Cover Image: Lessons in Chemistry

Lessons in Chemistry

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Member Reviews

It took me longer than I would like to fully immerse myself in the story but once I was in, I was totally locked in. I adored Lessons in Chemistry, even when it broke my heart I adored it and it did that on MULTIPLE occasions. I did feel like it ended rather abruptly so I would’ve enjoyed more closure but at least it was a happy(ish) ending. I would love to read a sequel story but regardless, Elizabeth Zott and her found family will always have a place in my heart.

5 out of 5 wine glasses

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I really enjoyed this book. I am no scientist, and I'm certainly not a female scientist from the 50s/60s raising a child as a single mother. However, the story was written in such a way that you could empathize with Elizabeth and her circumstances. I would have liked to see at least one more supportive male figure for her as I find it difficult that there wasn't at least one level-headed male around that time who wasn't a complete jerk.

Loved Six-Thirty!

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday for an advanced copy of Lessons in Chemistry in exchange for an honest review.

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Really delightful book. This review is pretty late since everyone has read it and loved it, but the main character is charming. The book itself is captivating and does a great job of capturing the 1960's feel and the struggles that women faced in that time period.

Absolutely a great book for book clubs, definitely a crowd pleaser that most people would enjoy. Highly recommended.

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I truly hate the US cover of this book because I thought was a rom-com for the longest time and I don't usually gravitate towards those books right away. I need to be in the right mood.

However, this was an absolutely amazing book independent women who challenge societal norms and expectations. It was funny, emotional, and absolutely inspiring.

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Set in the early 1960s, 'Lessons in Chemistry' is the funny, quirky story of Elizabeth Zott, a chemist working in an all-male team at Hastings Research Institute. Elizabeth is unquestionably brilliant, but she is not taken seriously or given equal opportunities by her male counterparts. When she meets Calvin Evans and they fall into a weird and surprising relationship, the scrutiny from their colleagues increases. But this book is not at all a love story - it's about Elizabeth's journey through a world that isn't remotely ready for an opinionated, pioneering woman like her. Years later, Elizabeth finds herself as the star of a highly popular cooking show, using science and chemistry to teach viewers how to cook.

This is such a fun debut novel that combines humor, sarcasm, and a unique dry voice to tell a remarkable feminist story. While on the surface this might feel like a fairly light-hearted book, it also captures experiences of childhood trauma and sexual assault. I felt like it was a shame though that in an effort to keep Elizabeth's character unique and spunky, she sometimes came across as devoid of emotion. Some of the other characters were funny and interesting, and I particularly loved Six Thirty!

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This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. This book will live in my brain rent-free. I loved the powerful female lead main character, Elizabeth Zott. She speaks her mind and often says the wrong thing at the wrong time, but you love and respect her for it. She is such a one-of-a-kind catch, and you really root for her and Calvin.

This book is full of humor and heartbreak. Definitely recommend.

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As a women in STEM, the main character in this book is portrayed perfectly. I enjoyed this book so much!

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Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book.

I absolutely LOVED this book!! That is pretty obvious, in that I read it in 2 days. My only question, having seen the TV series first, is WHY didn't they just make the book into the TV show? I guess in 2023 there HAD to be a racial edge, and some discrimination, but Harriet is such a wonderful character, and her story goes along with Elizabeth's trials and tribulations so well, I hate to see her not in the show, or so changed as to be unrecognizable. And the relationship between Elizabeth and Walter is so much richer in the book. Even Amanda comes off as not such a brat and has a much bigger part in the book, not just the catalyst for Elizabeth and Walter Pine to meet.

My advice is, and has always been, if you see a show that has been "adapted" from a book, see the show FIRST, then the book will be so much better. The other way around only leads to disappointment.

BUT READ THIS BOOK because it is GREAT!!

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Holy cow was this book SO refreshing. I'm all for a strong female protagonist but this Elizabeth Zott is on another level.
This story had the cadence of House in the Cerulean Sea with the energy of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Zott is an inspiration, a trailblazer, and someone women, regardless of age, should be inspired by.
I highly recommend this one for anyone looking for anyone looking to be inspired by a powerful woman.

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Elizabeth Zott is a scientist, a brilliant chemist working in a male dominated industry in the 1950s. She gets no respect from her male colleagues, except for the leading scientist, Calvin Evans. Working together, they form both a professional and personal bond. When tragedy strikes , Elizabeth finds ways to carry on with their work, proving to be a force with which to be reckoned. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a moving, enjoyable novel that will stay in my heart for a very long time. I was given an ARC of the book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend Lessons in Chemistry.
#bonniegarmus
#netgalley
#lessonsinchemistry

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Delightful tale with eccentric characters (which I love). Sort of a romance (which I don't particularly care for) but much about relationships, strong women, and family. Quick and fun read.

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Lessons in Chemistry had a great premise. Women in STEM is already rare in 2023 so women in STEM dating back 70 years was probably unheard of during those times. It was an enjoyable read, but I think the story just needed to be a tad more flushed out as it dragged on at some points.

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Witty, feminist and heart-breaking at times. Wow, the adoration I feel for this book is beyond. Will I treasure my special edition copy for all of time? Yes! Will I be tuning into the show on Apple? Most definitely. This book is one of those that captured my heart along with A Man Called Ove, The Storied Life of AJ Fikry and so many more. This is one I will recommend till my voice goes hoarse. What a beautifully written debut, Garmus is a master.

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Oh, My Heart! I can honestly say I didn’t want it to end! If you have not read LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus, I Highly Recommend It!

‘Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.’

Thank you, NetGalley and Doubleday (Penguin Random House LLC), for providing me with an eBook of LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus at the request of an honest review.

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An absolute gem of a novel with clever dialog, lovable characters, and strong female characters challenging the status quo. It came as no surprise that this book comes highly recommended by everyone and I’m so happy to report it lives up to the hype!

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Feminist historical STEM novel. I thought this would be funny based on marketing, but it was the exact opposite. I felt bad for Elizabeth most of the time, but I felt that her temperament or personality was sometimes inconsistent - and not in a normal human way. I admired her strength, independence, and drive.

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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a entertaining story that combines science, romance, and a search for equality in the early 1960s. The story follows chemist Elizabeth Zott, who faces challenges working with an all-male team at Hastings Research Institute.

Elizabeth falls in love with her colleague, has his child, and is fired due to double standards and scandal around her out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Her career takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the host of a popular daytime cooking show, Supper at Six, which introduces a revolutionary approach to cooking.

The novel introduces readers to a quirky protagonist and a colorful cast of characters, including the intelligent dog, Six-Thirty, recently retired from the military. The story is an easy, quick read, laced with humor that, while not laugh-out-loud funny, maintains a cute and endearing charm.

However, it’s important to note that Lessons in Chemistry isn’t for everyone. Some readers may find its jabs at Christianity and man-bashing offensive.

It’s clear author Bonnie Garmus has found a considerable audience, though, with the book receiving a Goodreads Choice Award for Debut Novel and a nomination for Historical Fiction in 2022 (it’s also streaming on Apple TV+). The novel’s clever storytelling resonates with many readers, making it a worthwhile choice, especially for those who enjoyed Where’d You Go Bernadette?, The Rosie Project, and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

** I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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I was hesitant to go into Lessons in Chemistry after all the hype it got in 2022. I am pleased to say I really enjoyed this novel. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator's interpretation of the text. Elizabeth Zott doesn't want her gender to be a defining factor in who she is, she's a scientist after all, and neither does she want that for other women. I enjoyed her tenacity as a character to combat the misogyny that filled her life and to bring up a precocious child too. I loved the friendship she shared with her showrunner and also Harriet, her next-door neighbor. Harriet and Elizabeth helped to bring out the best in each other.

As published author later in life, Bonnie Garmus showed that it's never too late to reach for your dreams, much like Elizabeth. I'm looking forward to the other novel(s) Garmus will produce in the future.

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I really liked this book and the characters. Set in the 50’s and 60’s you are transported back to that time and all of the stereotypes especially about women. Elizabeth wants to be her own person until she meets Calvin Evans at the same lab they work at. They become more than friends yet she does not want to lose her identity by marrying. Life deals her a hand after an accident to Calvin and she must find her way along with a child. These are all funny but real the author takes you through a good journey and one that you come through with her having her own cooking show. Even if that is not easy for her she makes it work along with her neighbor Harriet. Everything about this book took me back to that time which the author does a good job describing. This is a good book with very good characters.

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I really liked this book overall. There was just a little something about it that kept me
from giving it 5 stars. But I can’t quite put my
finger on it. Definitely worth the read!

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