Stephanie Sullivan: Review - Lessons in Chemistry

TITLE: Lessons in Chemistry

RATING: ★★★★

Summary (from Goodreads): 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.

REVIEW: I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book, but I’m glad I gave it a chance. The main character, Elizabeth, is basically the female incarnate of Sheldon Cooper (from The Big Bang Theory) because their mannerisms and personality are very similar. I enjoyed learning about Elizabeth’s life, and I liked rooting for her as she overcame hardships and obstacles that would’ve been the undoing for most people. She’s a force to be reckoned with and quite empowering. As a believer, though, the criticism of religion and belief in God that was prevalent throughout the entire book was extremely tiring and left a bad taste in my mouth. If not for that, it would’ve been an excellent story. (On the other hand, it IS about scientists, so I probably should’ve expected as much). There’s also a bunch of different POV’s - including a dog’s - so it could be confusing at times. But if that sort of thing doesn’t bother you, then by all means put this book on your TBR list!