Updating

Description

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GMA BOOK CLUB PICK Meet Elizabeth Zott: “a gifted research chemist, absurdly self-assured and immune to social convention” (The Washington Post) in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show. • APPLE TV+ SERIES COMING LATER THIS YEAR 
This novel is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel” (The New York Times Book Review) and “witty, sometimes hilarious...the Catch-22 of early feminism” (Stephen King, via Twitter).
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results. 
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.  
Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.

Apple Books: Customer Ratings

Average

 4.5 (9,284 Ratings)

Apple Books: Customer Reviews

An easy journey

 – 
jenluwheel
 – 
2023-06-10
A fun, surface, tale of the journey being a women during mid- century America.

I’m going back in the shower I’m

 – 
fuuh ugi
 – 
2023-06-09
We are going to go back to the job and work tomorrow

I need a ride back in tomorrow for

 – 
haulonchimbuom
 – 
2023-06-09
I’m going to be able get some tomorrow to

We have to work on it

 – 
do ghuii
 – 
2023-06-09
I don’t know what to do with the work

Good solid story, really a 4.5

 – 
Georgiagirl21
 – 
2023-06-08
Loved the overall story, it’s creatively written and unique. Dragged a little in the middle but not for long. Characters were believable and mostly relatable. Enjoyed the read!!

A Must Read

 – 
tenohtwo
 – 
2023-06-06
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and all of its charm.

Phenomenal.

 – 
erinwb
 – 
2023-06-05
A can’t-put-down wondrous read full of lessons of how to live and love - and an exquisitely named dog.

Lessons In Chemistry

 – 
harl asaff
 – 
2023-06-04
This book is Serious. Funny Uplifting. Depressing. Life Affirming. Not completely believable but true to life.
Couldn’t put it down.

Must read

 – 
Pennysweet00
 – 
2023-06-03
Excellent.!

Fun and engaging

 – 
like many others
 – 
2023-06-01
Feminism meets science and God in the late 1950’s.

Outstanding 👏

 – 
luvtoread44
 – 
2023-06-01
Well written, intelligent, absorbing and heartfelt. This is one of the best books I’ve read in years. Highly recommended.

Loved this Book

 – 
Sarah1228484
 – 
2023-05-31
Fantastic book!

Could not put this down

 – 
Jill Braves
 – 
2023-05-30
Laughed, cried, laughed, and cried some more. Words fail to describe just how good this book is.

Engaging thoughtful and must read!

 – 
tinydancer114
 – 
2023-05-28
One of my new favorite books! Couldn’t put it down. Elizabeth is an inspiration for her era and I loved the characters and the author brought every emotion out. It will tug at your heart strings with emotion yet you will laugh and smile throughout. Can’t wait to share especially with my daughters!

Letdown

 – 
MAB1125
 – 
2023-05-26
I liked this book enough… it was good… and finally understanding the whole story at the end was satisfying! Though personally, I think it lacked major character growth for the protagonist. While she was admirable, and intelligent, and what she went though was so rough… she remained hardened and honestly pretty prejudiced till the end. She seemed like the same exact person the entire book and it came off as very inflexible to me… maybe I missed something? As a Catholic, and a biology major, I enjoyed many parts of this book and understood why there was some anger regarding the Church, especially about how awful things were in that time in history. Science and religion go hand in hand and many renowned scientists were Catholic. The father of genetics, Gregory Mandela, and the scientist who thought up the Big Bang as well. My faith felt a bit misrepresented I suppose. Regardless, it was a good book, I loved the attention to how women’s rights were for many women, and the relationships were well written.

Nice read but

 – 
alt trader
 – 
2023-05-24
The best line in the book is “some things needed to stay in the past because the past is the only place it makes sense” no truer words spoken. Comparing 20th (or earlier) century people to 21st century standards is how we ruin minds. Nice read.

Loved it!

 – 
ABQBlythe
 – 
2023-05-24
To the person so offended, keep in mind you have no information regarding the author’s religious preferences. It’s a work of fiction. If she wrote inside the head of a serial killer would you assume she’s a killer too? And this book was set in the 60’s. Why should it speak to what’s happening now? And don’t think we’ve made that many strides with the backward and sexist trends happening now. This book was smart and engrossing. Meant for smart readers, I guess.

Cooking is Chemistry

 – 
AnnSugar
 – 
2023-05-21
Well written - interesting characters

Inspiring, invigorating, and moving in a way that stays with you.

 – 
Sususususususu1111
 – 
2023-05-20
Because everyone doesn’t read, this book needs to be made into a movie. There are lessons in it everyone should learn.

Lessons in Chemistry

 – 
Terwatina
 – 
2023-05-20
Wow! The author is such a snob when it comes to those who believe in God. In her opinion anyone who believes in God is a freaking delusional idiot. I respect her right to be an atheist and I wish that she would respect those of us who believe in God.
Regarding the feminism issues brought up in the book- did you know we have laws about that now? But the sense one gets from the book is that these battles have not been won. But I have heard that women can achieve anything they want …except regarding sports. If you are a woman who has spent her whole life working to excel in her sport, it can be usurped by someone with the strength and endurance of a male.

Both heartbreaking and funny

 – 
@Adrienne.
 – 
2023-05-17
Best book I’ve read in 2023.

Loved it

 – 
GroovyChickkm
 – 
2023-05-15
Caught myself chuckling out loud a few times. Loved the main character

Loved it!

 – 
E.A.S.T
 – 
2023-05-15
One of the best books I’ve read in awhile!

Great book

 – 
quittellmethenicknameistaken
 – 
2023-05-10
We read this for book club, plenty to talk about in this book and I learned a lot. I hope the author writes more, really enjoyed this book.

Hilarious

 – 
Willwheat
 – 
2023-05-10
I love it! First page until last one. I’m not used to rate books with 5 stars but this one deserves them all! Congrats Bonnie Garmus!!

Inspiring

 – 
FirstMateAnna
 – 
2023-05-09
Loved this story and the messages behind it.

Engaging!

 – 
akanettie
 – 
2023-05-08
Excellent writing, pulled me in quickly to a cast of characters expertly woven together. Not to be missed, enjoy!!

This was a great read💃🏽

 – 
4justyou
 – 
2023-05-08
I just loved Elizabeth

Loved it

 – 
Ggdssbmk
 – 
2023-05-07
So cute and funny. I was definitely laughing out loud

Timing is everything

 – 
Phybrown
 – 
2023-05-07
Young women today have no idea how things use to work. This books storyline was as exceptional as the time period it was written in. A good read.

One of my faves

 – 
CBSK
 – 
2023-05-04
Such a delightful book I didn’t want it to end.

I cried, a laughed a lot, I cried some more

 – 
bcstoryteller
 – 
2023-05-04
Yes, to all of this book. Quirky characters that are feministically magical a la Jenny in World According to Garp, yet really worthy of pathos. The book will hit raw chords for most women, especially those of us over 50.

Loved it from cover to cover.

 – 
Derube
 – 
2023-04-30
Ff

Highly Recommend

 – 
Ra-Shida
 – 
2023-04-24
I felt feelings of frustration and sadness reading about the struggles women faced in this time period. It puts into perspective the fight that took place so women could be respected in other places besides home. But I felt so empowered by Elizabeth’s determination and by her unwavering ability to remain her true self even when people deliberately tried to crush her character. This whole book was a life lesson for me in determination, self-worth, resilience, and just remaining true to yourself and what you believe. You never know how that can impact others. This was an amazing read. Highly recommend it.

Authenticity and Resilience

 – 
GabiP
 – 
2023-04-22
This book was amazing. As a ChemEngineer I was very intrigued by the title, but ended up pleasantly surprised and delighted by the story. We need so many more Elizabeth Zotts in today’s world. Amazing story.

Story line A+

 – 
OG Reader
 – 
2023-04-22
Love this book. 10000/10 would recommend. Just save your self the troubles and buy it and spend the day reading. Thank me later.

We can get

 – 
youuruii
 – 
2023-04-21
We will get together tomorrow

Women empowerment!

 – 
Chic-Lit Reader
 – 
2023-04-20
I was initially attracted to this book from the bright colors of the cover. This book had laughing, teary eyed and empowered. You fall in love with Elizabeth and her journey of finding her place the world of science in a male dominated field, love and motherhood all while not conforming to the norms of women in-the 50’s and 60’s.

Finished in three days!

 – 
Jenny_Saunders_02
 – 
2023-04-20
I loved this novel. So much heartache and love wrapped into a unique story. I love how she shed light on each characters’ story and various perspectives while leaving no detail unattended. I loved so many characters, but it truly warmed my heart to read about a strong female character who fearlessly stood by her beliefs. Highly recommend!!!

Great dialogue!

 – 
fpp221
 – 
2023-04-19
Along with a great story, the dialogue in this book was outstanding. Hard to believe that a first time novelist could pull off such a perfect book.

A perfect day.

 – 
m.melia
 – 
2023-04-17
I have done nothing today except read this book. I can’t remember the last time I picked up a book that I found impossible to put down. The only problem with reading a book that fills you with joy and laughter and wisdom is you know it has to end and then you wonder how long it will be before you find another. This book was recommended to me by many of my dear friends and I will be forever grateful.

A gripping story with vibrant characters and a twist.

 – 
Chrstcat
 – 
2023-04-15
I read this book because it was recommended by Laura at the library on Instagram. The cover did not sell me at all—and now after reading it, it honestly it feels like the cover art is a main point of the book playing out in real life. Her story should have been published in a science journal but ended up a story about how she wasn’t a ‘real’ scientist. This cover should show her coffee pot made of test tubes and beakers, but shows a pink cover with a blond bun. So interesting. I loved it.

Great Read

 – 
KIPeach82
 – 
2023-04-14
Was a pick from my book club and I was reluctant at first. Honestly one of the best books I’ve read in years. Have been suggesting it to all my friends.

Quirky and quick

 – 
. nikis
 – 
2023-04-12
This was a quick read for me cuz it was so good! Loved it

Love love love this!

 – 
DirtPeddler
 – 
2023-04-11
Best book in years! An all time favorite. Highly recommend.

And what a lesson indeed!

 – 
Sins26Dec
 – 
2023-04-09
What a beautiful but sad story with somewhat of a happy ending. I loved reading this book. Even the very frustrating parts on how women were treated back then. Elizabeth’s character, especially her honesty, made me happy. I wanted to cheer her on. I felt every emotion possible reading this. I highly recommend this book!

Good read!

 – 
epg1007
 – 
2023-04-09
A love story with a strong woman lead

Bold Story but heartwarming at same time

 – 
digioia1988
 – 
2023-04-06
I think I Iike this book because she wasn’t afraid of speak up what her opinions. And easy to imagination it describe their characters: bold, blunt, emotion, independent and entertainment of course. I wish that character Elizabeth Zott believed in God but her choice. In the end is suddenly surprise but it made me smile.

A must read

 – 
gkdhdisdhbdhd
 – 
2023-04-05
An amazing book that really encompasses women empowerment. You will cry, you will laugh and you will learn things about yourself. Truly a must read

Lessons in Chemistry

 – 
L.M.A (ACS)
 – 
2023-04-05
A great read. Fluent reading from chapter to chapter. An ending that captivates the whole story; Bonnie does a great job sharing the confidence, strength, courage, and sacrifice women make as leaders, mothers, and difference makers in our world.