Book Review: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

For Elizabeth Zott, chemistry is everything. It’s her first love, her passion, and her purpose. But in the 1950s, when all women are expected to aspire to is marriage and motherhood, making chemistry a career poses a certain set of challenges. From an abhorrent incident as a student at UCLA to sexist managers once she finally does land a job in her field to jealous, opportunistic male co-workers who vacillate between demeaning her and seeking her assistance, Elizabeth faces resistance everywhere she turns. But one person believes in her: Calvin Evans, a literal lanky giant both revered and reviled by his colleagues, and the reason Hastings Research Institute, their mutual workplace, can keep the lights on. Calvin and Elizabeth’s connection is almost instant (save for the short period of time where they hate each other), and their chemistry, both personally and professionally, is undeniable, much to the disgust of their peers. The two perpetual loners find family and fortitude in each other and create a world that is wholly theirs. But Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in Chemistry is not strictly a love story. Or, at least, not in the way you might think.

Fast-forward a few years and Elizabeth has left the Hastings Institute, now hosting a PBS-type cooking show that is sweeping the nation. Supper at Six is unlike any public access show before it. Sure, it’s set in a state-of-the-art kitchen and filmed before a live studio audience, but there are no fluffy chats about oven mitts and aprons, or tips on how to fold a napkin just right. No, every weekday during the Afternoon Depression Zone, a term her producer uses, when exhausted housewives need a break from their duties, Elizabeth cooks up lessons in chemistry, complete with scientific names for common ingredients (sodium chloride in place of salt for example), and an easel often filled with complex equations. Soon, women everywhere are exploring STEM, and Elizabeth Zott finds herself at the helm of a revolution. But with the success, respect, and pay grade she’s always deserved, there’s still a burning question only she can answer: is this really what she is meant to do?

Filled with brilliant writing, well-developed characters, and a cleverly-woven plot, Lessons in Chemistry is a truly unique novel that is well-paced and hard to put down. As a woman living in this century, it was amazing to think about how far we’ve come, and also important to acknowledge that it still isn’t nearly far enough. But this is no sob story, though there are plenty of moments throughout the book that may make you want to cry. At its core, Chemistry is a story of empowerment, independence, perseverance, friendship, and love in all its forms. It is, without a doubt, one of my favorite books of 2022 so far.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Buy Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus HERE.

Review: Book of the Month

There are strictly two types of readers in this world: those who always know what they want to read, and those who want to read everything but don’t know where to start. I fall into the latter category without question. I’ve got lists all over the place of books that I’ve read about and find interesting, but when it comes down to picking what to buy and read next, I suddenly feel terribly overwhelmed. And though the feeling of indecision when choosing a new book will always be a part of who I am, a newly-discovered, 94-year-old service has helped make the process much simpler for me this past year: Book of the Month.

How Book of the Month works:

Each month, a curated list of 5 new releases ranging in romance to non-fiction is announced, and members are invited to choose one from the list to make their Book of the Month for $15. If more than one title catches their eye, they can add up to two more books (either from that month or previous ones) to their box at a deeply discounted price. if they don’t like any of that month’s books, they can always choose to skip. When a month is skipped, the member won’t be charged, and their credit rolls into the next month.

Why I like it:

Along with the expected synopses of each book, Book of the Month also enlists the help of guest judges who not only tell you why they love the book but why you will, too. Past and current BOTM judges have been singer Alicia Keys, actor Abbi Jacobson, and author Jasmine Guillory, just to name a few.

Another cool thing to mention is that Book of the Month makes deals with publishers to offer early releases of highly-anticipated titles, many of which, go on to become monster bestsellers. It’s like being in an exclusive club of readers who know how special a book is before everyone else. And while all books that are curated for the month are new, Book of the Month also features some older or not-as-well-known titles that are available for purchase as well.

Is Book of the Month worth it?

This is a fantastic service for people like me who love to have a sample of the latest titles presented in such a way that limits the feeling of being overwhelmed. It takes a ton of the guesswork out of what to read next and gets you excited for what new releases are on the horizon, especially if you’ve been in a bit of a reading rut. But, having said that, this is not a service for readers whose “to be read” piles grow faster than books can be replaced. Book of the Month allows members to skip any month, but if you find yourself skipping two or more months in a row because you’re running out of room for the books you’ve got, this service ultimately might not be worth it for you.

Want to learn more about BOTM? Click HERE!