Bethanne Elion
asked
Bonnie Garmus:
In your research for Lessons in Chemistry, did you run across my aunt, Dr Gertrude Belle Elion, a chemist who won the Nobel in the 1980s? Your main character parallels so much of what she faced. https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/women-scientists/gertrude-elion.html
Bonnie Garmus
I did not, which is really just bizarre given how important she obviously was to biochemistry! But I have now--thank you--and she was absolutely amazing. You must be very proud. During that era, women in every field faced so much discrimination. I'm relieved to see we've overcome some of it, although we still have a long way to go. I'm grateful to people like your aunt who persevered against such great odds. She paved the way for so many others.
More Answered Questions
Marisa Conte
asked
Bonnie Garmus:
I guess I have to add my comment separately…but it’s worth it! I had an incredible mutt named 67! You are the very first person I have heard of that named their dog a number as well! I adopted him from the pound in 1997 during my first month away at college and he was with me until 2010. I’m interested to know the story behind you naming your pup 99? That is, if you’re willing to share!
Theresa Turnsek
asked
Bonnie Garmus:
I don't have a question, I just loved your book! The story made me realize how far women have come and how far we still have to go. I wish I had read this book when I was a young woman, it would have inspired me to pursue a career that I would have loved instead of the one I chose. So when is the next book going to be published?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more