Lessons in Chemistry

So this was... not for me. I didn't think it was funny, well written or feminist.
This is supposed to be historical fiction but it's pretty much a 21st century woman inserted into the 1960s and lecturing people on feminism. The concept has a lot of potential and I expected more chemistry and more cooking but there was barely any mention of it.

The writing and the characters really made this novel read and feel like some make-believe that people come up with, where the world is perfect and everything goes as you imagine it to go. The world is very black and white and it's quite a negative POV, since you cannot just say that these kinds of people are all bad and everyone like her are good. In this book, men and religious people are portrayed as bad. Like there's no in-between. Also, the portrayal of people in STEM - did that have to be such a stereotypical portrayal? It really feels wrong to portray them all like this, it's like using their interest and pursuing a career in STEM as a character trait, explaining why they act the way they act. It's not. Seriously. They can communicate and pick up on social cues just like someone who isn't in STEM.

Might be my favorite book of the year.

Another 4.5 read that I'm rounding up.

CW: rape, sexism, mentions of past child abuse, suicide and homophobia.

For the past couple of years atleast, I've been of the opinion that I'm quite good at identifying the books I will enjoy and only reading them. This has definitely led to some very good reading years, high rating averages, and deep satisfaction. But mostly getting my book recs from social media and blogs where I follow the kind of people who love reading SFF like me means that sometimes I miss some books outside of those genres which would have been a perfect fit for me. This is one such book whose existence I didn't even know about until well after it's release, and only because I made a new friend Shazzie and she raved about it in her review. It's taken me weeks to get my library copy because i didn't know how popular it was and how long the waitlists were. But here I am and what an experience this has been.

I got the audiobook copy before the ebook, so I started listening. And then I couldn't sleep for whatever reason, so this became my company for the whole night even if I ended up getting a headache after coz of the sleeplessness. I went into it only reading my friend's review and a couple of others and some idea of the basic premise. I don't know how exactly it was marketed but that cover is very deceptive. It promises a quirky funny book and it is in parts, but the book is much more intense and bleak and sad at other parts and I'm sure some readers might be thrown off by that whiplash. But the author does a good job balancing all the emotions throughout, making for a very engaging read. We have random POV switches which come at unexpected times, and get perspectives of those I didn't see coming, which makes for a surprising narrative. And Miranda Raison does a superb job capturing the nuances of every single person (and not person) she is narrating, which makes for an unputdownable listening experience. The pacing can feel slow and dragging in parts and the book maybe a tad bit long, but I think the rest of the story made up for these little shortcomings.

This is set in the 50s/60s California and while I don't know much about the times, the setting does feel realistic. And it's the themes the author explores that stay with you long after you are finished - misogyny, patriarchy, gender discrimination in the work place, motherhood, family, ambition, faith and more. Yes, there are more sexist asshole characters here than the good ones and reading their words and actions will make you angry, but if you think deeply, you realize that not everything has changed in the past 6-7 decades. The gender pay gap still exists, every woman who chooses to be a mother is expected to atleast partially sacrifice her career, women in literally any male dominated field have to navigate sexist work cultures and even inappropriate sexual advances, child rearing is still mostly a mother's job, the enormous amount of work that goes into maintaining a household is still dismissed as just being an “average housewife”, religions and faith leaders still instruct women to remain in hostile and abusive marriages because god doesn't condone divorce and think of the husband and children - the list just goes on and there's all this and more in the book and in our real life and it's all very rage inducing but also maybe cathartic.

Because the message of the book is be the change. Our main protagonist Elizabeth suffers blow after blow in both personal and professional lives but she refuses to work within the system or compromise her principles, sticks to her beliefs and remains dedicated to science. The book might feel a bit over the top or preachy at times, especially when Elizabeth goes on her monologues, but they are also very meaningful, and I don't always mind if the authors are hitting our head with the message instead of being subtle. The author through our character reiterates that women have to look within themselves, understand what they wanna do, and commit to it - we can't all change many people's lives like Elizabeth does through her cooking show, but we can try gather some courage to change our own. I really admired Elizabeth for persevering in being herself in a world that was determined not to accept her the way she was, and always keeping her original intent close to her heart.

While there are many hateful characters here throwing obstacles in her path, she also manages to find her people, makes her own family, who understand and support her even if they are slightly exasperated at times. Her relationship with her partner Calvin was beautiful and intense and heartbreaking, but it was nice to see them respect each other equally. Their daughter Madeline is a precocious little one who is too observant for her own good, and understands her mother too well. Harriet might start off as a nosy neighbor but the support she provides a new single mother is priceless and I loved seeing her become a part of their family. Walter, Mason, Frask - all were supportive in their own ways, being there without asking, providing support, and sometimes rectifying their mistakes. Not all but atleast a couple of the ego driven sexist bosses get their due here which was also quite satisfying to read about.

To conclude, this was everything and nothing like I expected. A resilient protagonist, her amazing found family, not quite smashing the patriarchy but atleast trying to - this book is full of tears and joy and strength and support, and quite a few laugh out loud moments as well. Yes, I felt very angry and maybe even helpless while reading it because what have I really done to change my own life, but what I can learn from the book is not to give in to despair and keep hope alive. Can't wait to see what the author writes next.

Infuriatingly Funny

I don't know what to say. This book is nothing like I've read before. One minute you are laughing and loving the book and the next you are hating it. Read it. You'll definitely be entertained.

Set in the 60s, chemist Elizabeth Zott has a problem. She is a woman in a man's world. She never lets that stop her as she works her way into science. But through a series of tragedies, finds herself unemployed, unwed, and pregnant. When a TV producer has an idea to create a daytime show featuring Zott, Super at Six, she uses her knowledge of chemistry to make dinners that please, and make women feel empowered.
What a charming read! If you liked Eleanor Oliphant, you with love Elizabeth Zott.
This is my favorite read of the year, so far.

A woman in STEM, in the 1950s, struggling to get into universities, no one accepts she would want to do a PhD, keeps getting mistaken as a secretary? Who would have thought? Heck, her peers even refuse to acknowledge she's a scientist. Yet, Elizabeth Zott perseveres.
Amidst the many tragedies that plague her life, ironically, being a cook show host for regular “housewives” is what propels our quirky protagonist to fame. How the show turns into the quirky “Lessons in Chemistry” is heartwarming and humorous uhem. Mushrooms Anyone ??. Of course, there's Six-Thirty, the dog, the show's star!
Where it missed the mark - the discussion around atheism and religion was a bit lopsided and fragmented. Perhaps it could've been skipped or explored more & I would've loved more formulas in the book.

tw: estupro, abuso de poder, machismo, suicídio, depressão, violência quanto a mulher, gordofobia, perda de entes queridos, acidentes traumáticos, pedofilia, negligência. (a lista é boa)
Equipe arqueiro faltou os trigger warnings no início do livro!!

Ainda assim: queria todas as pessoas lessem esse livro.
Eu sou química.
Precisamos de mais livros como esse tipo de protagonista. Desmistificando o que é uma mulher no laboratório, na ciência e os demônios que temos que enfrentar diariamente.
E esse livro fala mais do que é ser uma mulher hoje, mesmo se referindo aos anos 50-60, do que vários textos feministas que temos por aí hoje.

DNF 12%

Between the hype, the cover, the era, and science being a huge part of the plot, I was so pumped for this book. I wanted to love it. I tried to love it. Alas, I was greatly disappointed.

Things started off okay. I wasn't super into it but I saw potential. Around page 150, I gave up hope. I didn't like Elizabeth, I didn't care much for Calvin, and while the Six-Thirty plot line was endearing, I wasn't a fan of the large chunks told in his POV. It threw off the story's rhythm, which I already wasn't taking to. 

While I read the beginning in-depth, I completely skimmed the second half. Elizabeth's holier-than-thou attitude wore thin, which I realize is an ironic term to use with so much belittling of people with any religious affiliation (more on this in a moment). I like reading historical fiction that captures the era in which it's set. In many ways this book did, but with so much influence from the ideals of today. Some of the examples of sexism felt greatly exaggerated as well, though it's difficult to articulate why without having to mark this down for spoilers. 

Back to the book's issue with religion... I know going into a story like this that faith (or lack thereof) is going to be mentioned at least a few times. That's okay. However, some passages/scenes here went beyond what beliefs the characters hold and questioning why other people might think a certain way. It was offensive. Yes, I am a Christian. No, I do not inherently dislike books that challenge or exclude religion or illustrate horrible things that have happened among certain authorities and certain organizations. In this case, it was not about dealing with these issues. So much implied that these behaviors are those of everyone as well as the ‘pointlessness' and ‘uninformed' nature of it all. It was in poor taste, and I would maintain these feelings if the tables were turned. 

I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy the book. I made a valiant effort to overlook what I didn't like but there wasn't much I walked away with. And for a book marketed as a comedy of sorts, there were far too many depressing scenes to be considered lighthearted. 

My favorite book of the year, so far. This book is fantastic. Even though it has every sort of trauma you could imagine, it still left me feeling happy and optimistic. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for a look inside what life was like for mid century women and really good belly laughs.

I couldn't stop turning the pages. I started this book on Monday and I read every spare moment and then I reluctantly set it aside when I went to sleep and then I read again as much as I could on Tuesday and once again closed it when I had to go to bed and now I've finished it on Wednesday. It's that good.

Elizabeth Zott is a woman we all were in a world we all once lived in. Well, maybe slightly exaggerated, but, if so, it's just for effect. Zott wants to be a chemist, but she is thwarted in school as well as in the workplace for one reason: Women should not and cannot be chemists, according to all the men who run things. Despite all the obstacles, Zott is a chemist. And Zott does not want to marry or have children, but somehow she falls in love anyway and a child appears anyway. And her lack of a wedding ring and the child she bears only serve to go against her even further with those who run things.

It's a book of extremes, and the humor can be sharp and painful and grim, but the reader can't help but adore Zott and her made-in-her-mother's-image daughter along with their dog who knows hundreds of words and her Catholic neighbor who would do anything for a divorce and a minister who isn't sure about God...

I took away a few points for the sitcom ending but the truth is that I wouldn't have been happy with any other last chapter.

You might want to read this book. It is probably one of my favorite reads of the year.

I had such a good time reading this. Elizabeth reminded me of my husband so much at times it had me laughing out loud

Six-Thirty

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.

What a beautiful book full of power, feminism, brilliance, humor, cooking and chemistry! A book that made me think and laugh. And at times it broke my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I'm convinced this'll be one of my favorite reads of the year already and there was so much I loved about this book. However, I recommend checking out the TWs before starting it.

I could gush about this book for hours, but here are some of my highlights:

I loved the main character, Elizabeth Zott! She was incredibly smart, independent, head strong, and socially clueless. She understands the world through science and applies that to all aspects of her life. I found her very relatable. This book is feminist first and foremost. Zott is ahead of her time in her views and her social cluelessness even helps her at times to be blind to some of the slights she receives. I loved how Zott used cooking, chemistry, and knowledge to empower women everywhere via her show. I loved that she didn't dumb anything down, didn't bite back words, she was always her authentic self.

Lessons in Chemistry does not sugarcoat being a woman in science in 50s and 60s. I found a lot of these scenes difficult to read and heartbreaking but also quite realistic.

There's also some discourse on religion and faith in the book. Zott is quite the rationalist, and I found this so refreshing as an agnostic. These discussions were always logical and never disrespectful against having faith which I also appreciated.

There are a lot of assholes in this book, but there are also some fantastic characters. I especially loved Elizabeth Zott's ever growing found family. The people that really love her and have her back But the dog Six Thirty really stole the show. The best book dog I've read in a long while. I loved that we got his POV at times as well, and how influential he was in their lives. Him and Zott's daughter Mad much cuteness!

Speaking of Six Thirty's POV, I liked how the book was written in general. It jumped around across many perspectives and timelines, bAut never got confusing. It actually made for a delightful literary experience as well.

Despite the heavier topics covered in the book, overall I found this to be an inspiring, encouraging, heartwarming and hopeful book.

Thank you so much to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for the eARC of this wholly amazing read.