A review by apriltrepagnier
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

emotional inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Book 1 for 2025 is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Published in 2022, it has been on my TBR for about that long. Honestly, the cover put me off. I know, I know. But, something about this particular book art trend just doesn’t do it for me. 

 

However, after a few dozen recommendations, the clip of Brie Larson as the protagonist, Elizabeth Zott (excellent casting, I think), telling an audience member that she could, in fact, be an open heart surgeon (the story spans the late ‘50s, early ‘60s), and having nothing pressing during the last part of my winter break, I decided to give it a go. 

 

This book read for me like The Help by Kathryn Stockett – I found it mostly dreadful as far as novels go while being utterly incapable of putting it down; I could not walk away from the story. Frustrating, hyperbolic, and plausible only in fiction, I was captivated by the characters. They lack complexity and nuance and are mostly improbable in the wild. However, although my eyes rolled, I continued to turn the page without an arm-twist. I never once considered not finishing it. 

 

I probably won’t make time for the series; as lovely as Aja Naomi King is, choosing to age down the “we are saving each other neighbor” Harriet Slone an entire generation makes me nervous. I am glad I found a bit of downtime to check this off the list. I don’t know that I would recommend it, but I wouldn’t dissuade an interest either.