Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel

Lessons in Chemistry is a heartfelt, clever, and often touching novel about a brilliant woman navigating the rigid gender roles of the 1950s and ’60s. I went in expecting a heavy, somber story—the person who recommended this book leans heavily into historical fiction about war and immigrant sagas—but what I found to my surprise was instead a blend of historical fiction, science, social commentary, and an unexpectedly whimsical narrative voice... including a dog with a sizable vocabulary and deep emotional insight. I mean, whimsical!

Elizabeth Zott is a strong and determined lead, and I love books that center on capable, intelligent women pushing back against systems that try to reduce them. That part resonated deeply with me. That said, Zott often felt a little too perfect—a bit of a Mary Sue—and I found myself wishing for more vulnerability or unpredictability in her arc.

My biggest critique is the book’s heavy-handed approach to religion. While I respect a character’s right to wrestle with faith, the narrative’s tone leaned too hard into critique without much room for complexity or differing views. It pulled me out of the story at times.

Still, this is a rich, engaging read with memorable characters, a unique voice, and a clear passion for justice, science, and empowerment. Knowing that Six-Thirty was based on Garmus’ real dog only made me appreciate his presence more.

Recommended for readers who enjoy female-driven historical fiction with a touch of humor, heart, and chemistry—literal and figurative.

I loved the storyline! I was angry, I was sad, I was laughing, I was elated, I was frustrated—and I was PRAYING that 6:30 didn’t die!! (I seriously would’ve stopped reading!) This book made me feel all the feels. My one complaint? The underlying push that there is no God, based solely on the selfish, greedy behavior of certain clergy. But you can’t blame the architecture for the termites that destroy a house! How can we hold God—who is literally described as love (1 John 4:8)—responsible for the way His flock has been mishandled? It’s heartbreaking how some churches have painted God as cruel and uncaring, when that couldn’t be further from the truth. But their days are numbered—just read Revelation 17:16-18.

This book is amazing, and probably one of the best books I have ever read as part of a book club. Club. I had my doubts when I started it, because I don't really like "women's books", much less women's books that are chosen by a book club of all women. 😏 I got into this book right away though. I actually remember the forms of sexism that they talk about in this book, that still existed in the '70s, including the fact that women simply were not only not encouraged from entering scientific fields, but actively discouraged. If they even manage to make it all the way through their education in the '40s to the '60s, they always - and I mean always - ran into harassment and misogyny in any job field that they ended up finding entry into. The prejudices were almost Universal against all women working, much less working in male-dominated Fields. And it was not just in their professions that they ran into misogyny and oppression, but throughout society. I think it is incredibly well portrayed in this book, in that women had barely started making progress, but it was being made. I found almost every part of the portrayal of the individuals and American society in this time, believable. There are male characters in this book who are not misogynistic creeps, but the main character had a very difficult time finding such men, in her time. The book is at least 100% better than the movie they made out of it, especially in its portrayal women's relationships with each other, in particular, the neighbor who helps her eventually with child care. Without that less judgmental help that turned into a true friendship, the main character never would have been able to make it, even "just doing a cooking show". It is hard enough today to be close with other women, if you are not what they consider a standard woman. It was almost impossible in the '50s through the '60s and into the '70s. Not discounting anyone's difficulties. Even now in this area, we have made a tremendous amount of progress, which we are suddenly at risk of losing almost entirely. I am more surprised than I probably should be that by the number of women who gave this bad reviews and claimed they were Christians. You may not believe it, but this is 100% accurate in its portrayal of Christianity at the time, and the alleged impossibility of believing in both God and science. It is a "one sided" portrayal, only insofar as it was a one-sided society and Christianity at the time. Trust me, my mother and father met in seminary, and the minister being "wishy washy" in his discussions with the main character and her struggles with religious people and society were still radical - in that he was even willing to discuss theology and practical matters, with a woman, much less a non-believer.

This was the first book in our new club and everyone LOVED it.

Wonderful book!! Read it!