Science, Sass and Feminism all in one book👩‍🔬❤️
You know that rare joy when you finish a book and can’t stop smiling? That kind of satisfied smile that says, “Yes, this ending felt right.” Lessons in Chemistry gave me exactly that feeling. It’s a book that moves through sorrow, hope, courage, and quiet change, and somehow, it leaves you lighter.
Elizabeth Zott is unlike any woman I’ve read before. A scientist in the 1960s, when being a woman in science was almost unheard of. When I first thought about women scientists, the only name that came to my mind was Madame Curie. And realizing that, it’s painful. This book sits with that pain of how easily women’s brilliance has been overlooked, but it does it with humor, heart, and the kind of honesty that makes you pause.
Elizabeth‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ is a witty, strong-willed person, and it is simply impossible to fit her in any mold. She doesn't fake being likable just to be accepted. She is authentic, outspoken, and empathetic to the core. After being tossed by life out of the lab, she takes the helm of a TV cooking show, but rather than teaching recipes, she starts teaching chemistry and, quite subtly, self-respect to ladies watching from their ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌kitchens.
And then there’s Calvin Evans the other half of this story. A brilliant chemist himself, awkward and intense, but completely genuine. Their relationship feels rare. He’s one of those rare men who sees her brilliance and never feels threatened by it.
Madeline, their daughter, is the heart of the story. Curious, clever, and beautifully observant. She’s the kind of child who asks the right questions, the ones adults try to avoid.
And oh, Six-Thirty, the dog. What a character. His chapters might sound funny at first, but they add such warmth.
Then there’s Harriet, the kind neighbor who starts as someone quietly helping in her life but slowly finds her own voice. Her friendship with Elizabeth feels so real
Every character feels alive. Flawed, tender, and believable.
By the end, I wasn’t just smiling because it ended well. I was smiling because it felt right.
Lessons in Chemistry, the name might make you wonder, it's about science, but no, it’s about resilience, about women who refuse to stay quiet. About finding your own way when the world keeps shutting doors.
Ladies, hear me out. If you’ve ever felt underestimated or out of place, read this book. You’ll finish it feeling seen and maybe, just maybe, a little braver.