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A review by celiarl
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
5.0
*contains spoilers*
It was so great to finally have an absolutely phenomenal read. This book was recommended to me by so many people for so long, and I was not let down!
Elizabeth is a chemist in a time where that is not encouraged for women ('50s in America). She falls in love with a famous male chemist, and finds out she's pregnant with his child right after he passes away. The story follows their respective pasts, Elizabeth's journey as a television host to make ends meet, and how she continues to pave the way for women in all walks of life, but particularly in science.
Each and every character in this novel was realistic but likable (except for those who weren't supposed to be, obvi). I am realizing this is such a strong predictor for whether or not I'll enjoy a book. The author does a great job of bringing out the best in people, most of the time through Elizabeth's character. She also encourages many peoples' capabilities, such as encouraging a female viewer to go back to school to become a surgeon.
As for the writing, it was the perfect mix of lighthearted and easy to read, but still very well-written. There are many subtle switches in POV, between Elizabeth, Mad (her daughter), Calvin (Elizabeth's partner), their dog, Six-Thirty, and others. I loved how these transitions were made really smoothly instead of having the chapters titled for the POV, or something similar.
I also enjoyed that the story is not solely focused on Elizabeth's chemistry. For the purposes of not boring the reader with constant chemistry, but also to showcase that women can be good at multiple things; that just like men we don't need to devote our lives to only one things to be successful. Elizabeth is a successful chemist, but also rower, TV host, mother, partner, cook, etc.
Finally, I am a sucker for critical takes on faith and religion in books, and this story had some of my favorites thus far. I particularly liked when Elizabeth argued that we should just use fairytales to teach morality instead of religion, as it has the same result but doesn't require us to believe in something that doesn't/may not exist.
I also absolutely adored the storyline of, after Elizabeth's edited and false Life article comes out, the reporter backtracks and writes an article focused on Elizabeth's career as well as how she has impacted and encouraged other women in science. This article goes on to be published in Vogue since Life refused! It almost brought me to tears.
Such a great read and I will be recommending it to everyone, shamelessly.
It was so great to finally have an absolutely phenomenal read. This book was recommended to me by so many people for so long, and I was not let down!
Elizabeth is a chemist in a time where that is not encouraged for women ('50s in America). She falls in love with a famous male chemist, and finds out she's pregnant with his child right after he passes away. The story follows their respective pasts, Elizabeth's journey as a television host to make ends meet, and how she continues to pave the way for women in all walks of life, but particularly in science.
Each and every character in this novel was realistic but likable (except for those who weren't supposed to be, obvi). I am realizing this is such a strong predictor for whether or not I'll enjoy a book. The author does a great job of bringing out the best in people, most of the time through Elizabeth's character. She also encourages many peoples' capabilities, such as encouraging a female viewer to go back to school to become a surgeon.
As for the writing, it was the perfect mix of lighthearted and easy to read, but still very well-written. There are many subtle switches in POV, between Elizabeth, Mad (her daughter), Calvin (Elizabeth's partner), their dog, Six-Thirty, and others. I loved how these transitions were made really smoothly instead of having the chapters titled for the POV, or something similar.
I also enjoyed that the story is not solely focused on Elizabeth's chemistry. For the purposes of not boring the reader with constant chemistry, but also to showcase that women can be good at multiple things; that just like men we don't need to devote our lives to only one things to be successful. Elizabeth is a successful chemist, but also rower, TV host, mother, partner, cook, etc.
Finally, I am a sucker for critical takes on faith and religion in books, and this story had some of my favorites thus far. I particularly liked when Elizabeth argued that we should just use fairytales to teach morality instead of religion, as it has the same result but doesn't require us to believe in something that doesn't/may not exist.
I also absolutely adored the storyline of, after Elizabeth's edited and false Life article comes out, the reporter backtracks and writes an article focused on Elizabeth's career as well as how she has impacted and encouraged other women in science. This article goes on to be published in Vogue since Life refused! It almost brought me to tears.
Such a great read and I will be recommending it to everyone, shamelessly.