Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel

For some reason, I just had a feeling this book would drag for me, and I I've been putting off reading it for months, but I loved it. 10/10. I love being a woman!

Such a great book! Bonnie Garmus did a fabulous job of crafting a story about a woman who decided to find her own path, especially in a time when that meant bucking against societal norms.

Listen, I understand the hypes especially as a raging feminist who's been so pissed off at this misogynistic-patriarchy-pretty-effing-trash world we currently live in (especially after the Rapist Orange Clown). I get it, and I enjoyed some of it. It was definitely written by a 21st century feminist like myself, for myself - I am 1000% her targeted audiences. But holy crap it is so unrealistic!
SPOILER BELOW

I know it's a work of fiction, but you know none of these satisfying feelings you get at the ending could ever happened in real life, in the 50's. And it's gut punching reality that hit me the hardest when I finished this book. The book didn't leave me hopeful like a happy ending should but sadness because both you and I know it takes so much more than being smart, that the obstacles us women facing everyday cannot be solved by simply just learn physics to win in rowing with men. Gah how I wish it was that easy.

As someone who likes chemistry, but doesn’t love the subject too much (sorry Organic Chemistry, you traumatized me!), this was such a good read! Set in the 1950s, Elizabeth Zott is one of my favorite female characters due to her early modern feminism, even though she completely believes in equality of the sexes. The Apple TV show was fantastic as well; loved Brie Larson! Not gonna lie, I did watch the show multiple times while reading this.

I loved the writing and the tone of this book- highly readable and at times very sweet and touching. My only complaint is that it was a tad heavy handed with the shear volume of awful things that happened to this woman. It was like they polled women in science in the 60’s and said “what is the worst thing that has happened to you?” and then used every single one with this character. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed all her relationships with the important people in her life- they were fully developed and heartfelt.