Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus

I kept seeing recommendations for Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus, everywhere I looked. Admittedly this didn’t sound like the type of book I’d usually reach for, but I figured I’d at least make an attempt…and oh my word. What a pleasant, captivating surprise!

It’s the early 1960’s in California where our main character, Elizabeth Zott, works as a chemist on an all male team. Due to the era in which she lived, there weren’t many opportunities for Elizabeth to flourish in her field and she finds herself reluctantly starring as the TV host of a cooking show geared toward housewives. Elizabeth is a single mom determined to prove her incredible intelligence to a world of men determined to undermine her capabilities.

While I usually don’t love a book with a lot of character development and backstory, I absolutely loved everything about those details in this novel. It all just worked and added to the overall vibe of the story. I wanted all those details because I wanted to know more about HER. I absolutely loved everything about Elizabeth in the most unassuming ways. She was quirky. Unintentionally witty. And downright badass. Her character made me feel proud to be a woman and left me feeling empowered. Elizabeth Zott one of my most favorite characters ever written!

This book was so smart. So incredibly well written. It made me feel every emotion imaginable.

I gave this one 5 out of 5 stars. I’ll definitely reach for this one again.

If you’re a fan of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Where’d You Go, Bernadette?, I really think you’ll love this too.

TW: misogyny; female oppression; sexual harassment; death of a loved one