A review by olivyre
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Spoilers!

This. Was. Excellent.

This woman is such a great writer. I couldn’t tell you specifically what elements of this story made it great, only that they clearly worked.

I love Elizabeth Zott and her straightforward no nonsense responses to anyone trying to ‘put her in her place’, it was so satisfying. 

And then Madeline was written with the same attitude but the understanding of a younger person yet with a very high intelligence. I could tell by their attitudes that Mad and Elizabeth were related but still Garmus wrote them so they were different from each other.

And I loved that 6:30 was given a voice.

Fuck the Patriarchy. Everyone should read this book.

‘’Whenever you start doubting yourself,’ she said, turning back to the audience, ‘ whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage Is the root of change - and change Is what we’re chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others’ opinions of what you can and cannot achieve. And no more allowing anyone to pigeonhole you Into useless categories of sex, race, economic status and religion. Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what you will change. And then get started.’’