Lessons in Chemistry

POV: You just read one of your favorite books of the year.

It’s a chemical reaction: that feeling you get when you realize you’re reading something special and instead of racing through it you slow down to make it last.

Lessons in Chemistry is a triumph. I’m so impressed with author Bonnie Garmus and her smart, laugh-out-loud funny, pro-woman romp. It’s not a rom-com but definitely romantic. It’s fiction set in the 1950s and 60s but also a sober reminder that as far as American women have come since then, there are still miles and miles to go. This is a seriously comical novel with a (kitchen) knife’s edge.

The star of the story is Elizabeth Zott, a chemist, single mother, fabulous cook, and reluctant host of the smash TV show, Supper at Six. Elizabeth is a no-nonsense, logical and determined scientist. She’s so left-brained she verges on maddening with her relentless logic in the face of common sense. But don’t get me wrong, I love and admire Elizabeth, quirks and all.

…food is the catalyst that unlocks our brains, binds our families, and determines our futures.

The supporting characters in this book dazzle as well, like the clueless and befuddled Walter Pine, TV executive and single father. His scenes with Elizabeth are priceless. Her mini-me daughter, Mad, is a gem; their neighbor, Harriet, is a scream; and her late lover Calvin’s old friend, Wakely, is the weariest and wisest reverend ever.

He sighed inwardly. The problem with being a minister was how many times a day he had to lie.

Then there’s Six-Thirty the dog, no mere pet but a major character. Don’t hate him because he has a dumb name, he’s as bright and pragmatic as Elizabeth and I adore him.

The plot of Lessons in Chemistry is simple and complicated. There are coincidences and connections, freak accidents, and chance encounters that change everything. It all revolves around family, friendship, and doing what makes your heart happy. There’s tragedy and heartache but also plenty of love, joy and sweet, sweet revenge.

Elizabeth is a brilliant chemist who was cheated out of completing her PhD after an assault at UCLA. The company she works for doesn’t value her intelligence or contributions. One day she meets the also brilliant Calvin when she pilfers some supplies from his lab. Their romance is brief but ultra-passionate – they’re soul mates. When Calvin meets an accidental early death and things at work turn sideways, Elizabeth must do what she has to do to take care of herself and their daughter.

Garmus’ writing astounds. She’s serious, she’s witty, she’s a master of snappy dialog. I laughed so much I think I got a reader’s high. Can books release endorphins?

Lessons in Chemistry is the kind of book that makes me want to join a book club so I can gab about it for a few hours. Considering I’ve never belonged to a book club that really says something. If you like to laugh, if your mother ever fed you, if you’ve ever fed a child, if you’ve ever been in love or fallen out of love, if you’ve ever had a dog who you swear understood everything you said, if you’re a guy or a gal, if you have kids or are a childless cat lady: you should read this book. End of story.

THEN AND NOW (stop here if you don’t want to read my rant)

My only complaint has nothing to do with the book or author. It’s just that I wasn’t able to completely lose myself in the story. This book has some alarming and disgusting scenes involving terrible men and I couldn’t help but think of how it’s 75 years later and let’s see, Bill Cosby is free, Harvey Weinstein is getting a new trial for one of his rape convictions, and Donald J. Trump might be elected president again – after his own sexual abuse conviction. Sure, women have made strides but it’s still essentially the same rocky playing field with unfair employment practices in and out of academia and outrageous passes given to men (latest example: the convicted rapist / Olympic beach volleyballer from The Netherlands.) I know things take time but this is ridiculous…

“Chemistry is change” Elizabeth says. “Let’s get started.”