Will I love Lessons in Chemistry?

There is almost nothing I didn’t love about this book.

I mean, I wouldn't say I loved *everything* about this book, but boy was it a fun ride! A strong and unique female heroine. An original plot. Tight writing with an engaging voice. Who knew chemistry could be so interesting?

This book came highly-recommended by my daughter-in-law, a discerning reader with an eye for quality fiction. From the opening pages I could see why readers around the globe love this story. It's a delightful blend of fresh, lively writing, an engaging protagonist who is ahead of her time, laser-sharp insights into the social structure of the early 1960s and flashes of humour that had me laughing aloud.

I became aware of Lessons in Chemistry through the Goodreads bestseller list and frequent emails recommending it. Based on the cover and even the description on Amazon, I dismissed any thoughts of reading the story, thinking it would be a lightweight tale of workplace romance. I was wrong.

Recently, my wife borrowed a copy from a library and, after reading it, told me the story was deeper than I had assumed. Curious, I thought I'd read the first few pages, expecting I would soon lose interest.

What I found was a fascinating story of a brilliant female scientist, struggling for… show more.

This global bestseller is hilarious and truly original.

It features the truly original character Elizabeth Zott, a research chemist who is determined to be her own woman even in sexist 1960s California. Sexism prevents Zott making it as a chemist, but she becomes a reluctant star when she becomes the host of a popular TV cooking show.

When the novel opens it’s the early 1960s and the only man who takes Zott seriously at her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute is the tall, awkward, brilliant Calvin Evans. The two lonely chemists from sad backgrounds fall in love. A few… show more.

An unabashed look behind the scenes of what life was/is likely like for women in the sciences. I suspect there are multiple thrown-away drafts in which Garmus rants and curses for pages. Instead of doing that, Garmus took the humorous path. Because who would believe it was that bad, really?
This book was a delight. I thought it would be male-bashing with anger on every page. Instead, it was nearly farcical. Characters were well-drawn; I felt their frustration. But I didn't throw the book across the room because it was too funny, too witty. And I really wanted to know… show more.

Ah, the story of a female scientist in everyday modern life--ignored at every turn, relegated to the lowest rung, misunderstood. And yet she prevails in her own way, not in terms of professional success, but in terms of holding to her science and to her self-esteem, while teaching her young daughter to do the same. Some might assume that women in science are more widely accepted nowadays. Um, to a small degree yes, but not as much as you might imagine. Six-thirty is the best character ever. I enjoyed every word of this book.

I watched the limited series first (twice!) and absolutely loved it. The book is even better. It explores so many themes about what it meant to be a woman in the 1950s as well as a woman pursuing science in that era. It deftly explores living together without marriage, racism, and other life complications of the time without being preachy or sentimental. It's immersive. The characters are compelling. The writing is exquisite.

This one is pure fun. It’s hard to believe no one thought to make a female chemist the star of a cooking show before! The story is witty and original, artfully combining the hard truths of being a scientist and a TV personality in male-dominated fields, with femininity and motherhood.

Sexism is rampant (obviously, it’s the 1950s), and the challenges the protagonist faces often seem insurmountable. Garmus takes these difficult themes seriously, while delivering them with humor and a lightheartedness that makes for a refreshing read.

Set in the 1950s and 60s, this story centers on Elizabeth Zott, a gifted research scientist determined to carve her place in the male-dominated, sexist scientific world. For female readers who have built careers in fields where white men establish and enforce the rules, Elizabeth's insights and common sense will resonate deeply. She is direct, impervious to political maneuvering, and unwavering in her identity: a research scientist.

While the compelling plot, driven by conflict, tragedy, and unexpected twists, is a strong foundation, the most impactful aspect of this impressive book, for me, is hearing Elizabeth's words echo my own experiences.