Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Lessons in Chemistry

by Bonnie Garmus

#1 GLOBAL BESTSELLER WITH MORE THAN 8 MILLION COPIES SOLD • Meet Elizabeth Zott: “a gifted research chemist, absurdly self-assured and immune to social convention” (The Washington Post) in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show. • STREAM ON APPLE TV+

This novel is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel” (The New York Times Book Review) and “witty, sometimes hilarious...the Catch-22 of early feminism” (Stephen King, via Twitter).

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results. 

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.  

Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.

Reviewed by Terri M. LeBlanc on

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This book took me completely by surprise. I was reluctant to read it because everyone I encountered raved about it and I've been burned in the past by bestselling books that everyone loves. Well, long story short, I loved Lessons in Chemistry.

As someone with a non-traditional life, I immediately identified with Elizabeth and her struggles just to do her job. I loved how she had a no-nonsense approach to life and the people that gravitated toward her and befriended her. I'll admit the POV of the dog was a little strange, but overall I loved this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Reading updates

  • 11 May, 2023: Started reading
  • 27 May, 2023: Finished reading
  • 5 August, 2023: Reviewed