What a delightful book! I ran through so many emotions as I read this book.

We are following the life of Elizabeth Zott, as she struggles while trying to get her advanced degree, when she meets the love of her life, Calvin, (a brilliant Chemist who falls in love with her mind) and then when she runs a cooking show.

Elizabeth is an unashamed scientist, who is determined not just to make coffee and takes notes, as her 1960's peers expect her to do. With Calvin at her side, they make great progress towards their scientific goals, When life throws her the worst curveball, she throws herself into being the best parent possible to her daughter, while trying to keep herself together - mentally and physically.

Laugh out loud funny at times, but sad in others, this book wasn't quite the light and fluffy read I expected. It deals with some very real and difficult subjects. I love Elizabeth's character - quirky, intelligent, fiercely independent and unwilling to give in to the bullies that seem to surround her.

A wonderful read.

It has been a long time since a book touched me so deeply. So much relatable humor, truth, depth, romance, heartbreak, and triumph, that even though it takes place in the past it is just as relevant today. The title of the book put me off a bit initially, but after reading it, I can't imagine one that would be better. The pages are filled with great characters, even the dog! I don't want to give too much away except to say this is a MUST read.

When Sandra Day O’Connor (who became the first female Supreme Court Justice) graduated from Stanford Law School in 1952, she couldn’t find a paying job as a lawyer. This despite having on the law review and graduated Order of the Coif (top 10%). This is how bad sexism was in the professional world at that time.

Why am I talking a out Sandra Day O’Connor? Because like Sandra Day O’Connor, in 1952 Elizabeth Zott, the lead character in this book, has also just left university and is trying to make a living in her chosen profession. Zott is brilliant and talented, but like O’Connor, the men dominating her field (chemistry in her case), don’t give her any credit. They’re happy to sexually harass and even assault her, but never to take her seriously.

Elizabeth Zott experiences episodes of misogyny so deeply hateful that I finally had to have a big glass of wine—in the middle of the afternoon—to calm myself down. Finding herself grossly underemployed and needing to keep her little family afloat, she accepts an out-of-the-blue offer to host a cooking show. She isn’t interested in the usual domestic roles, but she sees cooking as chemistry and decides that she’ll take the job and its great pay and just be herself. It turns out that it works. Unconventional and sometimes controversial as the show is, it’s wildly popular with women because it takes them seriously as people with intelligence and ambitions.

The biggest plus in the book is its characters, especially Elizabeth, her daughter Madeleine, long-suffering TV producer Walter, supportive friend Harriet, and even more supportive dog Six-Thirty. Six-Thirty sometimes turns narrator, which would be unbearably cutesy except that his thoughts are just how you’d like to think a smart dog would look at humans. I enjoy books about smart, educated women, so I did enjoy reading about Elizabeth, especially when she does things like whack a heavy bag into the groin of a man who insists on feeling her pregnancy bump despite Elizabeth’s warning him to back off.

The other big plus is Garmus’s writing. She has a great wry style. It’s hard to pick my favorite lines, but one I like is an observation about it’s understandable that stupid people don’t know they’re stupid—because they’re stupid—but shouldn’t unattractive people know they’re unattractive because of mirrors? (By the way, this is about a man who is ugly inside and out.) Or how about the cooking show episode in which Elizabeth suggests how much a certain poisonous mushroom looks like the regular straw mushroom, but that she’s sure everybody in her audience has perfectly nice husbands who respect their wives and they would never deserve a mushroom mix-up.

I so enjoyed this book. Yes, it’s often unrealistic; a sort of feminist revenge fantasy and/or wish-fulfillment fable. But so what? Don’t we all need one of those sometimes? I am definitely putting Bonnie Garmus on my authors-to-watch list.

Note: I’ve gone back and forth in my mind about whether to say anything about this, but I suppose I should mention that if you are a religious person, especially a serious Catholic, it’s probable that you will be offended by Elizabeth’s (and the book’s) observations on religion and on Catholic clergy and institutions.

Lessons in Chemistry has it all - romance, strong women, family dynamics, obstacles to overcome, and even a tiny hint of mystery. Set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, this book features strong women, with the main character Elizabeth in STEM long before it was considered acceptable for a woman to have a career. We follow her story through all of the highs and lows of life, and she has some very low times. If you enjoy quirky characters and animals with personality (along the lines of A Man Called Ove), then this book is definitely for you. Lessons in Chemistry is not afraid to confront issues head on, so don't expect a light and fluffy book. Nor does it dwell on heavy subjects - there are many funny and quotable phases! It strikes a wonderful balance and was exactly the book I needed right now. 4.5 Stars

There is nothing I can write that could fully cover how much I loved Bonnie Garmus’s debut "Lessons in Chemistry." I could write a twenty page paper on how much I enjoyed it and why, and I’m positive it still wouldn’t be enough. This book is like nothing I’ve read recently and I’m telling you right now to read it.

The book is funny with sharp and witty dialogue—and not just funny, but snort laugh tears running down your face funny. It’s feminist, tackling the struggles women faced in the 60’s—especially women who didn’t conform to job and marital expectations. It’s packed with unforgettable characters—some you will love and others you’ll wish you could punch in the face. It’s about the strength of a unconventional family. One that’s made up of a dog, friends, fairy godmothers and a mother daughter duo that perseveres in the face of tragedy and ridicule. And at its core, it’s about Elizabeth, the woman who refuses to be anything other than her authentic self and in doing so, unintentionally inspires a nation of women. When you combine all of the above ingredients you have a recipe for a book that will shatter your expectations, move you to tears from both laughter and pain and permanently imprint itself on your heart.

What a wonderful piece of work! I loved this book. It is a breath of fresh air in the literary world.

Think "The Rosie Project" meets "Me Before You" and "Where'd You Go, Bernadette." Probably closer to 3-1/2 star book, but a little too cute/chic-lit for me. Nerdy genius; gorgeous, underestimated science gal; precocious child; super-smart dog; nosey neighbor. A fun, light romp; sometimes hard to keep track of characters. Not a must read, but a fine diversion. #LessonsinChemistry #NetGalley

rating: 2.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️💫
genre: women's fiction

What can I say about this book? Honestly, I really did not care for it...like in the slightest. If you were looking for a book that shows a Mad Men-esque view of the woman's role in the home and office, then you found it. Most of the male characters, and even most of the women, were constantly spouting out chauvinistic cliches and it became very difficult for me to finish.

"What do you mean you can't cook?"
"What do you mean you want your own lab?"
"How could you possibly want a raise?"
"All women want to quit their jobs to stay at home and have babies! You must be crazy."

I think the MOST maddening character of this story was the "love interest," Calvin Evans. He was ridiculously contradictory - seeming to be in love with all of the things that made Elizabeth Elizabeth and then expecting her to change entirely to become his wife. And the rowing, ENOUGH ALREADY.

I will say that I did like that Elizabeth really took the time to make sure that her daughter followed the topics & interests that came to her naturally - whether or not they lined up with her own interests. I also enjoyed the format of the television show she created for herself. The scene after her first episode where none of the viewers knew the scientific word for "vinegar." I did laugh out loud at that part.

You may be asking yourself - why 2.5 stars? Shouldn't this be a 1 star review if you didn't like it this much?
Normally, I'd agree with you BUT I did really like Garmus's writing style. She brought humor and personality to her story and characters, which I really appreciated. This story wasn't for me, but I would probably pick up another by her!

Captivating, endearing, funny, and sad; Bonnie Garmus has created rich characters and a story that will stay with the reader for a long time!

I felt right at home reading “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s many of the norms at the time even see,Ed off to me. Garmus has such a unique, numerous way of detailing that era. A totally enjoyable read.

The story of one woman's journey as she strives to be accepted in the world of science in the 1950s. Elizabeth is a genius but struggles to be respected in the field of chemistry. This story is a window into the trials and tribulations of Elizabeth as she finds her own way in a male dominated field.

An amazing read about women in science and the struggle they had to prove themselves in a male dominated field. The main character fought all these stereotypes while also fighting to understand people and relationships, even basic emotions. She would be classified borderline autistic today but the subject was never brought up as it was before people recognized it. A very authentic read about life for super intelligent women before it was OK to be a smart woman who could do more than the men around her.

Absolutely not.

The story of a woman in science in the 1950's. The writing is amateurish and heavy handed, while saying nothing. I cannot recommend in good conscience

Thank you Doubleday Books for the Advanced Reader Copy! All opinions are my own.

This book was fantastic! It was fun, funny, deep, sad, intellectual, and heartwarming all in one package! Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 1950s and the book chronicles her life as a chemist and a mother trying to vehemently break down female stereotypes in that era. While a work of fiction, I'm sure many strong females endured many of these obstacles and harassment to even be remotely successful. I personally was not expecting the ending, but it brought about all the feels! Definitely check this one out!

Wow, what a fabulous debut story.

Elizabeth Zott is logical, smart, and ambitious. These traits serve her well as a scientist, but don’t do her any favors as a women in the 60s. As one of the only women at Hastings Research

Our main character, Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant scientist she’s roadblocked by the expectations society has placed on women, or the lack of expectations. Currently working at Hastings Research, here groundbreaking research is looked down upon by everyone except Calvin Evans. Evans a Noble prize nominee, isn’t the most popular person but is the poster boy for brilliance at Hasting Research. When Elizabeth barges into Calvin’s lab to take some beakers, it’s the start of a relationship that is all encompassing. They’re the epitome of a couple in love, along with their dog Six-thirty they are an unconventional couple that doesn’t care what anyone thinks of them. Everything is perfect, until an accident leaves Elizabeth and Six-Thirty on their own with a baby on the way.

Elizabeth is now a unwed mother in the 60s, unemployed, and money is tight. When she gets wrangled into somehow hosting a cooking show, Elizabeth is forced to comfort the prejudices against women once again, but this time it’s in front of a live audience and in the place society thinks women should be in, the kitchen. Through it all though, she is able to connect with the women who watch her show, and able to help those housewives and mothers see what they’re real value is, and how they have much more to contribute to society than simply staying home.

I really did love this story. It’s smart, funny, and a unique way of framing the prejudices women faced for centuries. Elizabeth can be a hard character to relate and connect to at first, mainly because she’s a bit obtuse and prickly, but her logic and her commitment to knowing her worth as a women won me over. In addition, there are so many other fabulous characters. Six-Thirty while a dog, is probably my favorite character, there are so many other fabulous characters which really makes this lovely. There are also some awful characters that make my blood boil, nut they’re essential to the story.


Highly recommend if you are looking for a great story about strong women or really just a great story in general. I can’t believe this is a debut and cannot wait to read more from the author.

Lessons in Chemistry comes out April 5, 2022! Huge thank you to Doubleday Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof_books.

I thoroughly this book which I was given by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
This book had a little of everything- quirky characters, humor, intelligent dialog, social/historical commentary, a bit of a mystery, and even romance. The characters were unique which made this book fun to read. The main character was especially compelling as a gifted chemist whose brilliance is unrecognized because of society’s biases against women in
science and successful women in general. But Elizabeth Zott carves out a unique life for herself using her skills, wit, determination, and economic necessity. There are other strong and compelling characters in the book making this a book I will probably rate as one of my favorites of 2022

3.5
Pub date: 4-5-2022

Elizabeth Zott is strong, courageous, and admirable. She’s a recipe chemist whose life takes an unusual turn as she becomes the host of a cooking show where she uses her scientific acumen to introduce the world to healthy meals.

This started very strong with a sharp and interesting female protagonist! It had so much more depth, heart, and tragedy than I had expected and was filled with some great quotes. It also highlights important struggles against sexism.

I loved the scientific angle and the beautiful human/dog relationship. Seriously, I loved the dog, Six-Thirty, and the endearing view of life from his mind.

There was a bit of a disconnect for me when the story would jump from perspectives and timelines, taking a few gears for me to get reconnected to the new story. But overall I liked this book and its message.

“It’s just that we tend to treat pregnancy as the most common condition in the world—as ordinary as stubbing a toe—when the truth is, it’s like getting hit by truck.”

Thanks to Doubleday Books and Netgalley for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review!

*This is an arc so the quotes may be different or non existent in the finished copy.

(Will post a review on Instagram closer to pub day)

This book has been getting a lot of positive buzz and 5 stars reviews. It deserves them. Being a female scientist today can be challenging, in the 1960s it was really tough. Elizabeth Zott is brilliant. The men she works with hate this about her but it doesn't stop them from stealing credit for her work. When life throws her a serious curve she finds herself as a single mother trying to earn a living. Bingo, a desperate TV programmer hires her to do a cooking show. But she is teaching chemistry not cooking,
This book has memorable characters, especially the dog, six-thirty. Yes the dog's name is six-thirty which tells you a lot about the delightful quirky quality of this book.
This is a review of an advanced reader galley provided by NetGalley.

Being a woman scientist today is hard enough with the lack of work-life-balance, respect, and pay. Set in the 1950s, Lessons in Chemistry follows the science career and life struggles of fictional character Elizabeth Zott.

Right away, I loved Elizabeth. She was strong, determined, and did not take BS from anyone. She strived to be equal to men, in a time where this was unheard of.

I had such high hopes for this debut novel. I wanted her to have a happy ever after, I really did, but I also knew this was impossible given how realistic to the time the majority of the book was written. That is likely the reason why the ending feel flat for me.

Many thanks to @netgalley and @doubleday for the advanced digital copy.

10/10

Wow.

I’m honored to get to read books prior to release (thank you NetGalley). Every now and then, I stumble onto a book from a first time author that I know is destined for Best Seller status. It was obvious with “The Maid” by Nita Prose and it’s obvious with “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus.

Elizabeth Zott, the protagonist of this book, is a strong woman. She is one of the most powerful and memorable of recent fiction, in the same vein as (where’d you go) Bernadette Fox, and (the marvelous) Mrs Maisel.

Elizabeth is crazy smart. She is studying for her PhD in chemistry. There are only two problems: 1) she’s an attractive female and 2) it’s the 1950s and 60s. Society has deemed a woman’s place is in the home.

But Zott is not one to give in.

“Lessons in Chemistry” is many things. It’s a thrashing of cultural norms as it relates to gender, sex and diversity. It’s a call to follow your dreams and not let anybody drag you down. It’s a testament to true love. And it’s an amazing story. You will laugh, you will cry, you will shout things out loud.

Not surprisingly, there was a bidding war for rights to this book. Apple TV won and they are turning it into a limited series. I can’t wait to watch the show and be disappointed at how the book is so much better.

Elizabeth Zott is my new hero. I want to live my life like Zott.

Amazing job Bonnie! Consider me a new fan.

#netgalley #lessonsinchemistry