A review by meaghanslibrary
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

adventurous funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Other books I ranked I feel need to be readjusted based on how much I liked this book. I could not put it down (except when socially required to do so). 

This is a wonderful story of empowerment and chemistry, with a dash of cooking. I loved Elizabeth Zott she reminded me a bit of Eleanor Oliphant from “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” in that she says what’s on her mind with confidence and in a not cruel but honest way. 

Also, I loved the way all the bits of the story tied together almost like fate, pun intended (given the religious bits spoken throughout the book). Although it was predictable a bit the end, I appreciated that it came together in a nice bow. It made me happy the book ended yet bittersweet that it did because I wanted to be with the characters a little longer. Also I love the wise dog, Six-Thirty. He reminded me of the wise Octopus, Marcellus in “Remarkably Bright Creatures.”

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide, Sexism, Blood, Vomit, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Rape, Death, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Pregnancy

Minor: Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Physical abuse

The religious bigotry tag is actually more for the books discussion of hatred toward atheists so bigotry around the absence of religion rather than religious bigotry in the more common sense.