Lessons in Chemistry

By Bonnie Garmus

Book Overview

#1 GLOBAL BESTSELLER WITH MORE THAN 8 MILLION COPIES SOLD - Meet Elizabeth Zott: "a gifted research chemist, absurdly self-assured and immune to social convention" (The Washington Post) in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show. - STREAM ON APPLE TV+

This novel is "irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel" (The New York Times Book Review) and "witty, sometimes hilarious...the Catch-22 of early feminism" (Stephen King, via Twitter).

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek

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.

Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 038554734X
• ISBN13: 9780385547345
• Release Date: April 2022
• Publisher: Doubleday Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Inspiring!

Great story of how life was like for women in the 60s and how one lady inspired thousands.

SOOO overrated. So bad.

Read other books.

Great mix of chemistry and life.

I had been waiting to read this book for so long. It was worth the wait. Awesome book.

Love

So good & I loved the humor!

Cannot believe how good this book is!

Good God! I had no idea! Quite believably one of the best, if not the best book I’ve read in years. The movie was very good, if not great. The book, however, is miles above that, at a whole new level. Not only that, but it’s not just beautifully written, but expertly written. I was even teary at the end. Miss Zot is the unflattering epitome of the original thinker, unspoiled by any cultural norm and truly inspired by a creative brain. She handles overwhelming disaster with an outward grace but not without winnowing agony and pain. A true crusader and brave soldier threading her way through the accidental as well as the man made pitfalls is a great example to all of us fellow travelers.

More Power of Women

Lessons in Chemistry is an amusing story with moments of heartbreak about a woman who courageously speaks her mind. It shows how tough it was for 1950's women to make a place for themselves. This is an easy read that’s as appealing as it is readable for you to enjoy Lessons in Chemistry. This was a fun read that I highly recommend.

Love love love

There is nothing I love more than a book about a strong woman - and this is that book. Just a fantastic read from start to finish!

Don’t believe the hype

If you had no idea that women weren’t afforded equal rights in the 50s and you want to read a book that has the protagonist surviving with men’s help or hobbies- this is for you. Be ready to be bored!

Powerful and Beautiful

This book made me feel every emotion that I am capable of feeling. I am so proud to be a woman and strive to be more like Elizabeth Zott every single day!

Wow, this is a great read!

This story engages the reader from the very first paragraph. Highly readable, fast-paced story from a strong female point of view. I couldn’t put this book down. I highly recommend it.

Love it

Love the main character. She never strays from her true self no matter what happens to her. Really a gem of a book.

An amazing read

Loved the characters and the lens of a strong woman