Warning Warning Warning:
Lessons in Chemistry is a book that will make you smile, get hot under the collar, shed a tear or two and make you turn the pages and not put it down.
Bonnie Garmus has written this book and it's a winner in my opinion. Today is the day that you can get this book in hardcopy or you can read it from Kindle Unlimited!
Lessons in Chemistry takes place in the late 1950's early 1960's. For anyone who grew up during that time period, you know as many women today still know, there is a disconnect in society when it comes to intelligent, talented, women in sciences. It is getting better these days, but for Elizabeth Zott life was not easy at all.
Elizabeth was a scientist, a chemist to be exact. Her intelligence and understanding of complicated chemical processes is far superior to many of her male counterparts. She, herself, is never taken seriously though!
She does manage to get a job at a Research Facility and there meets Calvin Evans another scientist who has the same intense understanding of Chemistry as Elizabeth. He takes her seriously and they work side by side making good progress on their existing projects.
Falling in love wasn't quite in the books for either Calvin or Elizabeth, science was their first love. But another type of chemistry starts to blossom.
Calvin, because of his "elevated" position at Hasting Research, is able to pave the way for Elizabeth to continue working in the research labs. She has him to thank for the position she currently has.
But, like all things, nothing is static and things are always changing. When Elizabeth is no longer welcome in the labs(due to changes in her personal life), her natural good looks and a sense of desperation, take her to afternoon TV and a cooking show.
There are so many twists and turns coming that I would be giving away too much of the plot to tell you more here.
Let me just say that I could not put this book down.
Smart women, glass ceilings, misogenistic groups all play a part in Elizabeth Zott's life. What she does about it, is what makes this book such a good read.
Put this book on your "TO READ" list, you won't be disappointed!
You had me at 1950s, early 60s - a time period I know well. And Elizabeth Zott sounds like just the type of character I'd like to get to know. Thanks for your recommendation of this interesting sounding book.
ReplyDeleteYou will enjoy it for sure Pat! I hope you get a chance to read it.
DeleteSounds like an excellent book! The fact that she ends up on TV with a Cooking Show makes me want to find our how she handled that - and did she get the last laugh (so to speak) - Her character seems to describe the 50s and 60s (and even today in some cases)
ReplyDeleteI am sure there are women around who still relate very much to this senario. I loved the way she was able to take her chemistry knowledge to the public in her TV show.
DeleteThis sounds like a great book, Olivia, and one that I would also enjoy reading. We are all aware of the struggles that many have to just get that chance to prove themselves capable.
ReplyDeleteIt's getting better for women in sciences and other fields, but the glass ceiling is still very much alive. It is a struggle, but the character Elizabeth Zott handles things in such different ways! It really is a good book.
DeleteThis is definitely going on my must-read list, Olivia! My mom was a smart, capable working woman in the 50s and 60s, and as my dad’s office manager (and secretarial supervisor), her competence and people skills helped make his professional success possible. She later moved on to have her own, independent, successful career and was an amazing role model for all three of her kids (male and female). I can easily see myself experiencing the gamut of emotions you mentioned as I read this book.
ReplyDeleteWith that as your background Margaret, I'm sure that you would enjoy this book immensely! I picked it out of a line up and had no idea what the story line would be. I really enjoyed it and could relate to so many of the things going on!
DeleteSounds like a fun book. Thanks for the recommend.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good book with serious subject matter done in a light hearted way. It really hits home for those who were in the fore front of breaking glass ceilings....
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