Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Hi, my name is Rya. I am a sophomore and I enjoy reading, swimming and traveling.
In the 1950s, “woman” and “chemist” were two words that were generally not used in the same sentence. But Elizabeth Zott is both of these, and is not socially accepted because of it. Although Elizabeth is equally as intelligent as her male counterparts, most of them disrespect her, many sexually harass her, and a couple have stolen her work and published it as their own.
But when Elizabeth and Calvin Evans, a brilliant and well-respected chemist, begin to develop a relationship, people think that Elizabeth is only in it because it will improve her career status. People don’t understand that the two are truly in love and that Elizabeth, wanting none of Calvin’s help, expects to make her own way in her career.
As her life takes a few turns and she begins to need financial support, Elizabeth begrudgingly joins Supper at Six, a cooking show that she becomes the star of. Instead of playing the role of an agreeable housewife, Elizabeth takes on the role of a no-nonsense, matter-of-fact scientist, who teaches cooking through the lens of chemistry. Although controversial, the show becomes a huge success, boosting Elizabeth to fame. Despite her success, Elizabeth still holds tight to her dream of becoming a real chemist.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is one of the bestselling books in the world, and rightfully so. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is a collection of thought-provoking dialogue, clever quips, and is, most of all, a powerful tribute to feminism.
