Helpful Score: 4
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus was definitely a "Bookstagram made me read it" novel! I love when the enthusiasm of fellow readers influences my reading more than the major marketing budgets of publishers. This book deserves all the praise it's received and more. I'm excited it will be the basis for a series on Apple TV.
This is historical fiction, but don't dismiss this if you don't usually read the genre. Set in the early 1960s, main character Elizabeth Zott is a woman ahead of her time. She's a talented scientist, but societal norms, a sexist boss, and a personal tragedy make it impossible for her to continue her career working in a lab.
When hosting a cooking show is her only viable employment option, she teaches chemistry lessons to her housewife viewers (and their children) while doing so. This reminded me of early days of America's Test Kitchen on PBS. This is just one example of Elizabeth doing things in the manner that makes sense to her regardless of the status quo. I could definitely learn something from her!
The characters in this novel are so memorable and include a rescued dog named Six-Thirty. I rarely re-read books, but I would definitely listen to the audiobook after first reading a print copy.
This is historical fiction, but don't dismiss this if you don't usually read the genre. Set in the early 1960s, main character Elizabeth Zott is a woman ahead of her time. She's a talented scientist, but societal norms, a sexist boss, and a personal tragedy make it impossible for her to continue her career working in a lab.
When hosting a cooking show is her only viable employment option, she teaches chemistry lessons to her housewife viewers (and their children) while doing so. This reminded me of early days of America's Test Kitchen on PBS. This is just one example of Elizabeth doing things in the manner that makes sense to her regardless of the status quo. I could definitely learn something from her!
The characters in this novel are so memorable and include a rescued dog named Six-Thirty. I rarely re-read books, but I would definitely listen to the audiobook after first reading a print copy.
Helpful Score: 3
This book was a delight! I wish I could read it again for the first time.
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed this book, but it brought out mixed feelings in me. With so many things going against her, Elizabeth Zott survives and thrives. It's amazing how far women have come and how far women still have to go. So many of the things Elizabeth experienced in the 1960s are still going on today in the classroom, relationships and workplace. I look forward to what Bonnie Garmus writes in the future.
Helpful Score: 1
I sometimes hesitate to read books that are trendy because when people say "you HAVE to read this" or "It's the best book ever" I often end up dissapointed. This is one of the exceptions where the book really does live up to the hype. The voice of the main character won me over as soon as I started it and I'm awfully glad I picked it up.
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic! I went out on a limb with this one and ended up loving it. I love it when that happens!
Helpful Score: 1
At times, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is funny. At times, it is heartbreaking. Some of it seems over the top. The book nevertheless resonates with me. It is set in the 1950s and 1960s. Yet, so many of the conversations â particularly about gender biases â continue today. To me, that often speaks to the success of a book. It takes me as the reader on a journey, and somewhere along the way, the readers see some part of their own journey reflected in it.
Read my completed review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2023/01/lessons-in-chemistry.html
Read my completed review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2023/01/lessons-in-chemistry.html
I read this book for my book club and absolutely loved it!
Back in 1950, Elizabeth Zott is sexually assaulted by Dr Meyers, her advisor at UCLA. As a result, she is kicked out of the doctoral program and ends up working at Hastings Research Institute. While at Hastings, working as a chemist, Elizabeth meets Calvin Evans in his private laboratory whilst borrowing beakers. After some time, the two of them fall in love and move in together. Unfortunately, Calvin dies in a tragic accident just as he is walking their dog, Six-Thirty. Soon after, Elizabeth discovers that she is pregnant and Hastings fires her. Miss Frask, secretary from Personnel, realizes that she is with child and informs her that she is in violation of the code of conduct.Â
Following her dismissal from Hastings, Elizabeth decides to transform her kitchen into a laboratory. During this time, Dr Boryweitz, her former employer, requires her assistance in deciphering test results thus, she begins charging for her time and expertise. Shortly after the birth of Madeline, Elizabeth discovers how overwhelming it is to be a single working mother and, for the first time, meets her neighbor, Harriet Sloane. Harriet notices how overwhelmed and exhausted Elizabeth is and tells her to call her anytime she needs her. Additionally, Harriet tells Elizabeth to "take a moment for herself, everyday".
When Madeline is four years old, Elizabeth elects to send her to kindergarten since she is bigger than other five-year-olds and a better reader. Simultaneously, she accepts her old Chemist position back at Hastings. Regrettably, her former employer pulls the old "bait and switch" and, gives her the underemployed position of Lab Tech instead. Madeline is struggling to make friends hence, she gives Amanda, a fellow student, her lunch in exchange for her friendship. Elizabeth notices that her daughter is not eating her lunch therefore, she goes to the television studio to talk to Walter Pine regarding the "quid pro quo" that his daughter has with Madeline. Consequently, she is offered the position of television host for the daily show "Supper at Six" about cooking a nutritious dinner using chemistry.Â
My favorite quote in the book is "Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself."Â Elizabeth's signature catchphrase that she uses at the end of every show.Â
Back in 1950, Elizabeth Zott is sexually assaulted by Dr Meyers, her advisor at UCLA. As a result, she is kicked out of the doctoral program and ends up working at Hastings Research Institute. While at Hastings, working as a chemist, Elizabeth meets Calvin Evans in his private laboratory whilst borrowing beakers. After some time, the two of them fall in love and move in together. Unfortunately, Calvin dies in a tragic accident just as he is walking their dog, Six-Thirty. Soon after, Elizabeth discovers that she is pregnant and Hastings fires her. Miss Frask, secretary from Personnel, realizes that she is with child and informs her that she is in violation of the code of conduct.Â
Following her dismissal from Hastings, Elizabeth decides to transform her kitchen into a laboratory. During this time, Dr Boryweitz, her former employer, requires her assistance in deciphering test results thus, she begins charging for her time and expertise. Shortly after the birth of Madeline, Elizabeth discovers how overwhelming it is to be a single working mother and, for the first time, meets her neighbor, Harriet Sloane. Harriet notices how overwhelmed and exhausted Elizabeth is and tells her to call her anytime she needs her. Additionally, Harriet tells Elizabeth to "take a moment for herself, everyday".
When Madeline is four years old, Elizabeth elects to send her to kindergarten since she is bigger than other five-year-olds and a better reader. Simultaneously, she accepts her old Chemist position back at Hastings. Regrettably, her former employer pulls the old "bait and switch" and, gives her the underemployed position of Lab Tech instead. Madeline is struggling to make friends hence, she gives Amanda, a fellow student, her lunch in exchange for her friendship. Elizabeth notices that her daughter is not eating her lunch therefore, she goes to the television studio to talk to Walter Pine regarding the "quid pro quo" that his daughter has with Madeline. Consequently, she is offered the position of television host for the daily show "Supper at Six" about cooking a nutritious dinner using chemistry.Â
My favorite quote in the book is "Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself."Â Elizabeth's signature catchphrase that she uses at the end of every show.Â
The best book I've read so far this year! Great story, awesome characters, funny, sad and full of hope! Highly Recommend!
Elizabeth Lott is a chemist. She is a single mother who is the most beloved star of a cooking show called "Supper at Six." Her unusual approach to cooking "one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride" proves revolutionary. Elizabeth is not just teaching women to cook, she's daring them to change the status quo. This is a laugh-out-loud funny book that will keep you in stitches until the end. It has unique characters that are easy to relate to. Bonnie Garmus' writing is very engaging and has a lot of emotional substance. I look forward to reading Bonnie's next book. If you love books that are funny and emotional, then you will love this book. I highly recommend this book.
so so many people have already read this book. so i'll just pop in to share a few things. firstly, i listened to the audiobook and there is an interview at the end with the author which was the absolute best part of the book for me. second favorite part was elizabeth zott's cooking show "dinner at 6". however unrealistic it was (remember, guys, this is FICTION), she really inspired her female audience. my favorite character was by far "mad". what a quirky, smart, sensitive, kind and inquisitive kid.
A great novel - couldn't put it down
Wry, witty humor with a feminist theme; very fun to read. I highly recommend it. You'll want to buy a copy for a female friend as a gift!
