Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - Lessons in Chemistry

This was a heartbreakingly beautiful story that I can barely put into words. We have come so far but the fight for equality (specifically for BIPOC, Trans and queer women) is no where near over. I loved the different POVs and Six Thirty is the greatest dog who has ever lived ❤️

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dogoodwithbooks's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

CW: misogyny, sexual violence, abuse (mentioned), workplace sexual harassment, death of a parent, car accident, unplanned pregnancy, religious intolerance

Lessons in Chemistry has been on so many bookworms' radars since it published almost one year ago, and you all probably know what the book is about.

Elizabeth Zott is the kind of character we want to read about. Interestingly complex and layered to resonate with women no matter who they are, Zott inspires a generation of women to go after what they truly want and break through the glass ceilings holding them back in 1960s America. Throughout the book, you get to see her grow from her single mindset of doing life alone to discovering her own found family amidst her relationship with Calvin Evans and the ensemble of supporting characters. While Elizabeth and Calvin are not the typical love story, readers can see how that they were truly meant to be together and how the power of love can move people from despair and grief.

This book can be intense at times and there are some hard truths about how people treated women back in the 1960s. Additionally, there may be some opinions in the book one may not personally agree with (specifically regarding religion). However, I think those should take the time to read the book (while ensuring to take care of themselves) before casting any judgments about the book.

Nevertheless, Lessons in Chemistry is definitely worth the hype. Garmus is able to transport readers back and imagined a rewritten history of a woman making a breakthrough in the scientific and entertainment communities. If this sounds like you would be interested in a book like that, you came to the right place.

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taram's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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kayleejanes's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

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nadinej127's review against another edition

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dark inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

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stardust_heidi's review

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emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was such a fantastic book. I really enjoyed the character of Elizabeth Zott and the way she moved through the world. I simultaneously loved the story and was also infuriated with the era specific sexism and misogyny. It made me want to scream. All the characters were really well crafted, and I enjoyed it a lot. I will absolutely be checking out the show/movie on Apple. I think it'll be a lot of fun.

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chocolatechip's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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kimmy0__0's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I loved this book and loved the character Elizabeth Zott. This is a great representation of what women during that time frame and continue to struggle with in the world (certainty not to the same extent). There are great characters who steal your heart and you can't help but root for as they struggle through the ups and downs of life. I ADORED the chapters/insights from 6:30's perspective ❤️

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