A review by cwallace1005
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

emotional reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

 I read the little snippet about how Bonnie Garmus disagreed with the cover of this book because it looks more like a cute romcom than a book about a feminist scientist and her struggle in the patriarchal-heavy 1960s. And while I agree that the plot of the book is heavier than the cover implies, I would counter that the writing style was basically cute romcom. The writing and some of the fantastical elements of the book made it read like it was YA, but the content is definitely adult-focused. The first third had me worried that I wasn't going to like this book, but after that I flew through it. It's easy to read, enjoyable, and has endearing characters (think "Man Called Over" or "Eleanor Oliphant"). Once I got used to the writing style and the weird Six-thirty perspectives, I really liked the book and the way little mysteries and storylines came together. 
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