“Children set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself.”

This line quickly caught my eye as I got Bonnie Garmus' presentation novel, Examples in Science. I had as of late joined another book club, an objective I've had for quite a while, so I was anticipating perusing this book and meeting a few new bibliophiles in my space.

Lessons in Chemistry: Book Review

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a delightful and heartwarming novel about a brilliant chemist named Elizabeth Zott, who navigates the challenges of being a woman in STEM in the 1960s
Lessons in Chemistry 

Elizabeth is a brilliant scientist, but she is also fiercely independent and outspoken, which makes her a target for sexism and discrimination in her male-dominated workplace. When she is forced to resign from her job, she reluctantly agrees to host a cooking show called Supper at Six.

Elizabeth's approach to cooking is unique and revolutionary. She uses her scientific knowledge to explain the chemical reactions that take place in food, and she encourages her viewers to think critically about what they are eating. Her show quickly becomes a hit, and Elizabeth becomes a household name.

But Elizabeth's success does not come without its challenges. She is constantly criticized for her unconventional views and her refusal to conform to traditional gender roles. But Elizabeth never backs down. She is a role model for women everywhere, and her story is one of resilience, determination, and self-acceptance.

Lessons in Chemistry is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a story about the power of science, the importance of following your dreams, and the courage to stand up for what you believe in.

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Here are some of the things I loved about Lessons in Chemistry:

  • Elizabeth Zott is a complex and relatable protagonist. She is intelligent, independent, and fiercely passionate about her work. But she is also flawed and vulnerable. She is a character that I couldn't help but root for.
  • The novel is set in a fascinating period, and Garmus does a great job of capturing the social and cultural climate of the 1960s.
  • The novel is both funny and heartwarming. It explores serious topics such as sexism and discrimination, but it also has moments of joy and humor.
  • The novel is well-written and engaging. Garmus's prose is clear and concise, and her characters are well-developed.

Overall, I highly recommend Lessons in Chemistry to anyone who enjoys well-written fiction with a strong female protagonist. It is a novel that will make you laugh, think, and cry.

About the author

Bonnie Garmus
Bonnie Garmus is a copywriter and creative director who has worked for a wide range of clients, in the US and abroad, focusing primarily on technology, medicine, and education. She’s an open water swimmer, a rower, and mother to two pretty amazing daughters. Most recently from Seattle, she currently lives in London with her husband and her dog, 99.