Book Review: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Synopsis

The time is the 1960’s. The place is California. The heroine of the story is Elizabeth Zott. This book follows Zott through the many adventures that life puts her through.

Who is Elizabeth Zott?

Elizabeth Zott is a scientist in California during a time when female scientists do not really “exist.” She is a very attractive woman who couldn’t care less about how she looks. What Zott wants most is to be taken seriously as a scientist. Zott has a tough shell that gets tougher with every trying experience. Yet she never backs down and always stays true to who she really is.

The Story

Elizabeth Zott endures much discrimination and push-back during her path to becoming a scientist. She meets people who underestimate her. But she also meets people who support her and believe in her when she needs it most. Zott is also a single mother which leads her to an unexpected job filled with challenges as well as success. Zott becomes someone who inspires others to live like her and to never compromise who they truly are.

My Brief Review

My mom gave me this book as a gift. When she did, she also informed me that everyone who read this book absolutely loved it. So I went in with high expectations. The first time I sat down to read it, I read straight through for 80 pages and I would have kept going if I had the time.

The pace of this book is fantastic. It just clips along and the story keeps advancing naturally – you just want to keep reading. The characters are so well written and relatable. Zott’s experiences are well described so the reader really feels the weight of her predicaments. The conflicts that arise are captivating – I was anxious to see how things would unfold.

I am sure it is a different read for women who lived during the time that Elizabeth Zott lived. That said, reading it now is still so powerful no doubt thanks to the wonderful writing by Garmus. As you read the story, you understand the title even more. Chemistry is a part of everyone’s lives in ways that we don’t even realize. While it is fun learning a few things about the science side of chemistry, it is even more enjoyable to read about the chemistry between these characters. The relationships Garmus created are wonderful and definitely the highlight of the book.

“Whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change – and change is what we’re chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others’ opinions of what you can and cannot achieve.” – Bonnie Garmus, Lessons in Chemistry

The Mom Touch