Name: Marie's review of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Item: Lessons in Chemistry
Rating: 4
Author: Marie

Bonnie Garmus

"Set in 1960s California, this blockbuster debut is the hilarious, idiosyncratic and uplifting story of a female scientist whose career is constantly derailed by the idea that a woman's place is in the home, only to find herself starring as the host of America's most beloved TV cooking show. 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 1960s and despite the fact that she is a scientist, her peers are very unscientific when it comes to equality. The only good thing to happen to her on the road to professional fulfillment is a run-in with her super-star colleague Calvin Evans (well, she stole his beakers.) The only man who ever treated her-and her ideas-as equal, Calvin is already a legend and Nobel nominee. He's also awkward, kind and tenacious. Theirs is true chemistry. But as events are never as predictable as chemical reactions, three years later Elizabeth Zott is an unwed, single mother (did we mention it's the early 60s??) and the star of America's most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth's singular approach to cooking ('take one pint of H2O and add a pinch of sodium chloride') and independent example are proving revolutionary. Because Elizabeth isn't just teaching women how to cook, she's teaching them how to change the status quo. Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist"--

A Novel

Lessons in Chemistry

Lindy

"Whenever you start doubting yourself," she said, turning back to the audience, "whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change-and change is what we're chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others' opinions of what you can and cannot achieve. And no more allowing anyone to pigeonhole you into useless categories of sex, race, economic status, and religion. Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what you will change. And then get started."

"I think it lets us off the hook. I think it teaches us that nothing is really our faulti that something or someone else is pulling the strings, that ultimately, we're not to blame for the way things are; that to improve things, we should pray, But the truth is, we are very much responsible for the badness in the world. And we have the power to fix it."

Men and women are both human beings. And as humans, we're by-products of our upbringings, victims of our lackluster educational systems, and choosers of our behaviors. In short, the reduction of women to something less than men, and the elevation of men to something more than women, is not biological: it's cultural. And it starts with two words: pink and blue.

clara

some things needed to stay in the past because the past was the only place they made sense.

Of course Elizabeth needs to have mothering instincts, too. Otherwise she wouldn’t be perfect. 

Elke Maasbommel

Calvin smiled to himself. It was a side of Elizabeth he'd never seen before: a mothering instinct.

Of course, perfection has to be attained alone, especially by women. Otherwise it doesn’t count. 

Calvin sighed, frustrated. It was a form of naïveté, he thought, the way she continued to believe that all it took to get through life was grit. Sure, grit was critical, but it also took luck, and if luck wasn't available, then help. Everyone needed help. But maybe because she'd never been offered any, she refused to believe in it. How many times had she asserted that if she did her best, her best would win? He'd lost count. 

Since when does this woman doubt herself? 

She didn't want to admit it, but his words were like fresh fuel to her ever-growing pyre of self-doubt. She had neither the education nor the experience of the others. She not only lacked their credentials but their papers, peer support, financial backing, and awards. And yet, she knew-she knew-she was onto something. Some people were born to things; she was one of those people. She pressed her hand on her forehead as if that might keep her head from exploding.

Elizabeth’s boss is a walking cliche. Of course. And he wants to sleep with her to break up her relationship. Also, on the next page she is wearing heels. Why?

He and Edith were a team the way couples were meant to be a team-not by sharing hobbies like rowing for fuck's sake but in the way their sexes deemed socially and physically appropriate. He brought home the bacon; she pumped out the babies. It was a normal, productive, God-approved marriage. Did he sleep with other women? What a question. Didn't everyone?

Such a feminist thing to say. Also, she doesn’t do sport. She just naturally has a perfect body? Edit: she uses physics to become a perfect rower. Obviously. 

“Women don’t row.” But as soon as she’d said it, she regretted it. 

"Elizabeth Zott, you're going to change the world" he heard himself say. And the moment he said it, he knew it was true. She was going to do something so revolutionary, so necessary, that her name-despite a never-ending legion of naysayers-would be immortalized.

Now this is just too easy. She doesn’t want to get married because her mother told her she had to. Now she’s independent. And she doesn’t want to change her name. And she doesn’t want children. 

"Exactly," she said. "I’ve never understood why when women marry, they're expected to trade in their old names like used cars, losing their last and sometimes even their first - Mrs. John Adams. Mrs. Abe Lincoln! As if their previous identities had just been twenty-odd-year placeholders before they became actual people. Mrs. Peter Dickman. It's a life sentence." 

See how she is insecure about her appearance? I thought she didn’t want to be judged by it. 

“No,” she said quickly. "I don't have an extra invite, and besides, the fewer people who see me in this dress the better." "Come on," he said, reaching one long arm across the span that separated them, pulling her back down. "Margaret can't expect you to go alone. And as for the dress, I'm sure it's not that bad." "Oh, no, it is," she said, reverting to her sensible tone of scientific certainty. "Bridesmaids' dresses are designed to make the women in them look unappealing: that way the bride looks better than usual. It's an accepted practice, a basic defensive strategy with biological roots. You see this sort of thing in nature all the time."

She hates it yet her appearance is very important to the narrator. 

She'd felt this way her entire life. She'd been defined not by what she did, but by what others had done. In the past she was either the offspring of an arsonist, the daughter of a serial wife, the sister of a hanged homosexual, or the graduate student of a renowned lecher. Now she was the girlfriend of a famous chemist. But she was never just Elizabeth Zott. And on those rare occasions when she wasn't defined by others' actions, then she was dismissed out of hand as either a lightweight or a gold digger based on the thing she hated most about herself. How she looked. Which happened to be just like her father.

And of course she defies all traditions of 1950s America. This is a novel about a 2020s woman living in the 1950s. Of course, she also doesn’t want to get married.

Calvin had initiated the idea because they spent most of their tree time together, it made financial sense to share living quarters. Still, it was also 1952, and in 1952 an unmarried woman did not move in with a man. So he was a bit surprised when Elizabeth didn't hesitate. “I’ll pay half, she’d said.”

He is perfect, too. And of course she is also a specialist on Mozart. And of course she has a terrible religious family (page 38) and of course her brother was gay and of course she doesn’t mind. And of course she reads feminist essays. And she wills herself not to cry. Crying is a weakness, after all. And she had to take care of herself when she was ten years old. She decided only to believe in herself. 

It's one thing to be brilliant, but to be brilliant without opportunity-that was something else. If Mozart had been born to a poor family in Bombay instead of a cultured one in Salzburg, would he have composed Symphony no. 36 in C? Not a chance. How, then, had Calvin come from nothing to become one of the most highly respected scientists in the world?

This woman is a brilliant chemist, a staunch feminist, a great cook, she’s good on tv, and she’s stunningly beautiful. She is perfect. This is not a role model. This woman only shows us how impossible it all is.

Walter nodded, trying to understand. As a longtime producer of afternoon television, he knew drama. But this? He continued to stare. She was stunning. He was literally stunned by her. Was she auditioning for something?

In California in the 1960s, chemist Elizabeth Zott constantly has her career derailed by peers who are very unscientific when it comes to equality. When she finds herself an unwed, single mother and the star of America's most beloved cooking show, her independent example proves to be revolutionary.

Anna Concannon 

Humans were strange, Six-Thirty thought, the way they constantly battled dirt in their above ground world, but after death  willingly entombed themselves in it.

Six-Thirty sensed her death wish, and because of it, had been on suicide watch all week. The only problem was, he wanted to himself. Worse, he suspected she was in the same position or despite her own deathly desires, she felt beholden to keep him.

Just like after her brother’s suicide and Meyers's attack, she could not cry. A army of tears lay just behind her eyes, but they refuse decamp. It was as if the wind had been knocked out of her: no matter how many deep breaths she took her lungs refused to fill.

Sara Poole

Like so many undesirable men, Mr. Sloane truly believed other women found him attractive. Harriet had no idea where that specific brand of self-confidence came from. Because while stupid people may not know they're stupid because they're stupid, surely unattractive people must know they're unattractive because of mirrors.

Valentina

She looked back incredulously. "Somnetimes I think," she said slowly, "that if a man were to spend a day being a vwoman in America, he wouldn't make it past noon.”

This pretty much sums up the book. I loved it so so much. 

“...In short, the reduction of women to something 

 than men, and the elevation of men to something 

 than women, is not bio- logical: it's cultural. And it starts with two words: pink and blue. Everything skyrockets out of control from there."

Genesis (@whisperingchapters)

Interesting Story but pretty tragic, sad and depressing at times. Didnt feel as empowerend as I thought it would... Still a good book which i would recommand

Marie

Such an amazing read, it’s so good and funny and well written. 

Mehul Sharma

Very feminist and inspiring but odd pacing and tough to get through at times.

Interesting shifts in POVs and time jumps but lovely writing style.

Kyra

A beautiful yet odd book.

Very feminist and inspiring but odd pacing and tough to get through at times.

Interesting shifts in POVs and time jumps but lovely writing style.

Loved this book, one my favourites of the year.

KellyParmenter

A fabulous book, would recommend to all types of readers.

Madeleine Rose

This is probably my favorite book of the year! I think women with a career outside the home will read this and feel inspired and grateful, especially those in the sciences. 

Tara Ashford

a cute, short read with neatly tied plots and a nice message about navigating the world as a woman in science

Flora

Aditi Dankar

Michael Clark

Eizabeth Zott ist eine Frau mit dem unverkennbaren Auftreten eines Menschen, der nicht durchschnittlich ist und es nie sein wird. Doch es ist 1961, und die Frauen tragen Hemdblusenkleider und treten Gartenvereinen bei. Niemand traut ihnen zu, Chemikerin zu werden. Außer Calvin Evans, dem einsamen, brillanten Nobelpreiskandidaten, der sich ausgerechnet in Elizabeths Verstand verliebt. Aber auch 1961 geht das Leben eigene Wege. Und so findet sich eine alleinerziehende Elizabeth Zott bald in der TV-Show „Essen um sechs“ wieder. Doch für sie ist Kochen Chemie. Und Chemie bedeutet Veränderung der Zustände ...

Roman

Eine Frage der Chemie

follow elisabeth zott and her fightd as a woman in the 50s/60s working for science. while addressing the problems of women of that time, you can also enjoy a variety of characters and their lives in a well written way.

it catched me a lot and i found myself not being able to let go, so i ended up reading it in 2 days 

Clarissa 

follow elisabeth zott and her fightd as a woman in the 50s/60s working for science. while addressing the problems of women of that time, you can also enjoy a variety of characters and their lives in a well written way.

it catched me a lot and i found myself not being able to let go, so i ended up reading it in 2 days 

Finished it in one day after watching endless reels and shorts of the tv adaptation. I think the fact that I had goosebumps reading about Elizabeth’s final episode sums up everything I feel.

lianne

“Your days are nu.”

Finished it in one day after watching endless reels and shorts of the tv adaptation. I think the fact that I had goosebumps reading about Elizabeth’s final episode sums up everything I feel.

I loved Six-Thirty; I was so nervous because I thought he was the one who died. 

I can see why some readers criticise this book because it may seem like Baby’s First Feminist Fiction, but everyone starts somewhere! 

I loved Six-Thirty; I was so nervous because I thought he was the one who died. 

I can see why some readers criticise this book because it may seem like Baby’s First Feminist Fiction, but everyone starts somewhere! 

Liv Harman 

Not a page turner but a wholesome book about a non-traditional women-run family. ❤️

Siri 

Die Charaktere und ihre Gefühle sind tief beschrieben, das hat mir gut gefallen. Ich hatte das Gefühl ich kann die einzelnen Personen sehr gut kennenlernen. Trotzdem hat mich die ganze Geschichte nicht ganz abgeholt. Mit Sicherheit beschreibt das Buch einen starke, vorausdenkende Frau, mir war es jedoch an einigen Stellen zu plakativ. 

Merle Schneider

This book was filled with twists and turns but I definitely still rate it a 5 out of 5. 

Whilst I didn't quite understand the chemistry side of things, I understood the messaging, it was heartbreaking but also eye opening and relatable. 

Megan McMillan

This book was filled with twists and turns but I definitely still rate it a 5 out of 5. 

Whilst I didn't quite understand the chemistry side of things, I understood the messaging, it was heartbreaking but also eye opening and relatable. 

Six-thirty is the best doggo ever

So, here's the thing. If this is feminism, then I think we women are all doomed. Working on a blog about this novel and the dangerous type of feminism it celebrates. 

idk... i think i'm at fault because i watched the series first before reading the book. 

'Lessons in Chemistry is a vibrant and original story of hope and staying true to yourself. Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and brimming with life and generosity and courage' RACHEL JOYCE 'A book that sparks joy with every page' ELIZABETH DAY ____________ 'Your ability to change everything - including yourself - starts here' ELIZABETH ZOTT 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. But it's the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take 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. Like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later, Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America's most beloved cooking show, Supper at Six. Elizabeth's unusual approach to cooking ('combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride') proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn't just teaching women to cook. She's daring them to change the status quo. Meet the unconventional, uncompromising Elizabeth Zott. __________ 'I loved Lessons in Chemistry and am devastated to have finished it!' NIGELLA LAWSON 'Elizabeth Zott is an iconic heroine - a feminist who refuses to be quashed, a mother who believes that her child is a person to behold, rather than to mould, and who will leave you, and the lens through which you see the world, quite changed' PANDORA SYKES 'It's the world versus Elizabeth Zott, and I had no trouble choosing a side. A page-turning and highly satisfying tale: zippy, zesty, and Zotty' MAGGIE SHIPSTEAD, author of GREAT CIRCLE STYLIST MAGAZINE'S 'FICTION BOOKS YOU CAN'T MISS IN 2022' OBSERVER'S 'TEN DEBUT NOVELISTS OF 2022' *** PRE-ORDER THE LITERARY SENSATION OF 2022 NOW ***

Meet the uncompromising, unconventional Elizabeth Zott, your new favourite heroine

My only regret is listening to it on audio before reading! One of the best stories I’ve heard in a long time. Poignant writing, inspiring characters across the board- I have zero edits!!

Elyse 

The emotions this book put me through! A perfectly crafted balance of intelligence, humor, and heartbreak. I love how the plot unraveled and the growth that the characters went through. 

Floofyflower

'Your ability to change everything - including yourself - starts here' ELIZABETH ZOTT ------------- Set in 1960s California; Lessons In Chemistry is the brilliant, idiosyncratic and uplifting story of a female scientist whose career is derailed by the idea that a woman's place is in the home - something she most definitely does not believe - only to find herself the star of America's best-loved TV cooking show. ------------- Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing. But it's the 1960s, and despite the fact that she is a scientist, her male peers are very unscientific when it comes to equality. The only good thing to happen on her road to professional fulfilment is a run-in with famous colleague Calvin Evans, legend and Nobel nominee. He's also awkward, kind and tenacious. Theirs is true chemistry. But life is never predictable and three years later Elizabeth Zott is an unwed, single mother and star of America's best loved cooking show Supper at Six. Her singular approach to cooking - 'take one pint of H2O and add a pinch of sodium chloride' - and empowering message prove revolutionary. Because Elizabeth isn't just teaching housewives how to cook, but how to change their lives. Meet the unconventional, uncompromising Elizabeth Zott

The Debut Of 2022

Eva Ströberg

.
I’m glad that I didn’t live in the 60s. As a woman working in STEM field, I could imagine how horrible it could be, just look at Elizabeth Zott. A chemist but always eternally mistaken as a secretary, or lab tech at least. Because men in the 1960s think that all women want is to stay at home and play housewife. There’s nothing wrong with being a housewife but some of them just want different things, and it’s proven difficult back in the era.
.
Elizabeth had difficult times. As a postgrad student in Chemistry in UCLA, she couldn’t pursue her academic further because of misogynic men, and even when she found a job in a research center, there were still hoards of misogynic men harassing here, stealing her work, trying to trample her down, that until she met Calvin Evans, a top scientist who was infamous for holding a grudge
.
This book is highly entertaining and as a woman, I can’t help but feeling devastated for all the women back in the 1960s, who couldn’t even choose what they wanted to be in life because men have chosen for them. Four stars instead of five because sometimes I felt that there were a bit of drivel in the book
.

Abbie Duggan

Oh how I love this book!! Every single detail was so well crafted, the characters achingly real and honest, the themes so meticulously detailed, allowing for their relevancy to be relatable to todays world.

The writing style was superb and made the story hard to put down. I adored how Bonnie Garmus wrote in a way that wandered around every perspective simultaneously, without missing a beat. The flow was engaging and artfully written.

Read👏🏼this👏🏼book!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

This was such a pleasant surprise. Normally I read fantasy but this book came to my hands and it was marvelous. It was so inspiring I would recommend it to all to read. It’s a very powerful story! Totally 5/5 stars

Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

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Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Reviews

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Join the club

Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus