Lessons in Chemistry

by Bonnie Garmus

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.

Genres: Audiobook

Unknown Binding

About the author

Bonnie Garmus is a copywriter and creative director who’s worked widely in the fields of technology, medicine, and education. She’s an open-water swimmer, a rower, and mother to two pretty amazing daughters. Born in California and most recently from Seattle, she currently lives in London with her husband and her dog, 99.

Reviews

[Monica Scafide]

Sad but fun story.

[Annika Svea Marie Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time I have read this book, this time the original version in english and I still love the story of Elizabeth Zott and her life. The details of the lovely characters and historical context of rising feminism.

[Lauren Smeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so much, had to reread.

[Sydney Orton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the beginning of this book. The story of Calvin and Elizabeth is unmatched. I related to Elizabeth when it came to her love for Calvin, as she didn’t want that stereotypical love, and I loved that she found him when she wasn’t looking. Life had brought two people together who were truly meant for each other as cheesy as it sounds. Some romance books aren’t very relatable because they don’t feel real or as precious as this did. I also loved Elizabeth’s passion for chemistry, and related to her in a lot of ways. I liked how she found family in so many different people. Walter, Mr. Mason, Harriet, reverend Waterby, and how she was real about many things in her life. She went through it all, and didn’t fit in. Life hadn’t been fair to her. Her perspectives are complex, sometimes dark, but real.

I didn’t always relate to her, at times I found us very different, but when I did feel that I still liked exploring the different perspectives. As I’ve been in school studying science I’ve found more of a belief for God, which was the reverse for Elizabeth. But that’s what’s fun about reading is exploring the minds of others.

There were things that made this book lose a couple stars, but ultimately I loved its depth. Would recommend for a deep EMPOWERING book. I loved when I read it that I felt capable of doing amazing things in my life, and sometimes the simplest things in life, (like cooking in this book) are meaningful. (Also as a nutrition major I loved the science aspects and the power of food)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Zott is a chemist, a cook, and a force of nature, but it's the 1960s and everyone keeps trying to put her in a box. if she's not harassed, she's ignored, or watching others take credit for her work. That's until she meets Calvin Evans, a fellow scientist with the capacity to envision a more equitable partnership than most of the couples they know have. Unfortunately, it ends all too soon and Elizabeth has to decide how to forge on and provide for her daughter without losing herself in the process.

Really, really good, and (sadly, in a way) though it's set on the 60s, all too relatable in how it touches on mom guilt, chosen family, how internalized sexism can cause women to turn on each other, the "boys club" in STEM fields that still exists, etc. It's hardly a romp (trigger warning for sexual assault) but it's ultimately uplifting and Elizabeth is a character you want to pull for.

[Portialovesbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unpopular opinion but I hate this book! It was supposed to be my first of the year. I only made it chapter 3 before I realized there are too many TBR to waste my time on this
To quote the book -
“Although she had long looked forward to it, as the story unfolded, she realized she didn’t find it funny at all. The lyrics were racist, the actors were white, and it was blatantly obvious that the female lead was going to be blamed for everyone else’s misdeeds. The whole thing reminded her of work. She decided to cut her losses and leave at intermission.”

[Sarah Hebel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really highlighted the challenges women faced in the 1950s–60s and how often they were overlooked or taken advantage of. There were definitely moments that made me frustrated, but I admired how Elizabeth Zott stood her ground. I also enjoyed getting to know the characters and following their stories.

It made me reflect on how far women have come, while also recognizing how far we still have to go. The author’s note at the end of the audiobook really stuck with me, especially the reminder that we’ve made progress, even if we’re not fully there yet.

[Amelia DuMez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique narrators voice - one not often represented well….the author makes the reader wait for a happy ending- Elizabeth seems to hit rock bottom a few times. The “plot twist” was a bit obvious and seemed weirdly long and emotional compared to the rest of the book, but satisfied the desire to see Elizabeth finally happy

[Jenn D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I enjoyed the strong characters. I found myself laughing because the woman character is my kind of noncompliant, feisty character. I also found times were I wanted to scream in anger. This one is a keeper for me.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful, intelligent read. There were lines in here that made me laugh hard, they were so clever and wry and insightful. Thank you, Bonnie Garmus. You are a truth-teller in a direct, humourous, honest, heart-warming way. Well done. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8

[Rita Hausmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great beach read.

[Reader Dalton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny. Entertaining. Nothing too deep. Had to make myself finish.