Review and quotes: LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY

 

Title: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 

Book Beginnings quote:

Friday56 quote (from page 23, last page of preview):

Summary: Elizabeth Zott is a chemist. But the 1950s are not kind to women who want to use their brains instead of just looking lovely and staying home as housewives.  When she finally gets a job as a chemist she is relegated to work which doesn't interest her because her boss can't see talent, only her gender. But when Elizabeth meets Calvin Evans, a talented and much-lauded chemist, she finds that he likes her for her brain and everything changes for her. True chemistry occurs. But science, like life has to follow its own rules. That is why, several years later, Elizabeth finds herself as a single mother and the star of a cooking show called Supper at Six. As she teaches others to cook using chemistry is also finds herself challenging other women to go for their dreams.

Review: When I began this book skepticism crept in to my brain. I've had a summer full of bad reading choices and I thought it was just going to be a silly love story or something awkwardly funny like the book Where'd You Go, Bernadette. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this book had quite a bit of substance. It did have the quirky, funny scenes, but the message was clear -- women deserve to be appreciated for their brains and to have their talents appreciated. The book has a lot to say

In fact, Lessons in Chemistry is one of my favorite books of this summer. I've already suggested that both of my daughters read it, and hope my book club considers it for a future meeting.

In addition to enjoying the book, I also enjoyed the author interview at the end of the audiobook. It made me very curious about the author. Bonnie Garmus is an older first time author but has been a copy editor for years. She once lived in Seattle and likes to swim in open water and loves to row. Her dog is named 99. The last two pieces of information will make their way into Lesson in Chemisty. And that makes me smile.

The book is 400 pages long, which qualifies it for the Big Book Summer Challenge hosted by Sue at Book by Book.

Book Beginnings on Friday is hosted by Rose City Reader. Share the opening quote from current book.
The Friday56 is hosted at Freda's Voice.  Find a quote from page 56 to share. 
Visit these two websites to participate. Click on links to read quotes from books other people are reading. It is a great way to make blog friends and to get suggestions for new reading material.  

 

-Anne