From the Bookshelf of 2025 Reading Challenge…

Lessons in Chemistry

Bonnie Garmus

Start date: May 1, 2023

Finish date: May 31, 2023

Discussion: September 2025 Group Read

Why we're reading this: Group Read for May 2023
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September 2025 Group Read

The House in the Cerulean Sea: Pre-Reading Discussion
By Winter , Group Reads · 7 posts · 33 views

last updated Sep 17, 2025 05:32AM

The House in the Cerulean Sea: Reviews by 2025 Reading Challengers
By Winter , Group Reads · 4 posts · 29 views

last updated Sep 14, 2025 10:27AM

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What Members Thought

Jan 08, 2023 Barbara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: american, 2023-reads, feminist, contemporary-fiction

This book was an amazing surprise that I was somewhat prepared for. It is the story of Elizabeth Lot, a chemist, and single mother. The stories of the degradation of the contributions of women, in this case scientists, was not news to me. In 1968 I started university at an institution that was predominantly male, and primarily a college for engineering. The also had a strong fine arts, including architecture and drama, school. I was in liberal arts which was at that time small. I do remember one ...more

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Jun 22, 2023 Kathy rated it really liked it

Immediately upon finishing ‘Lesson in Chemistry’, Bonnie’s debut (may she live long and write many more), I was curious about a few things that rang true. I have a daughter who is an author and so I know that each book contains bits and pieces of its creator. The rowing, the science, the daughter and the dog came alive, as well as the atheistic/humanistic viewpoint, which all seem to be inherent in Bonnie, and important to the story and the underlying messages of the book.

I’ll start with the re Immediately upon finishing ‘Lesson in Chemistry’, Bonnie’s debut (may she live long and write many more), I was curious about a few things that rang true. I have a daughter who is an author and so I know that each book contains bits and pieces of its creator. The rowing, the science, the daughter and the dog came alive, as well as the atheistic/humanistic viewpoint, which all seem to be inherent in Bonnie, and important to the story and the underlying messages of the book.

I’ll start with the religious aspect (and I do believe that atheism and humanism are a religion because they have to do with a fundamental set of organized beliefs, what a group of people value highly). I mean, you can be so religious and devoted to football that it’s worshipped and becomes a life focus (I’m looking at you, Texas).

A quote from the author (Bonnie Garmus- an atheist and humanist like her heroine Elizabeth Zott? Probably) follows:

“I think that religion lets us off the hook. I think it teaches us that nothing is really our fault; that something or someone else is pulling the strings; that ultimately, we're not to blame for the way things are; that to improve things, we should pray.”

As a person who is very devoted to God and her religion, I actually agree with this quote. Because I don’t see God as a puppeteer who controls our lives. I see him as a loving parent who wants us to be as independent as possible and use our God given gifts to bless all those around us and care for our world. We don’t pray for God to fix or improve things we can do alone. We pray for strength and inspiration and peace to accomplish them ourselves, or when we have done all we can do, for Him to make up the difference when it seems impossible. That’s when miracles happen, unexplainable or by the hand of others who are guided to help. Where I disagree with the humanists (and Bonnie Garmus) is that although personal responsibility is essential, it doesn’t make humans more important than the God who created us in the first place. But I digress.

One main idea of the book is that despite the world around us, we can fulfill our destiny. Elizabeth Zott lives in the 1950’s and breaks the mold of what women are defined as, with great difficulty. Rowing is important to the story because it’s done together and individually and it takes great strength and sometimes pain to accomplish, especially for a woman. It also involves unity as all must row as if they were one.

Madeline, another character, I feel represents what could be. Possibilities. She doesn’t accept limitations. She reminds me of Roald Dahl’s Matilda, who, like Mad, was also wise beyond her years and refused to be defined by those who tried to hold her back.

If Six-thirty the dog were alive today he would be one of those dogs on TikTok that communicate with speaking buttons. Except that he would need a houseful of them. I liked that he was just as fully a voice in the book as his human counterparts.

Overall: 4.5 rating (not a 5 because I’m not buying a copy and because it won’t be a repeat read for me). Wonderfully written though.

Parent Guide: multiple F words and several others you wouldn’t want your offspring repeating. At least one triggering scene. Adult topics. Without getting into any spoilers, I’d read it first before recommending it to your teen. Could inspire interesting conversations.

Book Club book? 100%, with the caveat that the language will be offensive to some and it may be triggering for others. It’s a women’s book, but not chick lit or a romance. It will definitely spark discussion.

This would be an interesting movie, assuming the focus was right.

...more

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Feb 24, 2023 Maria Luke rated it really liked it

I was 20% done listening to this audio book and was ready to throw in the towel. It was so frustrating reading about Elizabeth’s constant need to fight the sexism and double standard in science and, really, life, but I loved from that point on. I loved her straightforwardness, her quirky behavior and her attitude about raising a daughter in a time when it was difficult to be and/or raise a woman. I really enjoyed this book and totally recommend it. There is a tiny amount of language and sex if y ...more

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Dec 07, 2022 Anita rated it it was amazing

This was an amazing book on every level. The characters are so real (especially 630!) and there is a wonderful combination of humor, sadness, insights into life, and every possible emotion. The main character is a scientist who deals with the discrimination against women in the workplace during the 1950’s. As the story progresses, she ends up as a single mother who hosts a television cooking program. I would probably classify this as contemporary fiction. This one is definitely in the top 10 boo ...more

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Aug 30, 2022 Chai rated it it was amazing

What an interesting book! I loved the weaving of science, cooking, rowing, feminism. It was comforting to see how Zott created a family from thin air. I appreciated the character’s tenacity, courage, and conviction. Mad made me smile and Six Thirty added to my dog craving. I’ll be sending this book to family members.

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Mar 24, 2023 Mary Pat Lambert rated it liked it

Shelves: 2023-read

I know I'm in the minority on this, but I wasn't a fan of this book. I didn't care for the author's writing style and the storyline seemed somewhat forced. I considered not finishing it, but I kept thinking it would catch my interest. Unfortunately, it didn't. ...more

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Jun 11, 2023 Beckey rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2023

I don't know who described this book as "laugh out loud funny". It is not. Not once did I laugh out loud, or even chuckle to myself. What it is, is heartbreaking, frustrating, engaging, and wonderful. ...more

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