A review by kjpollard71
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

challenging emotional reflective sad

4.0

I'm torn on this review. I thought the writing was excellent, and the story compelling. HOWEVER, I am tired of books that make all religious people out to be hateful, bigoted nut jobs/criminals (the parents, the Bishop, Catholic home for unwed mothers), and those who stay in the church do so b/c they don't know what else to do (Wakely). They then proceed to pander/apologize to the "smart" people in their life and apologize for or deny any spiritual element in their lives. The only rational decent people are atheists/agnostics (Elizabeth and Calvin), or are decent in spite of their faith, which is shown only to oppress them (Harriet). I do not deny that many terrible things are done in the name of organized religion, but as a person of faith, I reject the notion that science and faith are mutually exclusive. You can be a Christian and have a moral compass, strong convictions AND compassion and mercy. You can speak the truth in love and help others with out looking down one's nose. 
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