Perfect for anyone that loves quirky characters and books set in the 1950s. For me, it was a bit hard to get into since my most enjoyed books are ones where I adore the characters, and I had a hard time relating to Elizabeth Zott. That being said, it was still an enjoyable read and I would recomend it.

Thank you to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a pre-release of this novel.

Charlotte Zott's 1960 storyline could easily be set in 2023. It tells the story of women being relegated to the sidelines by male colleagues and superiors, even when the women are the brains behind the organization. Charlotte, however, doesn't acknowledge the biased rules or the roles she is supposed to play, and whether she knows it or not, she becomes a model for all women and girls while dishing up dinner on a TV cooking show. As she cooks, she explains the the science behind her quality recipes, and uses the platform to educate women on their right to be respected, successful, and independent while following their dreams. Feminism, women's rights, and education are the themes, and each character has a distinct backstory which allows the reader to understand their motivations.
Lessons in Chemistry was recommended to me by a colleague, and I loved it. I recommended to a sister, she loved it, and she subsequently recommended to others. This is a “must read” for all your friends and relatives, regardless of their age or gender, and book clubs will find a treasure trove of ideas to discuss.
Thank you to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for the digital arc.

This book will reach out, grab ahold of you, and not let go until you close the book. It's a very real situation, and the writing is done beautifully. It reminds us that even though we are still far from being equals with the men in the workspace, we have come a long way from where we were. I love that it shows real men who are charmed and attracted to a woman who expresses herself and shows her brains rather than dumb herself down. Not only will feminists love this story, but so will almost everyone else

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus in return for an honest review.

Lessons in Chemistry is the reason I always finish a book that I start. Although it took me quite a few chapters to fall in love with Elizabeth Zott’s story, fall in love I did. The characters are unique, charming, and quirky, and this found family connected with me in the very best of ways. I consider it one of the best books that I have read this year. Despite all odds, and in spite of underestimation by a male dominated time period of the 1960(s), women persevered. Elizabeth Zott represents these women who suffered sexism, racism, discrimination, degradation, and sexual assault in the workplace and in their personal lives, and forged a path for modern women. Elizabeth Zott grows on you as the novel progresses. The subject-matter is substantial and engaging, satisfying and heartwarming. I am sorry that it had to end, and I haven’t felt that way about a book in a very long time. Highly recommended.

I loved this book - having read it much before I was given this read now opportunity. Elizabeth Zott really struck a chord with me, as I am also a woman (adjacent to) in STEM. I loved her for being fearless, for doing what she had to do to carry on with her life, & for being just over all great. This is one of my favorite books.

4.25. I really enjoyed this and read it quick. This is an inspirational story at times that has its moments of grief. All of the characters felt like real people and I loved the badass woman MC.

In the 1960's, Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist, finds work challenging as she is always talked down to and the object of unfounded gossip, She develops a relationship with Calvin Evans, another brilliant chemist. When tragedy falls, she finds that jealousy drives her from her workplace. She ends up on a cooking show where she doles out recipes and statements on women's rights. Thoroughly entertaining.

Scientist Elizabeth Zott is attempting to break ceilings as a chemist in the 1960's; which is proven to be quite difficult. Elizabeth also concludes that chemistry is much more than what is found in a lab after she surprisingly falls head over heals in love with her very successful colleague Calvin Evans. Soon after a series of unfortunate events, Elizabeth finds herself unemployed, unwed, and pregnant.
LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY is a story of the examination of the loss, love, and the messiness of life. For fans of ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE.

I very much do not like precious books…

But I liked Lessons in Chemistry, a decidedly quite precious tale of a chemist turned reluctant cooking show host in the early 1960s. BECAUSE while the premise is as twee as can be, the characters have *grit* and depth. It’s also a book that is ultimately about kindness, feminism, and standing up for what is correct and who doesn’t need more of all that in their life?

In an interview, Bonnie Garmus (a debut author in her 60s-more of the good kind of preciousness) even remarks on the chick-lit esque cover, stating that she envisioned something different, implying she desired more of a literary fiction (which this book is) artistic cover approach, but that she was encouraged to go with the final result because it would appeal to a certain audience more, which is all a long way of saying: don’t be fooled by the plot or package-this novel has mass appeal and can melt even the biggest of lit fic purist hearts.

I really wanted to love this book. It was written in a really engaging way, and many of the characters were fun (I really loved Six-thirty's commentary), but I couldn't get past a few glaring mistakes, particularly around science. One of the characters is described as one of the top DNA researchers in 1950, however, DNA wasn't discovered until 1953. Moreover, another character describes paternity testing using DNA and received a result within a few days. DNA paternity testing wasn't available for 20-30 years at this point!

I loved this book, what a great debut! Through well written, entertaining and upsetting series of events Elizabeth Zott teaches her daughter, and all of us, women can be and do anything they want, don't be held back by others beliefs about you or what women are capable of or can be or do. So many thoughts:
- such quirky interesting characters - think Ove, AJ Vikry, Eleanor and even Enzo.
-a great descriptive example of how hard if not impossible it was for women to be taken seriously in business and science, even in recreational sports, in the 60's (and now?).
- fun and funny while expertly woven with dark discussions of workplace rape and sexual assault, suicide, homophobia, unwed mothers, and death.
- an engaging and compelling read, I laughed, I cried, got mad, sad and happy - all the feels.

I’m not sure what I expected when I started reading Lessons in Chemistry, but it certainly wasn’t what I got. In no way is this a science fiction book, but it certainly reminded me of the Martian by Andy Weir. So cleverly written with characters I immediately loved. It was painful, it was inspiring and it was a Lesson in Chemistry. I savored every page like a good casserole. 5 stars

another one of my favorite books from 2022 - i adored this book. Great characters, fantastic storyline - I just really enjoyed this book.

I love strong female characters and Elizabeth Zott is more than I bargained for. She won't let intimidation or adversity get in her way.
A lovely cast of characters add a lot to this story. And the best character is the dog Six-Thirty.

The writing is witty and zingy! An original and I couldn't stop laughing. From beginning to end, an absolute delight. It gave me the feels. A true gem and it deserves the accolades it's receiving.

My favorite book in a long time! I have recommended it to many friends and our book club is reviewing it next month. I love strong women characters, and Elizabeth Zott is definitely unique in every way! The book touches on so many different topics that I think it will make for and excellent discussion.

I am a member of the American Library Association Reading List Award Committee. This title was suggested for the 2023 list. It was not nominated for the award. The complete list of winners and shortlisted titles is at <a href="https://rusaupdate.org/2023/01/2023-reading-list-announced-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/">

Lessons in Chemistry is a well crafted novel. The reader gets to know the characters well, especially Elizabeth Zott who endures many injustices and losses. My favorite character is the dog, Six Thirty. A great read! Excellent for book club discussions.

I absolutely adored the chemist Elizabeth Zott and this story. Taking place in the 60s this book portrays all the misogynistic nonsense women faced and Elizabeth Zott just being one of the strongest most unapologetically herself person against all of it.

To get real though not much portrayed in science and entertainment has changed. The women of the entertainment industry have managed to find a bit more voice but academia still faces similar issues without managing to voice concerns as successfully.

The books tone and story is fun enough for everyone to enjoy and the side stories and side characters are so well written. Six-thirty has my heart.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a review.

What a fabulous story! Do not let the cover fool you into thinking this is purely a rom-com romp. Yes, there are funny bits, but Bonnie Garmus highlights some serious topics such as work place equality, glass ceilings, and harassment. As a bonus, I absolutely adored the character 630.

When I finished this book, my first comment was “wow”!!! On reflection, this an original. It is at once humorous, serious, and terribly sad, but the the protagonist finds acceptance, love, and ultimately happiness.