Lessons in Chemistry
Garmus, BonnieThe only certain thing is change ... something that Elizabeth Zott can attest to, not only in her work as a research chemist battling the gender inequality of the time, but in her life in general. It is California in the 1950s and 60s, so when Elizabeth becomes pregnant, she loses her job. But change is afoot... and as the reluctant star of a TV cooking show, she initiates her own quiet revolution.
Engaging and entertaining, this satisfying story, with its quirky and resourceful heroine, illuminates the sexism and misogyny of decades past.
Pages
386
386
Year
2022
2022
Reviews
01-11-2023
Excellent book. All ten of our members read it, which is practically unheard of!
16-10-2023
9 out of 10 of our group really, really enjoyed this book! So entertaining and an eye opener to being a working woman in the 1950s.
13-10-2023
We all loved this book a lot. A joyous read although it tackled the trauma of losing a loved one. Positive, uplifting and humorous.
05-10-2023
We almost universally loved this book! Such discussions ensued on SO many topics. We admired Elizabeth and how she just went on as if 'well, this is how it should be done'. The characters were great or awful depending on the roles, entirely appropriately. We look forward to the series.
04-10-2023
4.0/5.0 'Lessons in Chemistry' is an empowering novel written for all readers to grow from and enjoy. Though set in the past, the struggles that the main character, Elizabeth, endured are still relevant. Through the use of believable characters, the author poses several important questions. Who gets to decide what we can, and should, do What is smart An achievable concept, or simply a weapon used to further divide people Our own lives can be reflected upon as we ponder these questions, hopefully growing to appreciate that our worth can be more than whatever box others placed us in.
21-08-2023
A simply wonderful read, a laugh-out-loud story which delighted all of us. We loved the dog 'Six-Thirty' and daughter 'Mad', and how she refused to be corralled like the women of the 60s were.
16-08-2023
All enjoyed the book - a fun read on sadly familiar themes.
14-08-2023
All of our group really enjoyed this book. Lots of surprises and lots of layers, all keep the reader entertained/amazed and wondering what was going to happen next. A great read with some great messages.
31-07-2023
An absolutely delightful read, enjoyed by all 10 members without exception. It provoked a lively, funny conversation.
24-07-2023
All members of our group really enjoyed the book. Many were reminded of how things had been for women in the 50s/60s.
13-07-2023
Stimulated a lively discussion about women and their place in society. Was this theme over-played in this book Notwithstanding, it was the first book this year that everyone in the group enjoyed.
06-07-2023
Everyone enjoyed it!
05-07-2023
All comments were positive! Fabulous writing, easy to read, entertaining, loved the dog, brilliant and so on - never before have the group's opinions been so aligned - a great read.
03-07-2023
This book was enjoyed by everyone, although we felt it was a little predictable. Characters were good and we loved the dog. Refreshing!!
29-06-2023
Everyone in our group loved the book. A very enjoyable read and makes us appreciate how far things have come but that there is still room for improvement with equality in the workplace, perhaps in some fields more so than others. We all loved the magic that Six-Thirty brought to the book as a character and we enjoyed the questions - they prompted some great discussion.
27-06-2023
Overall the group enjoyed the book, but found there were far too many discussion questions.
07-06-2023
Everyone really appreciated the book. Not always a comfortable read facing some very uncomfortable issues, but done in a witty and quirky way. Full of 'moments', gems and wisdom.
08-05-2023
Much enjoyed by most of our group. We appreciated the deadpan humour and reflections on the life of a woman in the 1960s. Some felt the number of coincidences was extreme and overly used but generally agreed it was a good read.
03-05-2023
We loved the book. A serious issue covered with style and humour. We found many laugh out loud moments. A first novel - hope there are many more.
13-03-2023
Light read. Enjoyed by all. Discussions mainly centred on the use of humour to approach such a serious topic - misogyny - and why the writer chose this style.