Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie Garmus
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Web ID: 14315879I was disappointed
-Non-spoiler review- What I came here for: Bad*ss woman in science battles the patriarchy of the 1950s by teaching other women science via a cooking television show. What I got: Bad*ss woman in science battles the patriarchy of the 1950s by teaching other women science via a cooking television show and Goodest boi animal sidekick and More information about rowing crew than I ever thought I needed to know and Implications that a person cannot believe in both science and religion and Religious leaders who should have chosen other professions b/c they clearly hate their jobs and Inaccuracies regarding Christianity due to a lack of research on the topic (shocking for a book that praises research so highly). I loved the first 200 pages of this book, but as I kept reading liked it less and less. I liked the 3rd person omniscient narration style. It was fun to get the dog’s POV. I loved Elizabeth’s no-nonsense attitude and her relationship with Calvin. The plot was pretty meh. The non-linear timeline threw me for a loop a few times. It seemed like it was trying to be about three different topics. If it were more focused, we could have dived into one issue deeply instead of three at surface level. It had many opportunities for interesting theological debates between characters, but they all amounted to nothing and were uninspired. -Spoilers- The story focuses on Calvin’s and Elizabeth’s relationship/Calvin’s history, 1950-60s patriarchy, and the debate of science vs religion. I felt like none of them were truly explored with any depth (Calvin’s and Elizabeth’s relationship was the most). Calvin’s death was stupid. The science vs religion debate ruined the book for me b/c it was executed poorly. Garmus thoroughly researched rowing and chemistry but not Christianity. If you are representing a culture or a group of people in a novel, you have a responsibility to accurately portray it. People from many different backgrounds will read it and accept what you say to be true. Her lack of understanding of how Christians think about Christianity made for lackluster conversations which had potential but fell flat. For example, Mad asks Harriet why she believes in God, and she says, “I just do, everyone does,” (ch 27). Blech. I rolled my eyes so hard. I don’t expect either person to change their opinion but make it an interesting discussion. Calvin’s letters with Wakely left something to be desired. Wakely admitted he was a terrible minister, and I agree. Calvin asked why people believe in old religious texts; Wakely’s response was terrible, “Humans need reassurance…Humans require constant threats and reminders to be nice,” (ch 23). That doesn’t explain why people believe it. A better response could have been to cite that there are more original copies of the New Testament than any other historical document in existence, overwhelmingly more. Yet, most people, religion or no, do believe the that words of ancient Greek philosophers are what they really said. I would have LOVED to read a thought-provoking debate between Calvin and a competent, articulate pastor. Instead, Garmus harps on religion being needed to “keep people in line,” which is a misunderstanding of the Christian faith. Christians DO NOT believe that people must do good works to go to heaven. Christians believe that only by God’s grace can one enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It cannot be earned, but it is freely given to all who will accept it. Good Works are a consequence of believing, a desire to give back to a Heavenly Father who loves you regardless of faults. Garmus did not understand how the ranks of the Catholic Church work. A bishop would NEVER manage an orphanage, regardless how petty the archbishop might be. It’s possible a bishop might have to do some fundraising or higher-level management duties if it was in an extremely rural town lacking people to staff it. But, Sioux City, IA (which is as far from the middle of Iowa as it is possible to be and still be in Iowa), had a population of about 79k when the “bishop” moved there in the 1930s. Small compared to Chicago, but a thriving city for Iowa (some rural towns have a population less than 1k). It’s very unlikely Sioux City would need a bishop to run an orphanage (bishops oversee a diocese which is a large group of Catholic churches). Catholic orphanages would have been/are run by nuns. There was a group of nuns in Sioux City in the 30s (they founded a college). It would have been SO interesting to explore a nun’s POV of the patriarchy. There could have been a corrupt Mother Superior instead of a bishop. As someone who grew up Catholic in Iowa, it was incredibly frustrating to read something so factually incorrect. It took me out of the story and ruined it for me. There were many other examples of Garmus’s lack of research on Christianity, but I won’t bore you with them all. I was disappointed. It could have been better.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
The Book Every Person Needs To Read
One of my observations throughout this entire book is that Elizabeth Zott seems to go out of her way, almost expertly, to keep people at a distance. She doesn’t demonstrate any of the social niceties one expects, especially from women. Most of us are automatically social and go out of our way to be courteous and mannerly. Elizabeth isn’t rude or hostile, but she isn’t someone you could call nice or personable. It could put a reader off of this story because it may be difficult to relate to Elizabeth or have any empathy for her. This highly thought-provoking story takes that theory and tosses it right out the window. Getting to know Elizabeth wasn’t necessarily easy but once I began to see glimpses of who she was behind the chemist lab coat, I found her to be very intriguing. A woman who is seeking a career in the 1950s over marriage and children is not heard of. What’s wrong with this woman? How dare she try to break the barrier of the patriarchal society of the chest beating men? Men who have no problem expecting her to make their coffee on demand and willing to resort to violence to keep a woman in line. Thankfully, not all men share this view. Calvin Evans is the male version of Elizabeth Zott. Like Elizabeth, he is very committed to his work and dedicated to science. He recognizes in Elizabeth a kindred spirit and she recognizes the same in him. I thoroughly enjoyed the way they met and despite the initial conflict and their butting heads, their relationship was wonderful to see develop. The supporting characters were a great addition to the story and added more depth and detail in and out of the lab. I especially loved the dog, Six-Thirty, and enjoyed his thoughts and assessments. Elizabeth’s daughter, Mad, is smart beyond her years, but that comes as no surprise, given who her mother is. The story moves at a wonderful pace and the reader is not bogged down in details or trying to keep everyone straight. This story gave me all the feels. I laughed and cried. I was intrigued, curious, pleased and angry at different points in the story. It bothers me that our society pretends to have its act together, but not that long ago, women were treated like property. Her place was in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant. The workplace was not accepting of women and a woman’s employment was typically terminated if she became pregnant. Unfortunately, gender and race equality are still a problem in society. My Final Verdict: Lessons in Chemistry is a debut novel and Bonnie Garmus delivers an amazing story. I highly recommend this story be read by all women, naturally, but also men as a reminder that women also have meaningful contributions to our society and that should be celebrated.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Hilarious!!!
read this book for my bookclub and absolutely loved it! Back in 1950 Elizabeth Zott is sexually assaulted by Dr Meyers, her advisor at UCLA. As a result, she is kicked out of the doctoral program and ends up working at Hastings Research Institute. While at Hastings, working as a chemist, Elizabeth meets Calvin Evans in his private laboratory whilst borrowing beakers. After some time, the two of them fall in love and move in together. Unfortunately, Calvin dies in a tragic accident just as he is walking their dog, Six-Thirty. Soon after, Elizabeth discovers that she is pregnant and Hastings fires her. Miss Frask, secretary from Personnel, realizes that she is with child and informs her that she is in violation of the code of conduct. Following her dismissal from Hastings, Elizabeth decides to transform her kitchen into a laboratory. During this time, Dr Boryweitz, her former employer, requires her assistance in deciphering test results thus, she begins charging for her time and expertise. Shortly after the birth of Madeline, Elizabeth discovers how overwhelming it is to be a single working mother and for the first time meets her neighbor, Harriet Sloane. Harriet notices how overwhelmed and exhausted Elizabeth is and tells her to call her anytime she needs her. Additionally, Harriet tells Elizabeth to "take a moment for herself, every day". When Madeline is four years old, Elizabeth elects to send her to kindergarten since she is bigger than other five-year-olds and a better reader. Simultaneously, she accepts her old Chemist position back at Hastings. Regrettably, her former employer pulls the old "bait and switch", and gives her the underemployed position of Lab Tech instead. Madeline is struggling to make friends hence, she gives Amanda, a fellow student, her lunch in exchange for her friendship. Elizabeth notices that her daughter is not eating her lunch therefore, she goes to the television studio to talk to Walter Pine regarding the "quid pro quo" that his daughter has with Madeline. Consequently, she is offered the position of television host for the daily show "Supper at Six" about cooking a nutritious dinner using chemistry. My favorite quote in the book is "Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself." Elizabeth's signature catchphrase that she uses at the end of every show.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
One of the best I've read this year
Calvin and Elizabeth are both chemists at the same company. They meet when Elizabeth goes to get supplies from Calvin's lab. They meet again at the theater when Calvin vomits on her in the lobby. Their third meet-up is in the parking lot at work where Elizabeth grabs and kisses Calvin. They are then inseparable. They work together, live together, row together, and are gossiped about. Then Elizabeth is alone, raising their daughter. She puts up with a lot of garbage at work because she needs the job. When she confronts the father of a girl going to school with her daughter and taking her lunch every day, she gets a new job hosting a cooking show. She takes cooking into the chemistry field and finds a lot of housewives who are hooked on her show and chemistry. She also discovers a lot has been going on behind the scenes at home and school. Will she be able to handle what is happening at home and school? Will she find a future for herself? I enjoyed this book. Calvin and Elizabeth have their own love language. Elizabeth marches to the beat of a different drummer. She is like a bulldozer--full speed ahead. I loved when she gets women interested in rowing through her show. Not sure the rowing clubs were fond of her. She gets rid of her kitchen and puts in a lab and has the most complicated way of making coffee, but it turns out better than a coffee pot. She has a unique way of raising her daughter. Her daughter is no stranger to going after what she wants--whether it's friends or answers. She is her mother's daughter but there is Calvin in her also. I loved the ending because of the school project that makes it happen. It's great! I laughed so hard as I read this book. I laughed often as I read. Yes, there is romance, but it is also a shout out to those who are different, who don't follow the norm or the crowd, for those independent people who live in our world. Let your freak flag fly and do not let anyone clip your wings!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Thought-provoking & fun historical fiction story
The narration was well done, shifting perspectives smoothly. This story won me over with the funny found family interactions. The initial romance was endearing and I loved her friendships with Walter and Harriet. I was grateful for the small scenes with the doctor too, which helped balance against the terrible characters. I enjoyed the perspective of the dog. The ending was a great combination of rebellious justice and tender heart. The only downside for me was that the feminist outrage I felt at the beginning made for a tense listening experience. The hardships were all sadly realistic, but I can’t say that I was enjoying the story at first. I’m glad the tale gained momentum, humor, and light.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
powerful
The story of strength and love. it told the story of confidence in yourself and in change. Sharp mind and quick toned characters.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Awkward dialogue trying to comment on EVERY topic
Waste of time and money. I wanted to stop reading after the first 50 pages but decided to continue (it might get better, and I spent $20). At this point I did decide to make a list of every topic/issue that was awkwardly jammed into conversations: feminism, rape, anti-creationism, hunger in China, sexual discrimination, dumb Americans, marriage, stay-at-home moms, unfairness of life, Christianity, greed, hate toward homosexuals, not paying taxes, parental neglect, inability to make friends (parents' fault), atheism, abiogenesis (chemical evolution), censorship...PHEW!!! It felt like the author was using the book as a way to vent/comment on EVERYTHING. Whether or not you agree with the author's opinions, it's so forced and contrived that the "story" is completely lost in all the commentary. After 60+ more pages, I decided that even though I had wasted money, I didn't want to waste more time on it. There are SO many great books that it's not worth the time to read a poorly written one…I had to abandon it. I rarely abandon a book, but I just couldn't waste more time on this book when there are so many other books I want to read. I bought this book because I had heard all the great reviews. I teach literature and was so completely disappointed in this completely disjointed "story".
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
THE MST OVERRATED BOOK OF THE CENTURY
Cannot believe this was a Book of the Year selection. For humor...try Hiaasen, for story development try Jenoff, Zafron or McFadden, character development try Conroy, DeMille or Stockett. For none of these, read LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY. I understand the diversity in reader's taste, but the rave reviews on this book surprise me. I usually give a book 100 pages to win me over, I couldn't make it that far with this selection. The 1st chapter offered positive encouragement. After that it rapidly went downhill. At my age, I have better things to do & read than this offering. I couldn't finish it.
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