Garmus has a doozy in her debut novel about a pretty woman who is a chemist, but who in the 1960’s can see a woman any place but in the home baking for her husband? Meet Elizabeth Zott, a woman who lost her chance at a PhD in Chemistry because she refused to let a professor have sex with her. She manages to get a low-level job in a research company, but the head of the chemistry department plans to keep her in her place, getting coffee and running errands rather than doing the important research she wants to do. Falling in love with a fellow chemist, she refuses to marry him and wants to be burdened with no children. She’s happy living with him, keeping her own name, but right after her partner’s death she discovers she’s pregnant. She’s fired from her job because she’s unmarried and pregnant. She struggles to make ends meet and when her baby girl is born, its only because of the kindness of a neighbor who helps her deal with single parenthood that she copes. As Madeline grows older and displays the same determination and intelligence as her mother, both irk the classroom teacher who sees no place for women in the work force. She’s forced to take a job hosting a half-hour cooking show on a local television station. Despite the efforts of the programing boss, the program succeeds beyond expectation, leading to syndication. Elizabeth isn’t happy, though, and yearns to return to research. There’s humor anger and lot to say about women in the story. If you are a fan of Where’d You Go, Bernadette (Maria Semple), you’ll enjoy this book. The characters in Lessons in Chemistry are perfect material for a movie.

I am a woman who works in STEM — I have worked in software for over 25 years, where I am always one of a few women in the room. It’s improved over the years, I’m no longer the only woman on my team, but I’m still very much in the minority. Books like Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus remind me how glad I am to be a woman in STEM in today’s world.

Elizabeth Zott is a chemist. Don’t call her a woman chemist, she’s just a chemist. But she’s treated like a secretary, sexually harassed, and paid way below the men in her department, even though she’s the smartest one there. When Elizabeth falls in love with the genius and darling of the lab, everyone else is suspicious of her motives. Oh and it’s also the late 1950s, when women are expected to be housewives. And not very smart.

When Elizabeth finds herself a single mother and out of a job, she takes the only opportunity offered to her – the host of a cooking show where she treats the kitchen like her chemistry lab. Elizabeth sees the world in terms of chemistry and uses chemical formulas (she refers to salt as sodium chloride) and explains molecules and different types of bonds, much to the chagrin of the show’s producer. But women, as it turns out, prefer to not be talked down to, and the show’s popularity quickly rises.

Of course there’s way more to this story than just Elizabeth’s cooking show. There’s romance, humor, a fairy godmother, a precocious child (Elizabeth’s child wouldn’t be anything but), a nosy but well-meaning neighbor, a former enemy turned friend (there’s actually a few of these), and rowing. And while most of the men in the story are jerks, there are a few good ones in there. And that’s all Elizabeth needs.

I highly recommend Lessons in Chemistry. I’m going to go tell my children to set the table, because I need a moment to myself.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Lessons In Chemistry will undoubtedly be one of my top 5 reads this year. I absolutely loved it, I want everyone to read it, and it was the debut effort of author Bonnie Garmus! Incredible first effort!

I hesitate to tell anything about the plot in case it turns any readers away, because this book is about SO MANY things. But in short, the story opens in the early 1960s. Elizabeth Zott is a frustrated chemist. Life circumstances require her to get a job when she loses her position at a lab, and she becomes the hostess of an afternoon cooking show called "Supper At Six". Elizabeth takes her job seriously, to both empower women, and to show them the chemistry involved in cooking. (I found the whole conceit of the cooking show to be extremely clever and would love to watch a show like this!).

So what did I love so much? First and foremost, the author has such a strong and true voice. The character of Elizabeth is so pure and unwavering, she is a delight to read. And the whole tone and tenor of the story stays consistent, never wavering, a remarkable achievement for a first book, in my opinion. And also, and this is big, there has not been such a delightful dog in literature since Enzo in "The Art of Racing In the Rain." The dog Six-Thirty is so delightful, I fell in love. Can we have a book starring Six-Thirty? Please?

This story is in part about the challenges facing a woman scientist in the workplace in the 1960s, and quite honestly, I think it should be required reading for today's young women who think feminism doesn't apply to them. They may be shocked at some of the incidents that Elizabeth has to deal with, but as a woman who entered the work force in the late 1970s and early 1980s, things hadn't yet changed much, and the incidents are in no way overblown, unfortunately.

There is also a heartwarming romance, a look at female friendships, and the cost of having a baby when you didn't have a marriage license in the 1960s. Elizabeth navigates all the challenges with aplomb because she is so confident and true to herself.

Lastly, this is just such an entertaining read! You will laugh, smile, be sad, feel inspired.... all the emotions are there. I just want to again say, go read this book! Bravo! Six stars, if I could!

Thank you to NetGalley, Author Bonnie Gamus, and Doubleday Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I ended up really enjoying this book. The first half of this book it was almost a DNF for me, especially when the dog became one of the narrators. However, I really enjoyed the way this book ended it was very heart warming. This book felt like a new concept compared to a lot of the books I read, maybe that is why I was apprehensive for the first half of this book. I think it it quirky but a good read.

I really enjoyed this story! I gained so many pearls of wisdom from the main character, Elizabeth Zott. She is so wise and spunky!! She taught me so much!
There are so many subtle ways even women and men have historically played into gender role expectations that I needed drawn to my attention. You will love the characters and feel so much for them, as well as laugh out loud! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is it lost a bit of my attention in about the 2nd quarter of the book. It grabbed my attention again quickly though. Must put on your TBR list!

The synopsis describes this book as “laugh out loud funny” and recommended for fans of Where’d You Go Bernadette and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

A female chemist in the ‘50s? Great! Count me in.

BUT….I obviously read a different book.

- this book should be shelved in the fantasy section. Seriously. It’s fantasy. Which is fine, but if I had known I would have skipped it. The switch between fantastical elements and serious ones gave me whiplash.

- Funny? Within a few pages a woman is called a c*** twice, a brutal rape is described in detail, and there’s a suicide due to homophobia. Yeah, hilarious 🙄

- I’m over quirky characters who behave as if they are on the spectrum but it’s never described as such. Why can’t we have a woman who is a brilliant chemist but isn’t naive, socially awkward and clueless? Except when she’s not, usually in time to deliver another monologue.

- the MC’s daughter is a genius who knew the periodic table as a preschooler and reads the Sound and the Fury at age 8. Of course she does 🙄

- Elizabeth’s views and actions were not consistent with the times. It’s as if a woman from 2022 time traveled back to the 1950s and then lectured everyone with lengthy monologues on social issues and women’s rights. I don’t need a lecture and I don’t need to be repeatedly hit over the head on relevant social issues. This book needed more showing, less telling.

- the message is a good one. A woman ahead of her time in STEM who must fight the status quo in a male dominated world. But I think the message would have been stronger and more authentic if it had been more realistic. There’s a lot of exaggeration and preposterous situations to drive a point home, which is not my favorite storytelling technique.

- all the men, with one exception, were ugly and hateful misogynists. I’m weary of male-bashing in fiction.

- Did I need to read details of a man who masturbates and flings pubic hairs across the room, leaving behind his sticky porn magazines for his wife to clean up? No I did not 🤮

- Atheism vs Faith. The author mentions multiple times that this is a free country and we have a right to our beliefs. I 100% agree. I’m no bible thumping extremist, but it’s offensive when religion or people of faith are portrayed only in derogatory terms, such as faith is “a simpleton’s recipe for prayers and beads” and a funeral service was “boring verse and preposterous prayers”. A minister muses that the problem with his job “was how many times he had to lie”. The ministers and priests were all abusers, liars, and godless greedy crooks, while people of faith were all violent protestors and/or morons. The message repeatedly driven home throughout the book, ad nauseam? Atheism = good People of faith = bad.

Believe me, if the author had portrayed atheists as all bad I would find it equally as offensive. Why is intolerance of beliefs/religion the last acceptable prejudice?

- I’m weary of the argument of science vs religion. My goodness, sure there are extremists who deny science but the majority of people and religions do not believe they are mutually exclusive and there are plenty of religious scientists. Sigh….

- Anachronisms. Subsidized child care in Sweden wasn’t enacted until 1975, although the MC refers to it in 1960. And was defunding the police a thing in the early 1950s? I think not.

- certainly women have been, and are, discriminated against. I’m not denying that bias occurs but the exaggeration and preposterous events in the story hinders the message. Also, I have a science degree. I took many college courses in STEM. I worked in a male dominated work culture. Granted, it wasn’t in the ‘50s but the professors and colleagues were from that era and I saw no misogyny. The vast majority were respectful and supportive. In fact, our son is in a STEM profession and his company bends over backwards for women, out of fear of accusations of discrimination.

Also, we are given information at the end that suggests there was a reason Elizabeth wasn’t accepted in the doctoral program, that had nothing to do with her gender. This confused me?! What was the message? 🤷🏻‍♀️

No book is without merit. The positives:

- I am not usually a fan of anthropomorphism but I loved the dog, Six-Thirty. By far he was my favorite character. And yay, he survives! 😍

- the cooking show was cute

* I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own </I>

No one takes Elizabeth Zott seriously. It’s the early 1960s, and as a female chemist, she has hit barriers at every turn. When she finds (and loses) love and ends up a single mother with a hit cooking show, Elizabeth finds power in the mundane.

Lessons in Chemistry is a difficult book to talk about because it’s different from anything else I’ve ever read, and because it’s hard to discuss any aspect of the plot without spoiling things. Elizabeth Zott is unapologetically herself in an era where that’s a surprise to… well, everyone. And in an era where we spend a lot of time talking about unmasking, Elizabeth (as a vaguely autistic-coded character) might be a template for what that might look like.

Lessons in Chemistry is told in third person with an omniscient narrator, which isn’t typically my favorite device, but I loved it here. Getting to experience the inner thoughts of the family dog was my absolute favorite part of this book (and I’m not a dog person). There were parts of this book where I laughed out loud, and there were parts of this book that were so incredibly detailed (particularly about rowing) that I struggled to get through them. Overall, I thought that this was an entertaining, smart, historical fiction novel about a woman trying to prove everyone wrong.

There’s news that this is being adapted for Apple TV+ starring Brie Larson, and I’ll absolutely be tuning in to see how this gets adapted for the small screen.

If you can get your hands on it (it’s sold out online), Waterstone’s has a GORGEOUS special edition of this book with periodic table sprayed edges and end pages.

This book gets pitched as humorous and fun (which it is), but it also contains some really challenging content including an on-page sexual assault, as well as other potentially challenging content. I encourage readers to check content warnings before picking this one up.

Content Warnings: Sexual Assault (on page), misogyny, death (on page), mentions of: death of a parent, suicide, car accident

A delightful novel featuring a female scientist who is struggling to make it in a male dominated field. Elizabeth Zott is a refreshing character choosing to live a life free of conventions ahead of her times. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Witty, charming, and utterly addictive. I was completely besotted with this 5⭐️ debut and its dazzling cast of characters.

This is my favorite kind of book… one that keeps me laughing while also making me think and feel deeply, very Backman-esque in nature (thanks to my friend @thats for pointing this out…it was a great discussion).

Elizabeth Zott is a woman ahead of her times. Fully brilliant and determined to make her way in the male dominated field of chemistry, Elizabeth is in a constant fight against societal norms. And even as she loses battle after battle, she manages to reinvent her situation and herself. After losing her job in chemistry research, she turns an afternoon cooking show into lessons in chemistry and a rally cry for women to see their full potential.

And she has a dog too. Don’t be surprised if you aren’t just as taken by him as you are with Elizabeth.

Garmus has created a vibrant book with a unique storyline and endearing characters that you will cheer for. It’s the kind of book that will leave you fully uplifted and will sit with you long after it’s been put on your shelf.

Lessons in Chemistry is available April 5th. {I won’t be surprised if this isn’t a celebrity book club pick!}

Thank you @bonnie_garmus_author and @doubledaybooks for an advanced copy to read and review.

All the stars! Absolutely loved this story and these characters. I found it completely refreshing to have such a whip smart and unapologetic female lead. She wasn't a cartoon and wasn't what someone THINKS a strong female lead should be like. I loved it all!

Lessons In Chemistry 🧪

I liked chemist Elizabeth Zott. She's trying to find her place in a "good old boys" world of the late 1950s early 60s — Where the woman's place is in the home. Yet, Elizabeth isn't wired that way. This book shows Elizabeth’s journey through her humor, warmth and intelligence.

This novel is uplifting and at times infuriating. Overall, this was a fast paced enjoyable read.

Thank you @netgalley & @doubledaybooks ✨

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcO7ITXpQZB/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I liked this one. It was a unique storyline which grabbed me immediately. I loved the humor and the whole dynamic.
Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this review copy

Lessons in Chemistry (historical fiction)
Rating - 5 stars - LOVED

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the gifted digital advanced copy. All opinions are my own. Full review on bookstagram to come.

This is my favorite book of 2022, so far! And even more impressive that this is a debut novel!

I don't read historical fiction often; I got burnt out from the genre years ago. This book read more to me like contemporary fiction that just happened to take place in the 1950s and 60s. Don't let the cute cover fool you, while this book isn't heavy, it's definitely not light and fluffy - it's a power anthem to working women everywhere, in the fight for equality and feminism.

There is SO MUCH to unpack in this book and I think it's best to go in pretty blindly - themes of cultural and gender norms, the definition of family, unlikely friendships, breaking down barriers... the list could go on! This would make an excellent book club pick or buddy read. It went from hilarious to heartbreaking to infuriating to heartwarming. While there were so many interesting and well-developed character, Six thirty is my favorite and may take the lead for best book dog ever.

Read if you enjoyed: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

One thing to mention- I'd recommend reading this rather than listening to it, if possible. It may be a bit hard to follow on audio with frequent jumps in time & flashbacks from characters.

Content warnings: rape (flashback), sexual assault.

It is so hard to put into words how this book made me feel. I was angry, confused, sad, shocked, but mostly I was empowered.

Elizabeth Zott is an amazing character. A woman chemist in the 1950’s, where no one takes her seriously. Where men take advantage of her: professionally, mentally, sexually.

The extremely independent, “I can do bad all by myself”, Jamie related to this so much. I am a person who loves to rely on me and me alone. I loved seeing Garmus to the women who were in unhappy marriages, didn’t want to follow societal standards, or just wanted MORE for themselves.

I honestly teared up a few times and this is a book I know I’m not going to forget because of how it made me feel.

I know some people are on the fence with this one, I say give it a shot. It’s long and my only con was the chapters were really long. But it’s worth it in the end. ❤️

Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth, a chemist, who becomes the host of a new cooking show. Elizabeth wants to run the show her way and that doesn't go over well with the producers but the audience seems to love her. As a STEM gal myself, I loved how strong and independent Elizabeth was in her career. I also just loved all of the chemistry references. I do think it was a slow build to get to the point of Elizabeth becoming the host of the cooking show. All of the build up was definitely important and maybe I just assumed her being the host of a cooking show as going to be the main focus of the book. But to my surprise there was a lot more to the book which wasn't a bad thing! Elizabeth went through a lot in her schooling, career and life before she even got to the point of being a show host. This book was emotional, funny and eye-opening on how women were treated in the 1960s.

What a wonderful, quirky character! Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the early 1960's. She works at a research center where, to put it nicely, she's not highly respected. Women in science are a rarity and most men there assume she is a secretary regardless of the white coat she wears. But then she meets the renowned Calvin Evans, a young man who has won multiple awards but on a personal level, is not well-liked. As the two get to know each other, there is definitely "chemistry" but they also realize how much they have in common.

Calvin is the only person who seems to take Elizabeth as a serious chemist, but given the times most people there especially her boss just assume that Calvin is responsible for her work. Elizabeth has strong feelings about traditional female roles, she doesn't want to ever get married because she wants her research to be in her name. She doesn't want children because she wants her career. She is a very serious woman and I wasn't sure how I would like the character but boy did she grow on me!

The couple live together, not something normally done in the early 60's, and take on a dog named after the time they found him, 630.

There is a lot of humor in the book, be it very dry humor. Elizabeth's dreams for her future take a major dive and her life is turned upside down, but she stays true to herself and her chemist lifestyle. We've come a long way since the 1060's but I think most women will still relate to some of the misogamy that is so prevalent in the book.

Again, loved the characters! I am always driven most by characters and I was definitely rooting for Elizabeth and those who became her family.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for this honest review.

Wonderful!! A slice of what life was like for women in the 1950's.
A brilliant chemist is forced out of her job by jealous coworkers & made to host a daytime tv cooking show for housewives to support herself and her young daughter. She does not conform to the general stereotype of a beautiful woman they want for tv, but her show is wildly popular with everyone, except the producer.

This book is written so intelligently and is immediately engaging, funny, heartbreaking and life affirming.
The only thing I did not think was that great was the title and book cover - it makes it look too much like "chick lit", which it is not. I think the story would appeal to both men and women, young and old.

I received a free copy from Netgalley and Doubleday for my honest review.

Thank you PRHAudio for the complimentary audiobook and Doubleday books and NetGalley for the gifted galley of this amazing GMA Bookclub pick.

Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a marvelous satisfying tale set in 1950-1960 of Elizabeth who wants to liver her life on her own terms! Elizabeth a unfaltering, fearless chemist turned TV star of a cooking show, who is way ahead of her generation is my new favorite character of 2022!

I highly recommend this fun, quirky, comical novel that hit the shelves on April 5, 2022

Lessons in Chemistry is probably not for everyone. But I loved it. Maybe it helps that I had a mom that treated cooking as a science and I have 2 degrees in science. Elizabeth is a strong, no nonsense capable woman who had the misfortune of being born when men thought they were better than women. This story made me appreciate how far women have come and gives me hope for my daughters futures. Elizabeth and Calvin’s love story is beautiful. And Mad and 6:30 great offspring. Elizabeth manages to help so many people make their lives better just by being herself. A chemistry lesson for all of us.

Best book I have read in a long time! Elizabeth Zott is a scientist who has important discoveries to make in the 1960s scientific community. But who is preventing her from achieving her goals?
The misogynistic, sexist, groping, male-elitist scientific community. Seen merely as an attractive woman, she is relegated to menial jobs and not given opportunities to succeed. But Elizabeth is resourceful and determined…..she will not be stopped. When she meets Calvin Evans, a brilliant scientist working with the Institute where she is being stymied, there is a clash…..best seem as a chemical reaction of love and like minds.

A few years later, life has taken an unexpected turn. Elizabeth’s science career has taken a financial hit without funding and her new role as mother is overwhelming her. Elizabeth is still one to rise and use her science skills to morph into a cooking guru on a highly watched new show. Her supporting team is full of characters the reader will come to love, as much as they will mentally hiss at the bad ones.

This is a funny, poignant and spot-on assessment of the role of women in the sixties. Much to root for and discuss. All book clubs need to embrace this challenge and enjoyment. Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title.