the light-hearted, engaging tone. Each page brims with Elizabeth’s irrepressible brilliance, reminding readers to persevere and demand respect.If you love stories that challenge norms, elevate overlooked voices, and leave you inspired, Lessons in Chemistry is a must-read. As Elizabeth herself says: “Courage is the root of change—and change is what we’re chemically designed to do.” This book will make you laugh, cry, and think long after the final page.A truly groundbreaking read—5 stars, all the way!

The book is fun to read, a smartly written story inter-woven with human relationships, sprinkled with ‘chemical bonds’ and satirically critical of society at that time.I loved the fact that author doesn’t beat the drum of Feminism here, while at the same time does calling spade a spade

This is a book I devoured in one sitting. Elizabeth Zott and Calvin Evans have an unusually honest relationship for the early 1950s, when much of the US was conservative and conformist. They bitt heads in a chemistry lab before they fall in love and begin living together. When he dies in an accident, the life they had built together shatters. However Elizabeth finds the strength to rebuild her life, bring up her daughter and continue her work in science.