This book was amazing. Witty and funny but also sad and emotional when it needed to be. It was as entertaining as it was profound. I fell in love with the characters and the style of Bonnie Garmus.

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nikrib's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring lighthearted tense 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

3.5

I picked up this book from the library after seeing an ad for its tv adaptation. I’m not sure where I thought this story was going before cracking open the book, but it definitely was a distinctive journey. With the book’s setting of 1950-60’s, all the societal, economic, and cultural issues are at play. While I did enjoy the protagonist (often rooting for her decisions, $#@! the patriarchy) I am not fond of the book’s ending. The narrative felt as it was going down two separate yet parallel avenues and then at the end just chose one. I reread the ending twice due to the lack of fulfillment the ending gave me. Perhaps that’s just my take, wanting more justice for this character and not a predictable sappy ending. Some reviews speak on a lack of diversity in the book, while true, I do not wholly concur as the way that the book is written /does/ fit the time period and realm the characters move in. The 1950-60’s themes are used throughout the narrative to bring attention to issues pertaining to that time (and in this case, focusing on the battles that women faced and are still facing current day). The chemistry themes are ever present but not annoyingly so, unless you’re a chemist and care that there are minor flaws. There is a sexual assault scene (r@pe) in the beginning of the book and again later sexual exposure, both of which are traumatic for the character but does allude to everlasting issues revolving sexism, patriarchal power in the workplace, and the fact that women are continuously assaulted. While that is a sensitive subject for a lot of people, I believe it was powerful and purposeful in the narrative to shed light on women’s issues and women’s rights, and the persistent assault women face especially in the workplace. There is a dog (don’t worry, nothing happens to him) and he’s a fun addition to the narrative. I’m not sure where people are getting comedy out of this book. I think I may have laughed two or three times, but more of a scoff than anything comical. All in all, good book and likable main characters. I’m eager to watch the tv adaptation. Although, I stick by my yearning for a different ending.

Content Warnings

axmai's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Content Warnings

mushroom_fairy_in_the_woods's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

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

4.5

flew through it. didn't think i'd love it so much

Content Warnings

bookishpip's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-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? No

4.0

Content Warnings

chaos_na_regale's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

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bookb1itch's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring reflective 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

I can't believe it took so long for me to actually decide to read this book. Everyone i know has loved it, and i really enjoyed the TV series, but the read was MUCH better than anticipated. I love that the book was even more feminist than the TV series. And there was more 6:30. What a genius character, with uncanny intelligence and self-doubt. In my Book Club, we discussed book-inspired tattoos and inthis book I found my choice:

“The librarian is the most important educator in school. What she doesn't know, she can find out. This is not an opinion; it's a fact. Do not share this fact with Mrs. Mudford.” Not that I am likely to get a tattoo anytime soon...

I did not expect so many laugh out loud moments, many of which were at the expense of Mrs Mudford (who turns out to be a little more likeable in the series.)

I will be recommending this to everyone I know who isn't also late to this party.

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