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bites_of_books's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was a gift from one of my best friends and I breezed through it!
Narratively there were a couple of things that seemed a bit forced, things that took me out of the story because they were presented in a way that just didn't fully work for me. That being said, I think the characters were really unique and interesting with really complex motivations. I liked the outspoken main character who sticks to her values and doesn't let romance or anything else get in the way of the things that matter most to her.
All in all this is a story of a chemist who happens to be a woman in the 1950s and all the obstacles that she must overcome to reach her goals. On the way she finds love, family, and friends, which was quite satisfying to read about. However, it's not an easy read there are difficult topics that are pretty hard to read so do check content warnings before reading!
Narratively there were a couple of things that seemed a bit forced, things that took me out of the story because they were presented in a way that just didn't fully work for me. That being said, I think the characters were really unique and interesting with really complex motivations. I liked the outspoken main character who sticks to her values and doesn't let romance or anything else get in the way of the things that matter most to her.
All in all this is a story of a chemist who happens to be a woman in the 1950s and all the obstacles that she must overcome to reach her goals. On the way she finds love, family, and friends, which was quite satisfying to read about. However, it's not an easy read there are difficult topics that are pretty hard to read so do check content warnings before reading!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Death, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Blood, Child abuse, and Suicide
toricraig's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
nicolekusmirek's review against another edition
5.0
As I was reading this, I became more and more upset that I would never be able to read this again for the first time. It was clever, witty, tragic, hilarious, infuriating… I. Loved. It.
miranda_is_reading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I really enjoyed this book. While traveling I brought it with me and so many people commented on it that had also read it. There was one lady who told me she hadn’t cared for it compared to all the raves I was hearing. So as I continued reading I kept waiting for the ball to drop. But, the story kept me pulled in wanting to know what was going to happen next.
My only flaw with the book, being a designer, is that the cover design (US) doesn’t fit the book at all. I know they say don’t judge a book by its cover, but knowing how design still sends a message and subconsciously influences people I was shocked to start reading this and realize it isn’t primarily a romcom type book at all. And romcom is the vibes the design totally gives in my opinion.
Beyond that this story was captivating to me. I loved the main character, Elizabeth, and all she stands for. I love how people around her could see her as stubborn, when she was just living authentically and in truth. I also enjoyed the ties to religious discussion in the book.
I can’t wait to watch the Apple TV show of the book and hope they stayed as true as possible to it.
My only flaw with the book, being a designer, is that the cover design (US) doesn’t fit the book at all. I know they say don’t judge a book by its cover, but knowing how design still sends a message and subconsciously influences people I was shocked to start reading this and realize it isn’t primarily a romcom type book at all. And romcom is the vibes the design totally gives in my opinion.
Beyond that this story was captivating to me. I loved the main character, Elizabeth, and all she stands for. I love how people around her could see her as stubborn, when she was just living authentically and in truth. I also enjoyed the ties to religious discussion in the book.
I can’t wait to watch the Apple TV show of the book and hope they stayed as true as possible to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Sexism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Blood, Rape, Suicide, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Child death, Cursing, Bullying, Car accident, Grief, and Homophobia
hellishpelican's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This took me a REALLY long time to read. It's not that I didn't love the story, I did, but it was quite slow and just felt like a bit of a slog. That said, when I DID going the motivation to sit down and read it, I enjoyed every session. The dialogue was FANTASTIC.
The sexism was a little too heavy-handed for me, though. I understand the reason for it and the time period. But either way. It was though to read through.
The sexism was a little too heavy-handed for me, though. I understand the reason for it and the time period. But either way. It was though to read through.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Death, and Sexual harassment
hlindamood's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Sexual assault
emkatsteen's review against another edition
3.75
Loved the progression of the story from lab to tv set. I loved the descriptions of the cooking show and her friendship with Harriet. Harriet was by far the best character. Nuance. A few qualms: the dog was annoying, Elizabeth had such few soft spots it made her robotic, Mad was too perfect. Didn’t really feel the romance between Calvin and Elizabeth. Bonnie Garmus obviously is an atheist, which truly does not bother me, but it felt like she gleefully portrayed all religious people as idiots who end up figuring out that God=bad and science=good.
kaylie_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
angielina's review against another edition
5.0
smart women can literally be anything, such an easy and enjoyable read! loved how there was a subplot of romance but it didn't completely overtake the rest of the plot line, i love when authors write about two people who are genuinely in love