Scan barcode
hailey_seipel's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Suicide
justagirlwithbooks's review against another edition
3.5
"Courage is the root of change—and change is what we’re chemically designed to do."
I kind of just thought that this book was mid. Not great, not awful, just mid. I think it was the fact that the actual show hosting part didn't start until halfway, and the idea that scientists and religion doesn't mix isn't one that I believe. You can be religious and be a scientist. And she was a chemist, but she did rowing because of physics? And she researched abiogenisis? That's a lot of fields for one person. Especially in the science world. And the trigger warnings are a lot for someone that doesn't know them beforehand. And I really liked Calvin, but I didn't feel attached to the characters too much. A dog learning English is a bit... odd. But oh well. This book was not what I was expecting. I did like the writing style though. There were a lot of different POVs which I enjoyed. But that's about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death and Suicide
thisiswhy_wecanthavenicethings's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.25
I enjoyed reading this book, and I liked the challenges presented and seeing Elizabeth’s character development. Everything seemed to wrap up too perfectly by the end, and some of the points I didn’t necessarily agree with. I also felt there were a bit too many subplots but I really enjoyed the connections made.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexual assault
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Suicide
mollylouise86's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Suicide
anke3100's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was both the best and worst book I've ever read. Elizabeth Zott, the main character, will be my forever favourite fictional character.
The book is highly upsetting in many ways and powering through felt hard at times. Nevertheless, it was worth it. The plot is upsetting because it targets the sexism and abuse of women (in science) of the 1950s and 60s in a realistic way. It's neither exagerrated nor romanticised or brushed off. It's real and that's upsetting. Because even though things have changed, women today still face similar if not the same discrimination. Which is why it's so important to talk about it the way that this book does, in a sober and realistic way. Elizabeth Zott is the guiding light throughout this book, changing the world by believing in herself, in women and in science.
The book is highly upsetting in many ways and powering through felt hard at times. Nevertheless, it was worth it. The plot is upsetting because it targets the sexism and abuse of women (in science) of the 1950s and 60s in a realistic way. It's neither exagerrated nor romanticised or brushed off. It's real and that's upsetting. Because even though things have changed, women today still face similar if not the same discrimination. Which is why it's so important to talk about it the way that this book does, in a sober and realistic way. Elizabeth Zott is the guiding light throughout this book, changing the world by believing in herself, in women and in science.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Religious bigotry, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Vomit, and Pregnancy
brtvajes1's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Child abuse
bobinsbooknook's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
My book club pick this month and what a read! I really enjoyed this book so much for so many reasons it’ll be hard to do it justice in a review.
I enjoyed the characters a lot in this book partially the strong MFC Elizabeth challenging the status quo of women in science. I found all the characters really well rounded and complex in their interactions which made for some really beautiful and emotional arcs.
Plot wise, whilst there is an element (no pun intended) of romance, it doesn’t negate or minimise the main themes of the book.
This was a completely unique read and loved how the plot unravels and intwines with eachother from the slight tangents the book takes so it all forms a very cohesive story.
This book made me laugh, snap my fingers as some of the pure “Girl boss” moves whilst also warming and breaking my heart at the same time.
I can understand why the heavier science terminology could be confusing and put some readers off. I won’t pretend I understood all of the terminology… though honestly I don’t think you need to in order to love story and would highly recommend giving it a go!
I enjoyed the characters a lot in this book partially the strong MFC Elizabeth challenging the status quo of women in science. I found all the characters really well rounded and complex in their interactions which made for some really beautiful and emotional arcs.
Plot wise, whilst there is an element (no pun intended) of romance, it doesn’t negate or minimise the main themes of the book.
This was a completely unique read and loved how the plot unravels and intwines with eachother from the slight tangents the book takes so it all forms a very cohesive story.
This book made me laugh, snap my fingers as some of the pure “Girl boss” moves whilst also warming and breaking my heart at the same time.
I can understand why the heavier science terminology could be confusing and put some readers off. I won’t pretend I understood all of the terminology… though honestly I don’t think you need to in order to love story and would highly recommend giving it a go!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death, Suicide, Vomit, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
betcha's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Absolutely amazing! Loved the writing style. Surprisingly heavy topics discussed. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Suicide, and Sexual harassment
bloomingbookworm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
2.75
It’s hard to rate this book. What I can say for sure is that it is absolutely not “laugh out loud funny” as the back of the book proclaims. Don’t be fooled by the cheery cover - the first half of the book was quite dark and had many upsetting scenes. The second half was intriguing but the tone felt off considering the darker scenes at the beginning of the book. All in all, I didn’t hate it, but I can’t say I’d recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Pregnancy
Minor: Body shaming and Religious bigotry
jemima_western's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Minor: Suicide
Graphic rape scene described on page 15, read on my first sitting of the book. Take care, it messed me up for a few hours.