I really enjoyed this book because it is so different from everything I've read recently. Elizabeth Zott is a scientist - her main interest is chemistry, and being a woman in the 1960s is holding her back because of the sexism and inappropriate behavior of colleagues and bosses.
The book starts with an introduction to her daughter, a child who is smart and very accomplished for her young age. Then Elizabeth goes to settle something with another parent and ends up with a TV show. The next chunk of the book rewinds and covers Elizabeth's career and one great love, before it goes back to the beginning.
Elizabeth is truly brilliant, loves her daughter fiercely, and chooses to be a chemist making food on TV. I loved the reactions from the public to her show, and how empowering her dialogue was, especially for being set in the 1960s but lots still applicable now. The side characters in here were great, how they loved Elizabeth and did their best to support her while honoring her personality and wishes. Elizabeth's dog is amazing. The book has a great ending with nice closure.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read quite a few good books this year, and this one is by far my favorite of the year so far! Elizabeth Zott is a chemist. At least that's what she wants to be. But, she finds herself a single mother of Mad, and the star of a TV cooking show (how did that happen?!). I absolutely adored Elizabeth. She was no-nonsense and took no prisoners. She didn't care what the patriarchal society of the 1950s and 60s said, she was going to pave her own way with her brilliant mind. This book was full of amazing characters. I loved Calvin and their dog Six-Thirty. Calvin and Elizabeth's chemistry jumped from the page. And his belief in her from the beginning was awesome. Of course there were some not so great characters along the way, which made it even easier to root for Elizabeth to succeed. This book made me laugh, cry, and everything in between. And the way everything ties up, in my eyes, was perfect for this story. Definitely a must-read in my opinion!

Thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book. It releases tomorrow, April 5, so pick it up!

This was an unexpectedly delightful read that begins with five-year-old Madeline Zott who reads Dickens among other sophisticated material. Her mother is the celebrated star of Supper at Six, arriving at celebrity status because of the way she packed her daughter’s school lunches. The story then reels back int time to 1961 where thirty-one-year-old Elizabeth Zott is a research chemist, a rare woman in a man’s field. It’s here that she meets Calvin Evans, who also works at the Hastings Research institute, and while sparks do not fly when they initially meet, over time, they grow closer. We learn how both are drawn to the sciences as well as how co-workers resent Elizabeth for growing close with the revered Calvin. Without any spoilers, Elizabeth now finds herself hosting a TV show, but is she making the same sort of impact on the world she’d hope to be doing as a chemist? This - at times laugh out loud funny at times bittersweet - novel yields an interesting and entertaining exploration of the delicate balance women try to achieve between their careers and motherhood. Fans of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and fans of books by Emma Straub will enjoy this story! Thank you to Doubleday Books and to NetGalley for the advanced review copy.

What a great character! I did read some reviews where women didn't immediately like the character which is interesting to me. I'm not sure she is suppose to be likeable necessarily. That certainly isn't her goal. She wants to be taken seriously... She is fighting to be treated as a women scientist in a man's world in the 60s and won't compromise who she is.. I love her intelligence and wit! What she has to endure is infuriating! And the way some other women would treat her was beyond frustrating , yet realistic. Don't hesitate order copies for your book club immediately! (And how about get it for your teen daughters as well!)

Oh my I loved this book! It's been awhile since I read something that made me laugh out loud in the best way. I loved Elizabeth Zott so much, she is by far one of my favorite female characters I have read about in a long time. I studied chemical engineering in college and have a minor in chemistry, so the chemistry talk in this book was like music to my ears. I am a big advocate for Women in STEM, so I loved reading about a woman's experiences in the field in the 1950s-60s, even though it was infuriating at points. If you aren't into science, don't let that keep you from reading this book! There is so much more to it and I know you will love it.

I LOVED this book! The dry wit, the precociousness of Madeline, Elizabeth's no-nonsense attitude, and the truth about how women were (and still are) treated in the workplace and at home. And we can't forget the dog, six-thirty.

Elizabeth endeared me from the start. She is different from other women in the 1950s and wants to do things that men seem to think she can't. Typical of men, putting women down, sexually harassing them, and other things to try and keep them in their "place." Elizabeth will have nothing to do with it and her spirit is what draws Calvin to her. She has a no-nonsense attitude and states things plainly and doesn't put up with chauvinistic attitudes, at least not now. She might have in the past, but with age comes wisdom and she has it in spades.

Calvin has his own issues to deal with but with Elizabeth, he found his soul mate, even though he didn't make the best first impression by vomiting on her. I enjoyed the banter between these two and Elizabeth's determination to not be married or have children. But as many can attest, no form of birth control is foolproof except for abstinence. Becoming a single mother was never one of her goals and it is interesting to watch how she raises Mad and what starts her journey into a cooking show is based on the meals she prepares for her daughter that are the right amount of nutrition that she needs. After all, Elizabeth is a scientist, and all of this is science. 

I laughed throughout the book at her interactions with the different characters, how close-minded some people were, and how even women would stab each other in the back and "punish" them for doing something outside of what was considered appropriate by the standards set by society. This book is peppered with all sorts of scientific terminology and if nothing else, Elizabeth's foray into television helps to educate women and motivate them to do for themselves and not just for their spouses or children.

This is one of the best books I have read so far this year and we give it 5 paws up.

This was such an important and impactful story. I went into this book without knowing much about it, and it wasn't at all what I expected. The main character, Elizabeth, was such a dynamic and quirky character- I absolutely loved her. Ultimately, this was a story about the societal expectations and norms of women in the 60s.

Elizabeth, a female scientist in a "male's profession," pushed back against all societal expectations, truly not caring what others thought of her career and personal choices. When she's pushed out of the lab, she ends up the star of a cooking show- a new type of show at the time.

As she uses her platform to spark change and empower women, the story of her short lived romance unfolds as well. I really loved this book- such a powerful and totally unique read! 

Thank you to Doubleday Books for my gifted review copy.

𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧
Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant scientist who ends up hosting a TV cooking show. It wasn't the direction she saw taking her career but she quickly makes the most of it by focusing on food chemistry. Through small cooking lessons complemented by a quirky no-nonsense personality, Elizabeth shows the world how life is simply one bigger lesson in chemistry. A joy to read! I’ll be coming back for more Bonnie Garmus.

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦…
…when you want a fun, uplifting story about love, friendship, and living life your own way.

𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪
• 1960s California
• Female scientist & TV show host
• Lighthearted debut novel
• Misogyny & Sexual Abuse

Wow, I loved this book with my whole heart and soul. It's an anthem for all women. Dark, funny, heart wrenching. Writing and commentary so sharp it could cut glass. I want to be Elizabeth Zott when I grow up. Six Thirty the dog is officially one of my all time favorite narrators of a book ever. This book really just has it all and I want to believe in this world where an uncompromising woman can come out on top. I can't wait for the show!

A joy to read, Lessons in Chemistry is a flight of fancy with an emphasis on humor and humanity. Elizabeth Zott, a scientist who becomes a television personality for a variety of reasons, not least of which is to try and fund her scientific work in her home kitchen, is compelling. Bonnie Gamus's debut is a page-turner that kept me intrigued and laughing through it all.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Bonnie Garmus' LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY is going to be one of my favorite books of the year, even though we've barely hit April. It's a smart, funny, poignant tale of a woman who is uniquely her own person and yet embodies every woman, everywhere.

Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant scientist, but no one seems to notice or care. It's the mid-1950s and she has a pretty face. According to every man around her, she should be home making babies, fetching coffee, or cooking meals. All she wants is to be taken seriously as a chemist and have her work respected. And then one man sneaks his way into her life and her heart, upending her career plans in the most unexpected way. As Elizabeth tries to navigate a world dominated by men who want to keep her down, she finds herself fighting the patriarchy in a surprising way: teaching housewives chemistry through cooking.

I loved pretty much everything about this novel. Elizabeth's thick skin and unshakeable principles are inspirational, and her creative use of pencils is worthy of commendation. Six-Thirty is the ultimate companion; we should all be so lucky to have him. Precocious Mad is a jewel. Harriet, Wakely, Pine. Loved them all.

Make sure LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY is on your to-read list. In fact, bump it up to the top. Five burning balls of gas!

I wasn’t at all sure what to expect going into Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, but I was too intrigued by the unusual premise of a female scientist becoming the beloved star of a popular cooking show to pass up a chance to read and review this book.

The story is set in the 1960s and Elizabeth Zott is a woman ahead of her time. She’s a brilliant scientist, by far smarter than every man she studied with or worked for, but the scientific community at that time was dominated by males and misogyny. No one wants to give her the time of day and even worse, many of her colleagues seem to go out of their way to try to discredit and degrade her every step of the way. I adored Elizabeth. Not only is she brilliant, but she’s also stubborn, resilient, and downright inspiring in the way she refuses to let these men hold her back. I loved her strength and her belief that if she just worked hard enough and smart enough, that somehow she would get the recognition she deserves.

The one man who believes in Elizabeth’s brilliance is Calvin Edwards, a fellow scientist who Elizabeth falls in love with. Their relationship is a bit nontraditional in the sense that Elizabeth doesn’t believe in marriage, but married or not, it’s clear the pair are soulmates, which makes it all the more devastating when Elizabeth ends up a single parent raising Calvin’s child by herself. Again she finds herself belittled and demeaned by the men in her profession, and again Elizabeth is determined to succeed in spite of them, which is where the cooking show comes into play.

A TV producer, who happens to be a fellow parent at the school Elizabeth’s daughter attends, is fascinated by Elizabeth’s unique and quirky, no-nonsense personality. He convinces her to host an afternoon cooking show geared towards housewives, and has no idea what he gets himself into because in true Elizabeth Zott fashion, she turns the show on its end. I really loved what she did with this show and found myself rooting for her every step of the way because what she creates is an environment that educates, celebrates and empowers women, reminding them of their self-worth in what is often a thankless job, that of being a homemaker and raising children.

Lesson in Chemistry covers a wild variety of topics and while Elizabeth’s delightfully quirky personality makes for some hilarious moments, overall the story is a pretty serious one, tackling weighty issues such as misogyny and sexual abuse. I found myself very passionate as I was reading about Elizabeth’s experiences, cheering her on but also just so angry on her behalf because of the way she is mistreated so badly by those who want to keep her in her place.

With its many layers and the unforgettable Elizabeth Zott, Lessons in Chemistry is an absolute gem of a book.

I really enjoyed this unusual book about a woman in the 60s who not only didn't fit into the box that the world wanted to put her in but actively fought to be her own woman. Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant woman who wants to be a scientist and despite being told over and over that she isn't good enough and she doesn't belong in the lab, she refuses to quit. Calvin Evans was a brilliant scientist who didn't play well with others, was a prize grudge holder, and wanted to fall in love, but had the social skills of a wet blanket. As you can imagine, somehow they get each other and end up falling in love. But life is not a "happily ever after" and Elizabeth Zott ends up being an unemployed, single mother.

I loved this story, and despite some uneven pacing at times, I loved the ending, even if some of it was predictable. Mad and Six-Thirty were easy to love, and while I didn't always agree with Elizabeth's inflexibility, I grew to love her for her desire to fight for her right to be a scientist and for the rights of women all across America to be what THEY wanted to be. Harriet was awesome as well, and I loved what ended up happening to her. I laughed throughout this book and I yelled at the truly awful characters and I fist-pumped a few times as they got what was coming to them. I loved that despite Calvin's early disappearance from the picture, he was never truly gone.

After reading this, I'm curious what the audiobook will be like. With the right narrator, I think I would enjoy reading this again.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Life has been wild lately but I’m diving back into my TBR pile, and I finished my first one, LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY!

Set in the early 1960’s, This Novel follow Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist who finds herself widowed and a single mother to boot, after battling her all male colleagues ends up staring in her own cooking show on her local station. Her popularity quickly soars (to the dismay) because she is not only teaching women how to cook but in her quirky chemistry driven lessons, teaching them to stand up for themselves, be their own person and challenge the male patriarchy.

I really enjoyed Elizabeth’s unique voice and point of vibes and found myself wanting her to succeed. In her linear way of viewing things when it came to science, she was also ahead of her time. Championing women’s rights and the idea that they could be so much more if they simply gave it a go. Having watched Being the Ricardo’s a few weeks ago as well, the behind the scenes of Elizabeth filming her show felt super familiar and reminded me of I Love Lucy and the hilarious vignettes.

Fast, funny and quick read!

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY is a unique character-driven debut that follows zany chemist turned cooking show host, Elizabeth Zott. Elizabeth doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional wife and mother expected of her in 1950s California.

The novel started off with a tragic loss that set Elizabeth’s story into motion. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and layers of loss the author explored. I love that Elizabeth’s character was determined to raise her daughter to embrace her quirks and set an example that a woman shouldn’t be limited by society’s expectations.

As the story progressed I didn’t feel the same level of investment at the 400 page mark that I did earlier on. I was thankful to have the audiobook narrated by Miranda Raison in addition to an electronic ARC to breeze through the middle of the novel when I was feeling the length.

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY highlights questions of faith and science, but above all is a tribute to any woman who has been overlooked or underestimated. Pick up this debut if you enjoy quirky character-driven stories and be on the lookout for the screen adaptation coming to Apple TV.

RATING: 3.5/5 (it was fairly good, rounded up to 4 stars)
PUB DATE: April 5, 2022

Many thanks to @prhaudio and @doubledaybooks for audio and electronic ARCs in exchange for an honest review.

What an interesting journey this story proved to be. A smart and entertaining women's fiction tale chronicling the journey of the quirky and brutally honest Elizabeth Zott. This brings a lot of heartfelt truth to the forefront of which woman of all ages can relate. Zott is brilliant in her logical, no-nonsense, scientific approach to life that seems so simplistic but bucks every cultural system and norm giving her trouble at every turn. Her reverence and fortitude are admirable through it all though making her an important heroin. The storytelling of Bonnie Garmus is so refreshing in this book perfectly structured and flows seamlessly. From beginning to end, I was hooked into the life story of Zott and her companions, each of whom brought a certain charm to the story. This book was nothing like I expected making it that much more wondrous to read. I learned some powerful lessons from Elizabeth Zott through the lovely written lens of Bonnie Garmus and I'm so thrilled to have taken the journey. I highly recommend this story; expect the unexpected and enjoy.

“A must-read debut novel! Meet Elizabeth Zott: a one-of-a-kind scientist in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the star of a beloved TV cooking show.,” Chemist Elizabeth Zott is determined to be an equal on her 1960’s all male team of chemist at Hastings Research,. Not til Nobel Prize winner Calvin Evans falls in love with her mind. Elizabeth’s life is unpredictable as she becomes the hostess of a quite different cooking show based on science while also telling women to change their lives and reach for what has otherwise been beyond them. It is a clever, fun novel. This debut novel is original and quite a delight.

For being a debut novel, this is FANTASTIC!! I loved everything about this book and I found myself sharing funny little snippets with my husband when he heard me cracking up.

Elizabeth Zott is not like other women. An average woman is found at home, being a respectable housewife, taking care of her family and the household duties and obeying her husband. Elizabeth points out that there’s no such thing as “average” and she’s determined to show that women can have a mind of their own and actually use it!

But life isn’t that simple. Elizabeth ends up being an unmarried single mother, something of a scandal at the time. But Elizabeth works to show not only those men who try to keep her down, but other women as well, that women are fully capable of doing everything men can do.

I’ll say, there’s usually one thing in a book that I don’t like. It could be something little that doesn’t change my overall thoughts of the book, but with this book, I absolutely loved everything about it!

There are some taboo issues that people at that time didn’t talk about (even some people today don’t talk about), such as sexual assult, pre-marital sex, adultery, death, child abuse, and a couple other issues. But what I really liked about this book is how the main character dealt with these issues as they came up in her life. I suppose many women would withdraw from things, but not Elizabeth. She faced things head on and overcame many of the obstacles in her way.

If you love stories about strong women, this one's for you! This is by far my favorite book I’ve read this year.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is out Tuesday, April 5th. Thank you to NetGalley and DoubleDay Books for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Before there were such things as STEM programs in schools, Me Too movements in the workplace, there was Elizabeth Zott in the 1950s and 1960s. As a chemist, Elizabeth was way ahead of her time, and as a rare woman in the field, she suffered from many injustices and slights.

Elizabeth was very happy with Calvin Evans, a legend among his peers at Hastings Institute. People didn’t understand their relationship, never married, and when Calvin suddenly passes away, people don’t understand how Elizabeth chooses to live life without Calvin but with their daughter.

I won’t give any more of the story away. Elizabeth was a pioneer and showed women that they could be, too. I enjoyed this book but felt it could have been shorter.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Lessons in Chemistry
by: Bonnie Garmus
Doubleday Books, Doubleday

This is a novel by Bonnie Garmus, categorized as historical fiction. It has themes of women's rights and strong women during the 1960s. It is definitely a powerful book for a debut novel.
Thank you to Net Galley and Doubleday Books, Doubleday for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.