Reviews

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

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gunillamosman's review

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4.5

De personages zijn echt uitersten, of je gaat ze haten of je gaat enorm van ze houden

serenityofbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

There is a reason why I’m currently seeing this book appear on lots of “Favourite Books of 2022” lists at the moment and I’ve just discovered what it is!

Lessons is Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a highly entertaining, original book that I devoured in 2 days. I couldn’t get enough and think I’m going to have a little book hangover after this one!

Set in early 1960’s California, Elizabeth Zott is a highly intelligent scientist who against the odds is working in a very male dominated laboratory when she meet her soulmate, Calvin Evans. Calvin is a brilliant nobel prize nominated scientist and different to the other men she works with; he considers her his equal. When a cruel twist of fate, leaves Elizabeth an unemployed single mother she reluctantly takes a role presenting a TV cooking show, Supper at Six. She decides if she is going to teach the women of America to cook she needs to do it her way which is using her unique chemistry background and her trademark honesty. In doing so she empowers women from around the country to change the status quo and follow their dreams regardless of what society to tells them they can do.

There is so much more to this book than a woman & a cooking show. I heisted to read this book when it came out in March after reading the synopsis as I wrongly thought that it wasn’t for me. It’s about gender inequality and the way society as a whole think it has a right to judge women in a way men are never judged. And even though we like to think things are so much different now than in the 1960’s there are still so many themes here that are still true today. Women still come up against obstacles in the workforce and at home that men never have to deal with.

Elizabeth Zott is one of those fictional characters who will stay with me as I move through life. Her refreshing perspective and trailblazing attitude really left me feeling hopeful. The cast of characters in Elizabeth’s life really add to the richness of the storyline but my favourite was without a doubt the dog, Six Thirty. I absolutely loved him!

I highly recommend this book to anyone – there really is something in this book for everyone! It’s funny, heartbreaking, joyous, infuriating and thought provoking– sometimes all in the same paragraph!

tmika's review against another edition

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5.0

This book made me feel that I owe so much more to my female predecessors than I ever give them credit for. The story was captivating, even though I was wondering the whole time where the main plot was. While parts were emotionally painful to read, I loved the characters that were brought to life and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good read.