I know this book is beloved, but I could not get through it. I didn’t like any of the characters and found it really jarring when there was a rape that was not treated as traumatic in any sense of the word.

5 stars. Very well written and extremely entertaining, loved the characters.

Thank you to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. My options are my own

I’ve been a sucker for historical fiction/romance since outlander, so when LIC dropped into my inbox I couldn’t wait to get into this one. Gramus is amazing, and will be needing more from her in the future

I’m a chemical engineer, and I was initially drawn to this book because of the title. Chemistry lessons? 1950s setting? A cooking show? A female researcher? It sounded like an interesting read. I was also impressed with both the rating and number of reviews, which I found a little surprising as I feel like this 2022 release had very little press/marketing (I’m a US consumer).

Our main female lead, Elizabeth Zott, is a chemist at a fictitious Southern California research institute, and has to deal with ALL the sexism one could imagine. We follow her romantic relationship, her personal losses, friendships, motherhood, and experiences as a famous TV host for a science-based cooking show. Zott’s character is the heart of this story. And unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of her.

Firstly, I felt like she had the beliefs of a 21st century feminist right from the start. Do I agree with all the things she stands for? Yeah. But for a character living ~75 years ago, I think it would have been more interesting to see her beliefs (so contrary from her society’s norms) develop and solidify throughout the plot, rather than be such strongly held convictions from the start.

Secondly, why does she have to be so emotionless? The stereotype of a cold, distant female scientist is already prevalent. Garmus did nothing to turn subvert this.

Lastly, I wasn’t a fan of 630 and his POV chapters. They just felt silly.

All this being said, <I>Lessons in Chemistry</I> was compulsively readable. I enjoyed all the cooking show scenes, and the producer was one of my favorite side characters. I think the TV adaptation could be really good, and I’ll definitely check it out.

I voluntarily obtained a digital version of this book free from Netgalley and Doubleday Books in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC digital copy. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

Honestly, the cover threw off my interest and I put off reading for far too long. I am so glad I finally picked it up because this book is one that truly can’t be judged by its cover!

Such a brilliant idea to literally create a novel composed of lessons in chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed the quirky characters and became highly interested in their challenges.

4.5 out of 5 stars and my deepest respect to the author.

In 1960s California, Elizabeth Zott, a scientist whose career takes a detour when she becomes the star of a beloved TV cooking show, teaches women the chemistry involved in cooking and encourages them to step outside their comfort zone. Opinionated, quirky, and smart it is so good.

There is little new left to be said about this wonderful book. Bonnie Garmus captures better than most authors writing on the same topic what is really was like to be an intelligent woman in the 1950 and 1960s. Most of us who battled through those years did not have the courage of Elizabeth Zott, but enough woman - in particular women in science - had enough courage to pave the way for the many who continue to follow behind them. Not all paths are clear and to this day woman continue to fight against stereotypes and expectations that can tamp down their ability to realize their deepest dreams. This is a book for people of all ages to read and ponder. The novel is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and what reader could ask for more?

Such an enjoyable reading experience (even though I’m usually a mystery and suspense reader and this was women’s fiction)! Of course, the concept of an independent-thinking woman scientist striving to be accepted in the boys’ club climate of the late 1950’s/early 60’s is irresistible. In her debut novel, Bonnie Garmus has created a protagonist to cheer for, engaging supporting characters (even those with slightly unbelievable characteristics or backstories), a multi-faceted plot, and a happy ending. I’d say that’s a success!

I really loved this book, it came recommended by a friend and I will recommend it to many more friends (…not that it needs any help)

This book did a good job balancing a recent historical setting with a modern tone. It was well written and brought up timely social issues.

I should start by saying that the cartoon cover does this book a disservice. Even when reading tags about the book—women in STEM, historical timeframe—I still think some part of me was expecting something along the lines of The Love Hypothesis, a la Ali Hazelwood.

That being said, I don't think my lowered expectations are causing any artificial inflation in my review. The conversations in this book were so nuanced, the writing was so clean and impactful, and I truly have not stopped thinking about it since I finished reading it earlier this year. I've also recommended this book to so many of the women in my life—women who grew up in that era, in fields adjacent to Elizabeth's—and their praise has been equally as loud.

It's clear that her research was done thoroughly, and I so appreciate Bonnie Garmus bringing the story to the table.

This book is epic - a female chemist who gives no fucks about societal norms. The back story of the characters unfolds in a way to keep the pages turning & it will give you ALL the feels. This is one of those rare books that made me laugh and ugly cry and feel enraged, but ultimately I enjoyed it immensely. I highly recommend for anyone looking for an excellent well rounded book set in a time where female chemists and breaking societies norms were not common- Elizabeth Zott is an inspiration.

What a great story. It was nothing like I expected the story to be. A very good story of women and how unfair things were and sometimes they still are unfair. A great read.

Fun at first but the story felt more and more preposterous and unbelievable. The pacing was also odd, the first third of the book seemed very rushed. I loved the dog though.

What a fun unique ready. I loved this book and thought she was such a new voice in books. Thank you!

Glad to see this title is getting so much buzz. It's smart and sharp, but I wasn't crazy about the anthropomorphic commentary from the dog.

I loved this book!! It is a great story of feminism and independence. It is a love story and there are two objects of affection – chemistry and Calvin Evans. I found myself so mad at the male chauvinism in the 1960s (and now) but it just made me love the story more. Must read!!

Rating: 4/5

Thank you to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for access to this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Loved the concept, great story telling and a STEM heroine in a time of life where science was professionally male dominated. I saw some similarity to Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Mad Men. I can say the story dragged at times and I was a little bored. While the story highlighted a lot of issues in the workplace as a woman, it never discussed women or person of color. A bit of white feminist for me. However, Elizabeth had very modern views for her time, he had grit and determination, she owned who she was, and she was devoted to her loved ones.

What a fun book about some heavy subjects! Elizabeth Zott is a scientist in the 60s who ends up with a cooking/chemistry show as she deals with grief, guilt, and raising a child. Along the way, she encounters toxic masculinity (though that wasn't a term used at the time), gender discrimination , societal expectations, and more. She soldiers on through the gauntlet of abuse, bringing up her daughter to take no prisoners. As Zott deals with all that society throws at her, she manages to empower other women through her shear determination. There are some fabulous characters in this book, all brought to life adeptly by Garmus, including a very special dog. Although the topics dealt with are very serious, Garmus presents them with a light hand and a great deal of humor. This is an excellent choice for a book club, as is evident by the fact that no fewer than four of my book clubs are reading it this month.

verything I love in a book—smart women, great dog, found family. Excellent read.

I adored chemist Elizabeth Zott. She's trying to exist in the "good old boys" world of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Where the woman's place is in the home, remaining silent, and following along with what the men say. Yet Elizabeth isn't wired that way, and the journey of this book shows her humor, warmth, and intelligence in a way that baffles the status quo.

This novel is uplifting, at times infuriating, and still every time heartwarming and encouraging. We all could use a bit of Elizabeth Zott in our lives (and a smart wonderful dog like Six-Thirty)

Highly recommended.