Lessons in Chemistry

I loved this book; I think because my mother is in the generation of women this book is about. Like the main character, my mother was smart and multitalented, with a lot to offer. But she came of age, got married, and had kids before women’s lib, and her life choices were greatly circumscribed. When she was dissatisfied with her life, the doctors prescribed valium.

I hope with this intro I’m not making the book sound depressing because it definitely is not. It’s a lot of fun. The main character faces all of these same obstacles but heroically overcomes them.… show more.

A historical novel about the 1950s that is infused with contemporary feminist principles, this popular book’s plot takes surprising twists and turns in describing the admirable personal life and career of a woman chemist who struggles to overcome assault, discrimination, and misogyny.

Her experiences in the workforce ring true for anyone who has confronted the idiocies of prejudice and bureaucracy. I particularly enjoyed the many amusing perceptions about human flaws and failings that are shared by the characters and the narrator. I helped start a book club to discuss this book.

I immediately fell in love with Bonnie Garmus’s protagonist, Elizabeth Zott, the fearless, fantastic, and atypically charming chemist who rails against the patriarchy by being brilliant at her job and steamrolling norms and stereotypes in everything she does.

Despite being a work of fiction, I loved this book for its compelling narrative that illustrates beyond a doubt how difficult it has traditionally been for women to reach their full economic and professional potential in the labor market and beyond.  

I hold this book close to my heart. Its unique blend of science, humor, and human resilience left an indelible mark on me.

The book's masterful balance between romance and tragedy offered an escape, pulling me into a whirlwind of laughter and tears. It wasn't just a read; it was a profound exploration that mirrored my own experiences of resilience.

This book, with its deeply touching narrative, has become a cherished part of my personal library.

I did not expect this book to be a road trip book. But my wife said she wanted to listen to it, so we did on a long drive to and from Colorado. I was wrong. Who would have guessed that a debut novel about a chemist who becomes a 1960s star of a television cooking show would be so captivating?

Garmus does a wonderful job of making two science geeks really human and likable. It also brought a new realization of what it must have been like for women in the era in which I grew up. Her story… show more.

This book has one of the most magnificently assured openings I’ve ever read!

The rhythm and pace of the prose are just sublime. I was a big fan of the sitcom Bewitched, set in the same era, and I always imagined Elizabeth Zott as looking like Elizabeth Montgomery, who played Samantha. Everything is so vivid and precise in Garmus’ world, but like Bewitched, there’s magic there.

I love how she effortlessly weaves different themes, subjects, and environments - chemistry, television, rowing, and academia - without making it anything but superbly entertaining. Bonnie Garmus thoroughly deserves the success that… show more.

I read every page with a smile on my face. The only time I wasn’t smiling, I was laughing out loud. It was quirky.

The storyline was one of the most unlikely I’ve ever read, which, along with the odd characters, made it so funny.

Once into the book, the unusual title is perfectly accurate but not in the way I first thought.

This book is a riveting, wish-fulfillment 1960’s-based novel I found to be a glorious, entertaining escape from the real world of 2024.

Overall, it was fun to immerse myself in the world of a strong-willed, brilliant, and (sometimes ornery) mind and soul as that of female scientist, Elizabeth Zott. The descriptions of chemistry were original and spot-on. Although some of Zott’s dialogue seemed a tad unrealistic and overwrought at times, I self-reminded that the words of complicated women/movers/shakers/trailblazers often are.

I think this book will stand the test of time and serve as inspiration for many young readers who are… show more.

While this book deals with very serious topics like misogyny, sexual harassment, and the sexist treatment of women in male-dominated workplaces, it has such an inspiring character in Elizabeth Zott, that the book is very uplifting and joyous, as well as being laugh-out-loud funny in places.

It’s set in 1960s California and it’s about the experiences of a brilliant female chemist whose work is continually overlooked, leading her as a single mother to present a cooking show on commercial television that is informed by her chemistry knowledge.

The show becomes immensely popular with the largely female audience and inspires women… show more.

This is one of my absolute favorite works of fiction.

It features the life of Elizabeth Zott, a bad-ass scientist growing up in the 60’s, who experiences sexual violence and abuse from the men who did not want a woman working in science. But Elizabeth never stops, and is unwavering in her love for chemistry, eventually becoming a TV chef who communicates recipes through science.

Elizabeth’s dog, six thirty, narrating part of the story is a lovely addition. Even though Elizabeth is fictional, her handling of the abuse and negative media attention was inspirational to me. Bonnie Gamus is a… show more.