Rachel Herz's 3 favorite reads in 2023

I know, I know. Everybody loved this book. But as a female scientist who specializes in the chemical senses and food, I especially connected with and loved the plot of Lessons in Chemistry and the protagonist, Elizabeth Zott.

Indeed, my favorite compliment of the year was someone telling me that Elizabeth Zott reminded that person of me. But it’s not all about me. This book is funny, clever, surprising, empowering, hopeful, and delightful.

I have never wanted a book not to end as much as this one, and went into a period of book-mourning afterwards not knowing what to read next. Nothing sufficed until I realized that I couldn’t look for a replacement but instead seek out a wholly new mate. I can’t wait for what Bonnie Garmus will write next.

Remarkably, Bright Creatures is a surprisingly engaging and uplifting novel. I never expected an octopus to grab such hold over me—to the point that sadly, as a foodie (I adored them grilled) but gladly for Marcellus (the octopus star of this book), I can’t eat octopuses anymore.

I am also trained in animal behavior and experimental psychology/neuroscience and was extremely impressed and disarmed by the keen and kind observations that Shelby Van Pelt makes about both animals and humans.

I am a very fussy reader and adored this lovely and humbling book. I am waiting for more from this great new author.

My reading list this year led me to discover that my favorite books blend science with fiction, and never has a book done it better for me than The Scent Keeper.

This is a lyrical coming-of-age adventure married to an ode to the sense of smell. I was initially afraid to read this book because I didn’t want to find scientific errors or to be preached at, but I discovered the exact opposite. This book captures the personal experience of scent more evocatively, accurately, and insightfully than anything I have ever read, either in science or fiction. 

I was blown away by Bauermeister’s inherent understanding of the sense that I have spent my career studying—in fact, I am quite jealous. This was the first of Bauermeister’s books that I have read, and now I cannot get enough.