2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This month we will be reading Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

This book was nominated by Valerie for our monthly theme Elements

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.

Super excited to read this book!

Am starting this today! I'm not usually one to read overly popular books but it feels like everyone has told me to read this one lol.

I’ll get to this in the second half of the month. Hope you all enjoy it.

I'm about 3/4 done with this book but will withhold all comments until more people are finished.

I just started this and thought it would be nice to see what everybody else thinks 😊 I’ll keep a lookout for your comments 👍

I'm keen to read this! Currently this book is packed away in one of the moving boxes, but my new bookshelf is set to arrive Monday/Tuesday, so I hope to find it asap lol.

Happy May everyone! I am really excited to read this book. Will be starting the book tomorrow.

Hello! I’m hoping to join the discussion of this book 💜

I read this awhile ago I know my sister in law advanced chemistry teacher enjoyed it. Woman not being recognised for their achievement

Can't wait to get to this one! I have a book club book to read first and then hope to read this one in the next few days! I have worked in higher education science departments almost my whole adult life, so am very interested to read this! I was a science nerd in high school and am still fascinated by science overall!

I read this as an ARC and found it to be quite interesting, even if the main character was not always the most likable of characters. I am a former chemistry teacher and was hooked by just how hard she had to fight for her right to be there.

I'm starting this one tonight, and I just wanted to mention that I love the bright, summery orange cover on this one.

I should be starting this tomorrow or the day after.

I am starting this today

Finally getting around to read this.