John

John asked Bonnie Garmus:

I've noticed that Elizabeth Zott in Lessons in Chemistry is very similar to Eleanor Oliphant, the protagonist in Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Have you read that book? If so, did you like it and did it help inspire Elizabeth?

Bonnie Garmus Hi John! I have read Eleanor Oliphant and absolutely loved it. But by the time I read it, I'd already written most of Lessons in Chemistry so I can't say it was an influence (and to be honest, the characters seem very different to me!) Eleanor is isolated and unsure of herself. By contrast, Zott is confident in who she is and what she wants. Zott is also not prone to negativity but rather action--she believes in her own self-worth and fights back, even when things are tragically physical, demeaning, or just flat-out wrong. In short, she stays true to her nature -- she's a thinking scientist, but also a catalyst. What I think both Honeyman and do share is using humor to tackle tough topics and she does it brilliantly.

More Answered Questions

Judy

Judy asked Bonnie Garmus:

I am the administrator for a reading group in the Los Angeles area called The Bookie Babes. We have been together for years. This month we read Lessons in Chemistry and all 12 members gave it thumbs up. We had a rousing discussion. I personally loved so many things: the characters, the story, the mystery and the unabashedly feminist approach! Thank you for such a wonderful read. Will you publish another novel?

Margot MacKay

Margot MacKay asked Bonnie Garmus:

Have you heard of any schools adding your book to their reading lists? I'm curious, having just sent the paperwork to the BOE in my township. Hoping to hear about an acceptance by November!

Liv

Liv asked Bonnie Garmus:

I really loved "Lessons in Chemistry". It was truly a highlight of this year. I am curious what next are you going to publish. I would love to know if you were at any point involved in the adaptation of your book?

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