Book Review: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

This book was gifted to me by my sister after she read it with her book club. She told me

the reason she passed it on was because the main character reminded her of me—and

she thought I’d enjoy the story. She was absolutely right.

I truly enjoyed the story of two unique, wonderfully and classically nerdy people finding

one another. Even the way they met said so much about who they were, and made the

entire story feel more relatable. As a nerd myself, I really connected with Elizabeth Zott.

One of my favorite parts of the book was later in the story when Elizabeth is raising her

daughter, Mad. I especially loved her practical, no-nonsense approach to parenting. My

youngest daughter—who had already read the book—said it gave her flashbacks to

how I raised her. She vividly recalled the time she asked me a question about puberty,

and I pulled out a notebook to draw diagrams. I asked what was wrong with illustrations

and a scientific explanation. She rolled her eyes and said, “It would’ve been

fine—except I was only seven.” Audrey told me later she was careful about which

questions she asked after that, for fear of another very vivid science lesson. I told her I

didn’t do frilly stories—I believed in teaching and sharing what I know with my kids. She

reminded me (in classic daughter fashion) that if she ever has children, my style of

parenting will definitely not be hers.

The author did a fantastic job of showing what life was like for women scientists—how

they had to know more, work harder, and fight for recognition in the STEM fields. It

doesn’t take the feminist angle too far, but it makes its point clearly and effectively.

As a dog lover, I also adored the character Six-Thirty. I haven’t read many books where

animals are given a real voice and purpose in the story, rather than just being

background elements. It made me feel a little less silly for having full conversations with

my own two dogs—and confirmed my belief that they absolutely understand me, they

just choose when to ignore me.

Overall, this book isn’t a heavy read, but it’s deeply engaging. The story moves along

well and never stalls. It’s an ideal choice for a vacation read or a way to decompress

after a long day at the lab. A funny, heartfelt, and inspiring story with a fiercely

intelligent heroine, a dog you’ll fall in love with, and plenty of moments that make you

think—and laugh. Highly recommended for fellow nerds, moms, scientists, and anyone

who’s ever explained human biology to their child with a sketchpad.ed human biology to their child with a sketchpad.