Bonnie Garmus' debut novel, Lessons in Chemistry, was voted 2022's Best Book of the Year by The New York Times and The Washington Post, as well as several other publications. And I liked it as well! It deals with animal cruelty, body shaming, bullying, child abuse, death, domestic abuse, fatphobia, misogyny, sexism, suicide, vomit, religious bigotry, car accident, death of a parent, pregnancy, abandonment, sexual harassment, injury detail, rape, and sexual assault. Be warned, the sexual assault scene was the most difficult that I've read so far this year.
Elizabeth Zott is a trained chemist, and she is passionate about it. But circumstances have led her to her current situation: a single mother raising a unique daughter while hosting a midday television program that uses chemistry to teach you how to cook. It is a quick success (much to the surprise of everyone) and Elizabeth gains quite a following. But she's not just teaching cooking to these bored housewives in the afternoon, she's reminding them that they can do anything they set their minds to, and not everyone is happy about that.
I really enjoyed this book despite the difficult scenarios it discusses. Elizabeth Zott is a revolutionary and an inspiration, I can only hope to have her composure one day. The characters in this book were so fun, you really end up loving even the side characters for the quirkiness, and the dog Six-Thirty is a wonderful addition to the cast. The writing is very well done, the pace is faster than you even realize, and the characters are so charming they wheedle their way into your heart before you even notice. Not to mention, Elizabeth's closing remark and catchphrase from her show is one of the best I've heard, "Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself."
I'm giving Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 4.5 stars out of 5. It evoked all of the emotions, it made me laugh, it made me shed a few tears, it made me feel proud. I can't wait to find out if the authors writes another novel.
For more information on the author, see https://www.bonniegarmus.com/
Pairs well with a slice of lasagna and some serious dog training.
Comments