Reviews

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

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_vickyharvey's review against another edition

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emotional informative mysterious fast-paced

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

3.0

amylhmax's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

pchopd's review against another edition

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5.0

When I first started this book, I had trouble aligning the opening details of Elizabeth's Masters education experience with the description "laugh out loud funny," but somehow Bonnie Garmus totally pulled it off throughout the rest of the novel. Somehow my heart would go from being crushed and so angry, to completely overwhelmed with love for different characters (Six-Thirty!!!), and laughing at a great Mad/Elizabeth/Harriet quip by the next page.

I totally get the reviews of folks who are tired of the naïve main character who somehow triumphs over the extremely noxious systems set against her, but I felt like Elizabeth was checked-out as a tactic to throw the men off their game. It all felt very strategic to me, especially considering the immense trauma she had been through.

mrlister's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

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

Content Warnings

jensebring's review against another edition

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5.0

TOTAL 4.7 ☆'s

Initial Rating Upon Finishing: 5 ☆'s
Likelihood to Recommend: 5 ☆'s
Desire to Read When Not Reading: 4 ☆'s
Writing Style: 4.5 ☆'s
Plot/Structure Engagement: 4.5 ☆'s
Character Likability/Relatability: 5 ☆'s

I was SO surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I anticipated it would be a cutesy, summer read; a pallet cleanser after two very mentally stimulating books. Instead, it was an engaging and, at times, triggering story that fueled my investment in the main character's journey. I was fully rooting for Elizabeth Zott! Lessons in Chemistry is about a woman chemist in the 50's and 60's who endures sexism and lands on an unexpected and unwanted career change. There is a sweet and tragic love story that adds to some mystery and an unexpected twist at the end. It is easy to read, but a very engaging writing style.