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readingsokrates's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Grief, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Violence
tacoshark's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
What a strange book - it was not at all what I expected from what I’d heard or from the marketing. There’s a pull quote on the cover calling it an “utter delight” and I genuinely don’t know who would think that. This was one of the most profoundly (and yet implausibly) sad books I’ve ever read. Unrelentingly, almost, though there is a sort of happy, at least hopeful-ish, if again, implausible ending. What it reminded me of, in an unexpected and bizarre way, was A Little Life, though it’s not quite as hideously cruel as that book.
I enjoyed reading this, despite the sadness, but I found it rather unsatisfying as well. What I liked was the propulsion of the narrative and the zingy, constantly moving POV (I especially enjoyed the dog’s POV). But because of that very mechanism, while the book is theoretically mostly about Elizabeth, I felt like she was barely developed and pretty unrelatable as a character - all of this happens to her, but you spend more time with the reactions and feelings of those around her than with her. It left me feeling that she was a bit of an automaton and even when her thoughts and feelings were described, they had very little heft. (I don’t think I’d actually want to spend more time in her head, but it’s a strange choice for your main character.) I liked Calvin better, but it also felt a bit strange that this book that’s theoretically a feminist story about this compelling woman was really so much about a man instead.
I’m not sure if I’ll recommend this but I think I’d check out what this author does next.
I enjoyed reading this, despite the sadness, but I found it rather unsatisfying as well. What I liked was the propulsion of the narrative and the zingy, constantly moving POV (I especially enjoyed the dog’s POV). But because of that very mechanism, while the book is theoretically mostly about Elizabeth, I felt like she was barely developed and pretty unrelatable as a character - all of this happens to her, but you spend more time with the reactions and feelings of those around her than with her. It left me feeling that she was a bit of an automaton and even when her thoughts and feelings were described, they had very little heft. (I don’t think I’d actually want to spend more time in her head, but it’s a strange choice for your main character.) I liked Calvin better, but it also felt a bit strange that this book that’s theoretically a feminist story about this compelling woman was really so much about a man instead.
I’m not sure if I’ll recommend this but I think I’d check out what this author does next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Violence, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse
jenni_bear's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
read this book read it NOW you will be a better person for reading it ❤️ (will make u sob tho x)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault, Suicide, and Sexual harassment
snackykennedy's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism and Child death
Minor: Violence
voldycat's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Violence and Vomit
bethdillman's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, and Grief
karmascycles's review against another edition
I had to dnf 30% through. For a romance slated as "delightful, fresh," and "laugh out loud" this was already one of the most depressing books I've read to date. Brutal rape, suicide, multiple deaths of a loved one, one being the love interest , and all of that is what I actually read. I don't even want to know what's in the rest of this book. I had such high hopes for this, I wish I could've loved this like everyone else has.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Violence
thelowkeylibrary's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Lessons in Chemistry" doesn't shy away from the tough stuff. While I connected with the relatable Elizabeth Zott, the book also dives into challenging themes, adding a layer of raw authenticity. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, with feminism as a guiding force. Oh and Six-Thirty the dog absolutely stole my heart, he really reminded me of one of my own loyal companions, Effie. A truly enriching read that I would recommend to anybody, just be sure to check the trigger warnings first!🌟📚
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicide and Violence
amilabell's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Death and Violence
torilaird's review against another edition
On-page violent rape caused me to quit this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Violence