lasunflower's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The blurb and reviews on the cover dont really accurately explain what the book was about. I got the impression that its a funny book about a quirky scientist turned TV host in the 50/60s. It is hard to describe (it is literary fiction after all). I'd say somewhere between a dysfunctional found family story and a fictional idiosyncratic feminist biography.
It is written in a witty way, but I wouldn't say funny. The cooking show doesn't form much content of the book: it doesn't become a thing until halfway through and even then isn't much of the content. Be aware that the book from the beginning dives into dark themes: ca page 20 is a rape scene and not much later is a conversation hitting on themes of suicide, child rape, abandonment, death of parents etc. I understand why Garmus did this (as it occurred at the beginning of Zott's career) but it was too jarring, especially considering what I was expecting the book to be about.
Overall, I liked how it was written, though some scenes were a bit strange. Like the cafeteria scene was a bit strange to hear from the perspectives of people not otherwise on the book (and happening early on, nearly put me off the book) or the chapters from the dog's perspective too. I think if these chapters were cut, the book would have flowed a lot better. Sometimes they felt like Garmus was just trying to be quirky instead of give new perspectives.
This book has given me lots of food for thought.
Just so others are aware, this book focuses on the white straight woman experience only. I commend Garmus for not doing too many themes in the book, but just for readers to be aware, as it is a recent feminist book, but isn't reflective of third wave intersectional feminism.
Graphic: Car accident, Sexism, Sexual assault, Rape, Sexual harassment, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: Pregnancy, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Outing, and Suicide
microbemom's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Grief, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Sexism, Death, Misogyny, and Rape
Moderate: Death of parent, Suicide, and Child abuse
Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Outing, and Vomit
goldyyy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Rape, Death, and Sexism
Moderate: Pregnancy and Suicide
Minor: Racism, Death of parent, Car accident, Outing, and Child death
satsumaorange's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book was fantastic, compelling, and simultaneously infuriating. Every other page, I felt myself coming to Elizabeth's defense on every side. It angered me so deeply the way she was treated, that I started bookmarking every time someone said or did something genuinely kind to her. Total number: 20. If you are sensitive to sexism, I'd advise you to brace yourself.
HOWEVER.
Elizabeth was a compelling character to me, and I kept reading just to watch her shine as herself despite her hardships. Some people may have issues with her pragmatic, blunt, and very literal personality, but I actually really enjoy characters like Elizabeth! I choose to interpret her mannerisms as indicative of autism, which made her relatable and endearing to me.
If you have been turned away by the cover, I do encourage you to try Lessons in Chemistry. It's a wonderful story of empowering women, overcoming enormous adversity, and finding the true meaning of family.
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Death, Classism, Grief, Car accident, and Gaslighting
Minor: Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Child death, Outing, Death of parent, Vomit, Drug use, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Body shaming, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, and Suicidal thoughts
varo's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexism
Minor: Vomit, Pregnancy, Suicide, Outing, and Grief
laurenkimoto's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.75
I found the writing style and structure fun. Six Thirty gave me The Art of Racing in the Rain vibes and I’m here for it.
Spoiler
if anyone knows the chemical compound that is on the re do tombstone of Calvin please let me knowGraphic: Misogyny, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Vomit, Pedophilia, Death, Suicide, Abandonment, Homophobia, Self harm, Domestic abuse, Car accident, Outing, and Death of parent