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A review by popgoesbitty
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
4.0
CWs: rape, suicide, sexual abuse involving a child
I'm confident had I not read this through the last miserable days of my pregnancy, in the throws of a 24 hour labor, and during the first few exhausting days with a newborn, it may have become one of my favorite books of all time. However, some really unfair associations on my end prevented me from enjoying its full potential. But even with all that looming over me as I read, I can still say Lessons in Chemistry was an exceptionally good book.
Though the cover suggests a lighter read, know that this was a truly character-driven piece of literary fiction that dives into some dark stuff. That said, it's also hilarious. I don't often laugh out loud as I read, but this one had me howling. Elizabeth is an incredible protagonist and every other character she touches is made better by her presence.
There were a couple things about the book I could've done without. I thought the dog as a "character" was a little over the top and even shoved the book over into fantastical territory at times. It felt out of place. I wished the cooking show entered the plot a little sooner than 60-ish% of the way through the book, but that's probably due to my being a plot-driven gal.
Overall, Lessons in Chemistry is a book that requires patience but has a huge payoff and is written exceptionally well.
I'm confident had I not read this through the last miserable days of my pregnancy, in the throws of a 24 hour labor, and during the first few exhausting days with a newborn, it may have become one of my favorite books of all time. However, some really unfair associations on my end prevented me from enjoying its full potential. But even with all that looming over me as I read, I can still say Lessons in Chemistry was an exceptionally good book.
Though the cover suggests a lighter read, know that this was a truly character-driven piece of literary fiction that dives into some dark stuff. That said, it's also hilarious. I don't often laugh out loud as I read, but this one had me howling. Elizabeth is an incredible protagonist and every other character she touches is made better by her presence.
There were a couple things about the book I could've done without. I thought the dog as a "character" was a little over the top and even shoved the book over into fantastical territory at times. It felt out of place. I wished the cooking show entered the plot a little sooner than 60-ish% of the way through the book, but that's probably due to my being a plot-driven gal.
Overall, Lessons in Chemistry is a book that requires patience but has a huge payoff and is written exceptionally well.