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A review by laurenbrennan
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? No
4.0
Honestly, this book had me SHOOK, multiple times. Like jaw dropped, “absolutely did not see that coming” moments.
I cannot believe this was BG’s debut novel; I feel like her writing style was so unique and well-developed that I wouldn’t have been surprised if this was her 10th published work. I was most impressed by her ability to be funny and even a little silly in ways that didn’t detract from the storyline, especially in tense moments when it would have been very easy to ruin the mood by doing so.
I think it’s important to note that if you’re in the mood for a story where the main plot is a love story, you should pick a different book. While it does have a very worthwhile and sweet, “written in the stars” love story, that is not the main focus.
I HAD to knock points for the ending. It was SOOO rushed, and while I didn’t HATE it, I feel like it really failed to do some important parts of the plot justice. Another 3-7 chapters could have made quite the difference in the way things were resolved. I was sorely missing a proper denouement; it was like a slow build up/brewing of curiosity the whole book to be TOLD the ending in 3-5 pages.
I cannot believe this was BG’s debut novel; I feel like her writing style was so unique and well-developed that I wouldn’t have been surprised if this was her 10th published work. I was most impressed by her ability to be funny and even a little silly in ways that didn’t detract from the storyline, especially in tense moments when it would have been very easy to ruin the mood by doing so.
I think it’s important to note that if you’re in the mood for a story where the main plot is a love story, you should pick a different book. While it does have a very worthwhile and sweet, “written in the stars” love story, that is not the main focus.
I HAD to knock points for the ending. It was SOOO rushed, and while I didn’t HATE it, I feel like it really failed to do some important parts of the plot justice. Another 3-7 chapters could have made quite the difference in the way things were resolved. I was sorely missing a proper denouement; it was like a slow build up/brewing of curiosity the whole book to be TOLD the ending in 3-5 pages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment