Lessons in Chemistry

I can't so enough good things about this debut novel - I devoured it every night before I went to sleep and couldn't wait to get back to it. Elizabeth, the protagonist, is a take-no-prisoners scientist (Not a “woman scientist” as she kept reminding people). The plot is too wacky and tongue-in-cheek to describe but suffice to say, this is a wry, funny, insightful, touching book from beginning to end. It's got the best precocious kid since Be Frank With Me and a lovable, intelligent dog named Six-Thirty who knows over 600 words - plus Elizabeth winds up hosting a cooking show (because as she maintains, cooking IS chemistry) that has more than a whiff of Julia Childs' territory. If you like funny writing with a soul, this book is for you.