Reviews with content warning for Eating disorder - Lessons in Chemistry

I was initially turned off by this book due to the cover and title - it appeared like one of those dime-a-dozen romance books I tend to avoid. But my amazing mother, a woman in science who has been my inspiration since childhood, highly recommended it and gifted it to me as a Christmas present. And boy, am I so glad she did.

This book was fantastic, compelling, and simultaneously infuriating. Every other page, I felt myself coming to Elizabeth's defense on every side. It angered me so deeply the way she was treated, that I started bookmarking every time someone said or did something genuinely kind to her. Total number: 20. If you are sensitive to sexism, I'd advise you to brace yourself.

HOWEVER.

Elizabeth was a compelling character to me, and I kept reading just to watch her shine as herself despite her hardships. Some people may have issues with her pragmatic, blunt, and very literal personality, but I actually really enjoy characters like Elizabeth! I choose to interpret her mannerisms as indicative of autism, which made her relatable and endearing to me.

If you have been turned away by the cover, I do encourage you to try Lessons in Chemistry. It's a wonderful story of empowering women, overcoming enormous adversity, and finding the true meaning of family.

Content Warnings

trippalli's review

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective tense fast-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? It's complicated

4.75

An excellent feminist book set in the 50d, 60s.. the characters are amazing as is their love, loses and the community built in this story, from defiant smart children to scientist women and single dad's this pushes all the boundaries, these and many many more, that society has deemed okay and accepted, then and now.

The first chapter, or near beginning had a harsh rape scene. If that triggers you I'd skip the beginning.. The bum gets better and better and while rape is a valid real concern this scene is so realistic and horrifying, that while she fights him off I would've rather skipped it. Keep reading though this book is amazing and full of wonderful people and their stories. Please read it, just skip the beginning if rape is triggering
A very good story, the warning flags are many but it's more in citing wrongs done and society and suicidal issues.. The family and community story overall is quite beautiful..a story of overcoming hardships and succeeding

Content Warnings

bexh's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful sad slow-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? It's complicated

3.75

Content Warnings

juli_powers's review

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challenging funny hopeful inspiring medium-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

3.5

The topics presented can be difficult to read at times. others, I found myself laughing out loud as I read. A lot is extremely exaggerated and at times took away from the story, but I loved the dogs perspective and protective nature, Mads character, and the way each character managed to get their name. Overall I enjoyed the story and couldn't put the book down.

Content Warnings

sunflowersarepretty's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

LOOK AT TRIGGER WARNINGS!

Elizabeth Zott is the epitome of a femenist, a woman, a scientist, a mother, and an icon. bThis book depicts how women are treated less in every sense of the word when it comes to so many situations. The book is fantastically written. The emotions this book has drawn from me... I truly reccomend this book, although, and again, do look at trigger warnings.

Content Warnings

ejs2000's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative 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? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

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