A review by emray14
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

emotional hopeful mysterious medium-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? No

3.75

Elizabeth was a self centered, egotistical woman who genuinely seemed to have no care for the way in which her actions might affect those she cares about. Elizabeth continuously bashes stay at home moms and women in non-science fields, which is contradictory to her insistence that women can be anything (just so long as she approves). The book  gives just two sentences to racism and one sentence to homophobia. Her weird ass comparison of her interest in science to her dead brother’s queerness wholly misses the mark. 

The sweet moments were sweet and the sad moments were sad. When it wants to be emotional, it succeeds beautifully. The format was fun to read, what with all the changing povs, but the graphic sexual assault scene and Elizabeth’s selfishness kept this could-be fantastic book from reaching 5 stars.
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