Reviews tagging 'Ableism'

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

5 reviews

abundance_of_fiction's review against another edition

challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-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

5.0

I hesitated to start this thinking that it was intended as more of a romance, and my only regret is not starting this book sooner.

Yes there is some romance, but not in the typical sense. In the words of Elizabeth Zott, they are “soul mates”. Not in the cheesy meet-cute fashion but the real-life, messy, laugh and cry sense.

This book was empowering, heartbreaking, and everything in between. I cried so much in the last hundred chapters because I had gone through this journey. I was Elizabeth Zott and I was all the other women. You would think a novel set in the 1950/60s wouldn’t have so many parallels to the modern world but that was the beauty of it. As sad as it is, many of us are still  Elizabeth Zott. Maybe not in the most direct sense but in spirit. 

Even if you can’t relate to Elizabeth Zott’s story, you know someone who can.

Overall, a 5 star read through and through.


*slight spoilers*
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You will be crying by 30% into the book, so just be Prepared.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexism, Rape, Sexual harassment, Grief, Ableism, and Bullying

Moderate: Child abuse, Miscarriage, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Pregnancy, Child death, Religious bigotry, Panic attacks/disorders, and Homophobia

Minor: Cannibalism

wheelyautistic's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Miscarriage, Mental illness, Death of parent, Bullying, Sexual violence, Classism, Hate crime, Ableism, Medical trauma, Sexual assault, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Body shaming, Sexism, Death, Confinement, Animal cruelty, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Sexual harassment, Violence, Suicide attempt, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Gaslighting, and Physical abuse

sineadherself's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Writing: The writing and structure can be a bit choppy at times though ultimately it is a solid offering.

Much like the food Elizabeth makes, you will find nothing fancy here, but it gets the job done.

For those who like a bit more nuance in their writing they may find this story laid down with too blunt of an edge.

Character: The main character, Elizabeth Zott, remains consistent throughout and she will remain a fixture in your mind for a time after you've finished the last page.

However, some core supporting characters seemingly undergo personality transformations half way through and then, a little later, revert back to their original selves. No explanation is given for this and so it is quite jarring.

Plot: A woman in the 1950s & 1960s trying to exist in a world that doesn't understand her all while she continues to strive to be taken seriously.

Reading Experience: Ultimately, a pleasant read that leaves a lasting impression.

Overall: A decent book not without some problems but one that will ultimately entertain and possibly intrigue the reader.

Stars: 3.5 ⭐

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Ableism, and Death

Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape

Minor: Pedophilia, Suicide, and Child abuse

It's never mentioned in the book but if you know what you are looking at, Elizabeth, Calvin, & Madeline all read very much as autistic. The way Elizabeth talks about chemistry and illustrates how it is the prism through which she understands life is honestly beautiful. However, the way those around Elizabeth (and Madeline) treat them may be difficult to read for some autistic people. It reminded me of nothing more than the assessment for autism diagnosis. That is to say, a litany of all the ways being autistic has annoyed, angered, and otherwise bothered OTHER people. If you aren't in a place to read that kind of content, I'd skip this.

esmathteacher's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring reflective 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

I absolutely LOVED this book. If I hadn’t needed to work, I would’ve finished it in one sitting. Although there is a lack of diversity in any way beyond man & woman, the story is enticing and compelling. It is well written, moving, and a really cool new story about the experiences of women prior to women’s suffrage. One of my favorite reads of 2022!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual harassment, Rape, and Sexism

Minor: Ableism

sidal's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Bullying, Death, Misogyny, Abandonment, Car accident, Rape, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Bullying, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Ableism, Domestic abuse, Religious bigotry, Child death, and Pregnancy

Minor: Pedophilia