Reviews

Lezioni di chimica by Bonnie Garmus

proseandcherries's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

ebonyramsdale's review against another edition

2.0

As women we should all be a little bit more like Elizabeth Zott

jeanius's review against another edition

5.0

Literally, figuratively, and overwhelmingly the best fiction I have *listened* to in a very long time!

I very much recommend listening to the audio version of Lessons in Chemistry. The reader, Miranda Raison, brings a wonderful energy to each of the characters.

kelseyinreallife's review against another edition

sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5

monaghan0409's review against another edition

3.0

I was expecting a witty story about a woman working in the field of chemistry, who overcomes challenges and misogyny in the 1950s-60s, because that’s literally what the book’s description says. First of all- death, rape, suicide, abuse, depression… not much wit and humor to be found there. It was darker overall than I was anticipating. And secondly, I got much stronger themes of hating God and religion than I did of feminism in the 50s. Honestly, the constant digs at God and organized religion were overwhelming and got old fast. Mostly it felt like the author’s voice and opinions as opposed to the character speaking.

Also, maybe because I’ve very recently had 4 year olds, but Mad’s character was more unbelievable to me than the dog who learns 900+ words, haha. Even a genius child is still… a child. I kept forgetting how old she was supposed to be because she’s written like a full grown adult (and one with more emotional intelligence than anyone else in the book).

sunset8305's review against another edition

5.0

An absolutely wonderful piece of fiction. A cup of serious issues + a splash of societal / social issues + a pinch of science + a dash of humor… this author got it just right. (I just had to describe it that way given the book’s focus on cooking ☺️)

mbergman's review against another edition

inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

mlasquith's review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

nicolebobby's review against another edition

emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

“Whenever you start doubting yourself, whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change and change is what we're chemically designed to do.”

Lessons in Chemistry is a book that just completely delivers on all the promises it makes. Brilliant in every way. From the characters to the plot to the message— it’s a book that every girl needs to read, especially when questioning if they’re enough. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape

Minor: Suicide

monsolei's review against another edition

5.0

This book was so good!