Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Review

I just wrapped up “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garments, and let me tell you, this book is going to set a book club on fire. It’s got layers upon layers, and I’m itching to unpack them all next week.

My Review

Alright. 

It’s the 1950s, and we meet Elizabeth, a driven young woman with a passion for chemistry. She’s navigating the academic world, striving for her doctorate, when she’s blindsided by sexual abuse. It’s gut-wrenching, and right from the get-go, you’re in this whirlwind of frustration and injustice. 

I mean, can you imagine being kicked out of school because nobody believes you? 

It’s a punch to the gut.

But Elizabeth doesn’t give up. 

She lands a job at a company where she’s supposed to be living her dream, but guess what? 

There are hurdles at every turn. 

Her boss? 

Total nightmare. 

He sees her as nothing more than someone who can’t hack it. 

But then there’s Calvin, this guy at work who’s on the same wavelength as her. Their chemistry (pun intended) is undeniable, and soon enough, they’re a thing.

What makes Calvin different? 

He’s all for smashing those 1950s stereotypes. He believes in Elizabeth’s dreams, supports her ambitions, and isn’t hung up on outdated gender roles. 

It’s refreshing to see a male character like him, especially in that era.

Now, hold onto your hats because here comes the twist: Elizabeth ends up hosting a cooking show, but she flips the script. Instead of just recipes, she infuses it with chemistry. 

At first, everyone thinks she’s lost it, even the guy who roped her into it. But guess what? The audience eats it up (pun intended again). 

Turns out, it’s not just about chemistry; it’s about empowerment. 

The show becomes this beacon of hope for women across America, showing them they can break free from societal norms.

But here’s where I hit a snag. 

While I’m all for championing women’s rights, I can’t help but feel a tad uneasy about how stay-at-home moms are portrayed. 

It’s like the book unintentionally looks down on that choice. I mean, come on, women should be able to choose whatever path they want without judgment. 

If being a mom is their jam, that’s awesome too. Let’s not forget that.

Despite this tiny hiccup, I’m slapping a fat five stars on this book. 

Why? 

Because the characters are gold. 

Elizabeth? 

She’s a force to be reckoned with. 

Her journey, her struggles, her triumphs—it’s all so darn relatable. 

And Calvin? 

He’s the kind of guy you wish existed in every era. Their banter, their connection, it’s the heart of the story.

Oh, and did I mention 630? 

That’s the dog, folks, and he steals the show. Seriously, this pooch is smarter than half the humans in the book.

He’s like the furry little philosopher, picking up on things that go right over everyone else’s heads. Plus, who doesn’t love a good found family trope? 

Elizabeth might’ve started out alone, but by the end, she’s surrounded by this ragtag group of misfits who’ve got her back. 

It’s heartwarming stuff, folks.

So yeah, “Lessons in Chemistry” is a winner in my book. 

The writing style? 

Flawless. 

It’s a breeze to read, and the message hits you like a ton of bricks—in a good way. It’s bold, it’s funny, and it’s got that perfect balance of light-heartedness and seriousness. 

You’re laughing one minute, tearing up the next.

I can’t wait to dive into the nitty-gritty with my book club pals. There’s so much to unpack, so many discussions to be had. 

If you’ve read it, hit me up in the comments. 

Let’s swap thoughts, theories, and maybe even shed a tear or two together.

Alright, fellow bookworms, until next time—happy reading!