Lessons in Chemistry
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
February 2024
3 out of 5
HC Book Bees Book Club
“Because while musical prodigies are always celebrated, early readers aren’t. And that’s because early readers are only good at something others will eventually be good at, too. So being first isn’t special - it’s just annoying.”
Lessons in Chemistry is a book written from a narrators point of view, following the main character Elizabeth Zott through her life and careers. This book is based in 1960 where females were treated differently in the work place and had specific social standards; Miss Zott did not fit that at all. Elizabeth is a chemist and somehow finds herself to be on a TV show, Supper at Six to teach cooking.
“I did love your son, Miss Parker! Calvin Evans was the best thing that ever happened to me, he was the most brilliant, loving man; the kindest, the most interesting – I’m not sure how else to explain it, except to say we had chemistry. Actual chemistry. And it was no accident.”
Love story
Trigger warnings
Chemist/TV cooking show
Witty/ funny
Dog- six-thirty
Number 2 Pencil
Mother/ Daughter relationship
Religion
Feminism
Self worth
Similar to show- “Big Bang Theory”
Inequality
Honest opinion; I loved it but hated it. There is great character development, the plot line and story is easy to follow, it is written by a narrators POV which was perfect, but there was just something about it. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was, but something just didn’t make me love the book. In the end, the story came together even more and made more sense but it definitely took me a while to get through this book. Also, this is considered Historical Fiction which I usually love, but it seemed like the only thing that made it that was because the book was based on 1960 and the way they treated women, to me there was not a lot that made it historical fiction.
“Whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change - and change is what we're chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others' opinions of what you can and cannot achieve. And no more allowing anyone to pigeonhole you into useless categories of sex, race, economic status, and religion. Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what YOU will change. And then get started.”
P.S- There is a TV show now made based on the book on Apple TV. I am starting to watch it now, and I love it. After reading the book and then watching the TV I like the TV show better than the book and it’s makes more sense.
