Lessons in Chemistry

About Lessons in Chemistry

This book "lessons in chemistry" is a must read to understand the plight of women in their efforts to be identified for their intelligence and accomplishments. The author offers a likable group of characters, to include a family dog, who showcase the role of women. At times the book will offer uncanny humor balanced by very sentimental moments that bring tears. I was privileged to hear the author, Bonnie Garmus, in person. She hears from readers all over the world who support how the book has changed the view of many to women in previously thought of as ‘male only’ fields. "lessons in chemistry" will hold a prominent place in my book collection.

Without meaning to brag I find myself to be a prolific reader. I look for excellence in writers. There very few that have impressed me. Until I picked up this book by Bonnie Garmus. To me she is the very best of all that I have read. Not many books moved me to tears, not any really, but "lessons in chemistry" did, not because it was sad but because it was joyous. This "lessons in chemistry" book should be on every woman’s list. I certainly recommend it to my married daughter and other friends and relatives. Most excellent book on my kindle shelf.


To be a woman in the early 1960's, let alone a woman in a STEM field, must have been incredibly challenging when they were considered to be less intelligent, less capable, just all around less than men in general. Bonnie Garmus did a great job highlighting these challenges in "lessons in chemistry" with her main character, Elizabeth Zott. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist working on groundbreaking research in abiogenesis, but always finds herself stuck in a man's shadow for one reason or another. She does not give up though, refusing to accept the role that society has placed women. Eventually this leads her on quite the path to becoming the host of Supper at Six, a cooking show, where once again she is expected, by men to look and speak a certain way. Pushing against the societal norms, she doesn't follow those instructions and instead not only creates delicious food on television using chemistry, but also empowers other women and girls to stand up for themselves and realize their potential.

Elizabeth's life story was anything but easy (not only including her profession, but also her tragic personal life as well), which made her an easy character to root for. I majored in chemistry in college and it's hard to imagine trying to take that same route only 60 or so years ago. While a fictional book, I'm so thankful for the real-life Elizabeth Zotts who helped change the status quo for women (and those that are continuing to do so!).

My only issue really with the story is that I found the dog's POV to be really out of place in this "lessons in chemistry" book. I enjoyed the character of Six-Thirty and all he did for Elizabeth, but I think "lessons in chemistry" could have been portrayed in a different way without giving him human thoughts. I felt like it took away from the book's message, especially in a book about SCIENCE. Overall though, a really enjoyable read!

"Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself."

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"The most delightful novel I read this year—fresh and surprising—was Lessons in Chemistry: a fish-out-of-water story about a feminist hero who never stops pushing for what’s right. (I laughed out loud!)"
—Philip Galanes, The New York Times