Lessons in Chemistry (MP3)

Customer Reviews

Best book I have read in 10+ years Review by E. Major

This is really unlike anything I’ve read in the last 10 or 20 years. I loved this book. I loved everything about it. I loved all the characters, men and women, and especially the dog. It was such a joy to read and I really hope that the author can come up with another book, even half as good as this one is. I have recommended this book to anyone who would listen for five minutes and bought one and sent it to my son. If you only read one book this year, let this be the one.

(Posted on 11/12/2023)

This Book!!! Everyone Needs To Read It Immediately Review by Marie

I purchased this science period book yesterday, which is not normally in my reading alerts due to a YouTube video on the up coming show. By the first chapter I could not put it down!! Because never judge a book by its cover for one, but two the resilience of Elizabeth.
This wonderful work shows that what many should know, women are capable of ANYTHING!!! Especially in the 1950s.
Elizabeth Zolt is someone many can relate to, not only for her love of science but for the question "When will someone take me seriously?" This wonderful work will leave you on the edge of what happens next? I'm not going to give anything other away other than what I've already wrote. I just wish there was a second book to go with this, because wowwwww!!!!! I love this book.

(Posted on 11/12/2023)

Brilliantly written! Review by Carol

This book captured me from the first sentence. Extraordinary character development with a refreshingly different story line. The main character’s singularly-scientific focus came across almost as Asperger’s sometimes, which contributed even more to the story line. While I did not like her Atheistic viewpoint and criticism of God, faith, and religion (I am a Christian), I compartmentalized it as a typical character trait for someone with a highly scientific mind. I did not take it personally as some reviewers of this book have done. After all — it’s fiction! I highly recommend it. A great read!

(Posted on 11/5/2023)

Read the Book! Review by Mona

Whatever you do if you are thinking of watching the television series, do yourself a favor and read the book first!

This is a marvelously written accounting of the stereotypical men's world women had to endure in the 50's and 60s' . The content is brilliantly presented so that even someone who knows nothing about chemistry can easily follow along and become enamored by the science, and the explanations that inspire you to learn more and wish there were women like Elizabeth around when you were learning these topics. Be aware the story does have it's dark sides and there are some triggering scenes early on. The writing is presented well enough that you know what's coming so you can prepare yourself for the content. The television series hads taken some liberties, so if you want to know the magnitude of devotion and who Elizabeth and Calvin truly are ,READ the BOOK First! Overall I loved it and can't wait for what I hope will be future installments.

(Posted on 11/5/2023)

Great Book Club option Review by Jules

We read this as a book club choice and I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

There is a wonderful sense of nostalgia created by the author and a lot of members of the club became very remeniscent of the past and their memories and shared experiences that were shown in the book (both positive and negative).

Great book for sparking discussion about the treatment of women and whether things have changed all that much today?

Well written with a driving storyline, some parts may be triggering to those who have experienced abusive relationships however.

(Posted on 11/2/2023)

as if this book needs more hyperbolic praise… Review by Ray

This book enraged me, frustrated me, made me laugh out loud in many places, especially when Harriet first enters the story, and it made me tear up in painful sorrow, in sympathy, and finally in happiness. And it accomplished all this without angst.

(Posted on 11/2/2023)

Chick lit with a twist Review by BestBookSales Customer

Lessons in Chemistry reminded me of The Nanny Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada. As in those two novels, a female protagonist seeks to preserve her ideals and independence in the face of a culture which would circumscribe her role in life. Like those two novels, Lessons in Chemistry is geared toward women, and is likely to be made into a movie. The twist is that in The Nanny Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada, the protagonists deliberately sought a traditionally female role in a world of women, and find romantic love. In contrast, the protagonist in Lessons in Chemistry is a woman trying to operate in a man's field. Her beloved dies early in the novel, and what she finds is the love of family in the broadest sense, including relatives and friends.

(Posted on 11/2/2023)

An Enjoyable Read Review by Harry

I enjoyed the way the author wrote. She had a pleasing way of interjecting humor into her fiction. I was raised in a family who loved and appreciated dogs so Six-thirty was one of my favorite characters. I realize that there has been at least one dog who was trained to “speak” by a scientist so the author’s claim that Six-thirty had a large vocabulary made me want to research that topic. The novel had an interesting mix of science, history, religion and social issues. I found myself wanting to learn more or refresh my memory on several of the topics she wove into her novel. This novel has been made into a series which begins in two days. I hope it remains true to the novel. (Posted on 10/18/2023)

Quirky & maddening Review by Kara

Neither this book, or Elizabeth Zott, will be everyone’s cup of tea, but I enjoyed it. At times it made me angry, and other times I laughed out loud. Having been born in the late 50’s, I was still in the era of “women belong at home raising their kids”. I never understood growing up why certain things were okay for boys, but not for girls - and fought it tooth and nail. Having worked from the age of 16 to 65, I could definitely relate to the sexism and poor treatment in the work world. I was fortunate to have managers who saw my talent, and not my gender, but still saw a good bit of the lopsided and unfair treatment of women in the workplace. (Posted on 10/18/2023)

Hard to put down - a compulsive read Review by Nina

Set in the early 1960s, "Lessons in Chemistry" introduces us to Elizabeth Zott, a driven and passionate young woman who finds herself caught between her dreams of becoming a scientist and the societal expectations that seek to confine her to the role of a housewife. Garmus masterfully portrays Elizabeth's struggle to defy the odds and pursue her ambitions by landing a position as a television cooking show assistant. This unexpected opportunity sets the stage for a captivating exploration of career aspirations, personal growth, and the power of embracing one's true self.

What truly sets this novel apart is Garmus' remarkable ability to seamlessly weave together the worlds of science and love. As Elizabeth navigates the complexities of her demanding job and an unexpected romance with a charismatic professor, readers are treated to a thought-provoking examination of the intersections between personal and professional aspirations. Garmus' attention to detail shines through as she incorporates fascinating scientific principles into the narrative, making "Lessons in Chemistry" not just a love story but also a celebration of the joys of learning and discovery.

Moreover, Garmus' skillful rendering of her characters deepens the emotional resonance of the story. Elizabeth emerges as a strong and relatable protagonist, her journey serving as a powerful reminder that dreams are worth pursuing, no matter the obstacles that stand in our way. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, providing layers of authenticity and dynamics that make them truly unforgettable.

Notably, Garmus' prose is elegant, poetic, and infused with genuine emotion. She effortlessly transports the reader to a bygone era, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the 1960s. From the bustling television studios to the hallowed halls of academia, every setting is brought to life in vivid detail, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.

"Lessons in Chemistry" is not simply a book; it's a celebration of women's empowerment, the pursuit of dreams, and the courage to redefine societal norms. Bonnie Garmus has created a masterpiece that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page. If you are searching for a novel that will uplift, inspire, and remind you of the transformative power of love and intellect, "Lessons in Chemistry" is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be captivated by its beauty and left with a renewed belief in the endless possibilities that life has to offer.
(Posted on 8/6/2023)

Garmus takes readers on a remarkable journey that will leave them feeling enlightened, deeply moved, and inspired. Review by Peter

Prepare to be captivated by Bonnie Garmus' enchanting novel, "Lessons in Chemistry," a heartwarming and delightful tale that beautifully combines the wonders of science and the complexities of human relationships. Through her exquisitely crafted prose, Garmus takes readers on a remarkable journey that will leave them feeling enlightened, deeply moved, and inspired.
(Posted on 7/18/2023)

Science vs Religion Review by BBS Customer

It's an entertaining piece. Enjoyable listen on my commute.

I wish the science examples had been better researched. Rosalind Franklin worked in this period and was never mentioned. Readers please educate yourself of her and several others. Other real people are mentioned in the book so why female scientists were omitted is troubling. Those are my heroes and I have a PhD in a related area.

The abiogenesis concept mentioned as Elizabeth's main work is really 'primordial soup' (research in 1929 decades earlier), a term that could have surfaced in Supper at Six. But I guess the author didn't want Elizabeth to plagiarize too much.

The author has firm biases against religion and faith and showcases the scientific method as an alternative way to view the world. It's not such a black and white case in reality. There are many females in STEM who are successful -- using the scientific method daily for evidence based decision making -- and a few even have faith. And they are not hideous evil judgemental people. At least I don't think so.

Do your own unbiased research and make your own decisions.

(Posted on 12/13/2022)

Tropes galore Review by Kay

For starters, the Catholic Church is not against evolution. Never has been.

For another, beautiful, brilliant, natural athletes are…uninteresting.

(Posted on 12/13/2022)

WOW.... Review by viv

This is truly one of those books that I will listen to again and probably buy in print too. The characters are people I can’t get enough of. So much truth and relevance. Thank you Bonnie Garmus. The narrator was perfect.

(Posted on 12/13/2022)

Why All the Good Reviews?? Review by BBS Customer

I found this incredibly boring and could not finish. I even skipped ahead to see if it got better but it did not appear to.

(Posted on 12/13/2022)

Palpable, smart, and funny. Review by Frankie

This is first book I knew nothing about, listened to the sample and didn’t hesitate to download. I did not regret my quick decision. The story was riveting and interesting. The narrarator was entertaining and made the characters come to life believably. I appreciated the author interview at the end. It made me love the book and the author all the more. Believe it Bonnie, you knocked this out of the park!

I’ve since shared the book link with so many friends. I prefaced the recommendation with “appeals to strong, smart, independent women.” It’s probably how the women watching Supper At Six felt: At last a book that speaks to me!

(Posted on 12/13/2022)

PERFECTION Review by Debbie

I didn't know what to expect from this story - but what I got was perfection. Perfect reader, perfect characters, perfect story. Did I say it is perfect? I couldn't stop listening. Strong women, science, a dog, a kid, challenging/believably unbelievable circumstances. I gasped, I cringed, I laughed out loud, I took deep breaths, I pondered wise words... What a ride! I seldom listen to a book twice...this one I will. And I'll be buying the hardcover to have and to hold. I can't wait for the next Bonnie Garmus creation!

(Posted on 12/13/2022)

Soap boxing Review by Kim

If the book had just stayed with the theme of the inequity towards women I would have enjoyed it more. Instead, like many current novels, the author used the story line and the characters to work in every social talking point so it will appeal to the woke masses and sell more copies. I can barely read a novel that doesn’t find a way to do this. Do any authors write authentically any more? Every book I read lately lectures to me about the social talking points of the day. It’s getting really old.

(Posted on 12/13/2022)