From the Bookshelf of 2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge…

Lessons in Chemistry

Bonnie Garmus

Start date: May 1, 2023

Finish date: May 31, 2023

Discussion: November 2025 Group Read

Why we're reading this: Group Read for May 2023
[close] Group Read for May 2023

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Showing 2 of -14 topics — 186 comments total

November 2025 Group Read

The Travelling Cat Chronicles: Reviews by 2025 Reading Challengers
By Winter , Group Reads · 3 posts · 26 views

last updated Nov 11, 2025 01:53AM

The Travelling Cat Chronicles: Mid-Reading Discussion
By Winter , Group Reads · 8 posts · 29 views

last updated Nov 06, 2025 04:59AM

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What Members Thought

Jun 30, 2023 Kara rated it really liked it

Shelves: libby

I really really enjoyed this book much than I thought I would! I dragged my feet on reading it, I thought it was going to be more textbook like - but it was more like a fiction book. I really enjoyed all of the characters!!
I did listen to it & the narration was done well also.

5 likes · Like · see review

Jan 18, 2023 Ren rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobooks, library-book, fiction

I nearly didn't even listen to this one. I was down to my last couple days having the audiobook borrowed from my library and wasn't sure I would enjoy this. I tend to skip a lot of the super popular books, but put a hold on this one on a whim. I'm so glad I finally hit play! While I wasn't around in the 60s, we sadly still have some of the same issues facing women in the workplace these days. I enjoyed that the MC is an intelligent woman who refuses to fall into the expected role of wife, homema ...more

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Oct 29, 2022 Crista rated it it was amazing

What a refreshing story. I loved the uniqueness of Elizabeth and how strong, smart, confident, and practical she was. Reading about these female characters and what life was like for them in the 50s and 60s to not be taken seriously and given a voice and feeling of worth was enlightening how far as women we have come. It was people like Elizabeth that lead the way for change.

How the concept of chemistry was utilized along with learning more about science made this a really enjoyable read.

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Jun 01, 2023 Carrie rated it liked it

I didn’t love this book. I have a hard time with books using 21st century culture and norms and assuming it was like that in the 50’s. It felt disingenuous. Elizabeth was too much of a caricature, and she was unlikeable, at that. Also, I guess I missed the humor? I’d give it 2.5, rounding up.

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Jul 19, 2022 Caro marked it as to-read

Sep 08, 2022 Meghan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: humor, fab-fiction-by-women, food-and-cookery, animals, spirituality-and-religion, great-characters, science, parenting, love-story-and-romance, women