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A review by dariadanley
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I think this needs to go on my favorites self. 2024 is giving me so many new favorites!
As a woman in STEM, I was drawn to this book, especially because I am also a chemist. When I originally picked up the book, I was unsure how a chemist turned into a TV personality, and I wondered if Zott's scientific explanations of food would seem disingenuous.
I was very very wrong.
Not only did Garmus bring in outside counselors to advise her on the field, but she wove everything together neatly from beginning to end. The amount of foreshadowing in this was outrageous and very well done. I could not have seen the ending coming the way it did. I understood that Wilson would be involved, but not Avery Parker. It took a turn that I didn't expect.
The characters are what really sold this for me. Elements of the relationship between Elizabeth and Calvin are what I strive for. Yet another unattainable expectation for my dating life. When Calvin died, it hit like a punch in the gut. Harriet added a level of support that went beyond friendship, but sisterhood instead. Walter was the face of reason that showed Elizabeth the harsh realities of the world (which I'll expand on in a second). Mrs. Mudford reminded me of my own teacher, who sought to reduce brilliant and curious female minds to nothing. *Fuck you Provost*
The writing itself was so nice. Garmus slid through each perspective with ease and grace, without giving too much away from her narration style. Even Six-Thirty had his own unique voice and style. The foreshadowing, once again, was marvelous.
On to my critique that stands out first:
Elizabeth was almost a caricature of a female with a brain. Maybe that was intentional to show a hint of autism, but I didn't like it all that much. She didn't have to want kids or want to get married, but Elizabeth leaned into the stereotype that smart people (not just women) lack social skills. She thought the world constantly revolved around herself. Her time at Supper at Six showed this. The kitchen had to be up to her specifications. She could do whatever she wanted, without the fear of losing her job. Did she not think that being unwilling to compromise or saying certain things would put her job in jeopardy, and thus Madeline as well? In certain aspects, she didn't consider the consequences of her actions, and she thought she was better than those around her.
Similarly, the ending was rushed. It felt like it ended prematurely. Where was Elizabeth's growth? Her forgiveness towards herself? She still harbors the guilt of Calvin's death, seven years later. She does not have to believe in God, but she never removed the hard shell and realized that things happen beyond someone's control, and beyond the laws of science. In looking for an explanation, she holds a grudge against herself (haha that's ironic). She never forgave herself, or came to terms with the uncertainty of the world. I thought that growth was much needed.
I also thought Madeline might have more of a role in the story, when she was more of a side character. Was there even a scene of Mad and Elizabeth bonding as mother ans daughter?
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book. It made me believe in myself again.
As a woman in STEM, I was drawn to this book, especially because I am also a chemist. When I originally picked up the book, I was unsure how a chemist turned into a TV personality, and I wondered if Zott's scientific explanations of food would seem disingenuous.
I was very very wrong.
Not only did Garmus bring in outside counselors to advise her on the field, but she wove everything together neatly from beginning to end. The amount of foreshadowing in this was outrageous and very well done. I could not have seen the ending coming the way it did. I understood that Wilson would be involved, but not Avery Parker. It took a turn that I didn't expect.
The characters are what really sold this for me. Elements of the relationship between Elizabeth and Calvin are what I strive for. Yet another unattainable expectation for my dating life. When Calvin died, it hit like a punch in the gut. Harriet added a level of support that went beyond friendship, but sisterhood instead. Walter was the face of reason that showed Elizabeth the harsh realities of the world (which I'll expand on in a second). Mrs. Mudford reminded me of my own teacher, who sought to reduce brilliant and curious female minds to nothing. *Fuck you Provost*
The writing itself was so nice. Garmus slid through each perspective with ease and grace, without giving too much away from her narration style. Even Six-Thirty had his own unique voice and style. The foreshadowing, once again, was marvelous.
On to my critique that stands out first:
Elizabeth was almost a caricature of a female with a brain. Maybe that was intentional to show a hint of autism, but I didn't like it all that much. She didn't have to want kids or want to get married, but Elizabeth leaned into the stereotype that smart people (not just women) lack social skills. She thought the world constantly revolved around herself. Her time at Supper at Six showed this. The kitchen had to be up to her specifications. She could do whatever she wanted, without the fear of losing her job. Did she not think that being unwilling to compromise or saying certain things would put her job in jeopardy, and thus Madeline as well? In certain aspects, she didn't consider the consequences of her actions, and she thought she was better than those around her.
Similarly, the ending was rushed. It felt like it ended prematurely. Where was Elizabeth's growth? Her forgiveness towards herself? She still harbors the guilt of Calvin's death, seven years later. She does not have to believe in God, but she never removed the hard shell and realized that things happen beyond someone's control, and beyond the laws of science. In looking for an explanation, she holds a grudge against herself (haha that's ironic). She never forgave herself, or came to terms with the uncertainty of the world. I thought that growth was much needed.
I also thought Madeline might have more of a role in the story, when she was more of a side character. Was there even a scene of Mad and Elizabeth bonding as mother ans daughter?
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book. It made me believe in myself again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence