A review by sara_phoenix
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 It’s the 1960’s, and Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant chemist.  Unfortunately, she is the only one who sees it this way. Whether she is working on her graduate degree at UCLA or in her position at the Hastings Research Institute, her all-male colleagues treat her as a doormat, eye candy or both.  Enter Calvin Evans – a quirky Nobel prize nominated chemist, a rower, and a hater of cold-weather.  When they literally collide outside of work, well, chemistry ensues.  Through a series of unexpected twists and turns, Elizabeth becomes a mother, obtains a dog and teaches him over 600 words, and begins to host an accidentally successful TV show called Supper at Six.  
 
Lessons in Chemistry is Bonnie Garmus debut novel – a study in how one women sees life through the world of chemistry. It is part love story, part historical fiction, and a guide to being the best version of yourself.  The story is mesmerizing, and the characters in this book were perfectly developed. Garmus expertly wrote them with such tender care, and you’ll want to keep turning pages to see what happens next.  Elizabeth is the perfect protagonist – full of confidence, gumption, determination, and grit.  She’s the women we all want to know; the woman we strive to be.  Her daughter Mad is inquisitive, insightful, and precocious.  And her dog, Six-Thirty, is the best literary good boy with four legs there ever was.  The supporting characters were also well-developed and layered, adding additional charm and complexity to Elizabeth and the story.  You’ll laugh out loud, you’ll cry, and you’ll have that feeling when you turn the last page that you’re a better human for having spent time on some Lessons in Chemistry. 
 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings