Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: Set in the 1960s, our protagonist, Elizabeth Zott, is a woman who challenges the status quo of women in the workplace. Elizabeth is determined to make her mark in the world as a scientist. She is left-brain smart and an outspoken woman who ruffles the feathers of her male counterparts, who are determined to put her in her proper place. Elizabeth is not the only character in this story who steals your heart with her bravery and resolve. There is Elizabeth’s daughter, Madeline, who, much like her mother, doesn’t always fit in easily with her peers. With her advanced intellectual abilities, Madeline takes it upon herself to solve the mystery of her father’s childhood. And then there is their family dog, Six-Thirty, who has a vocabulary beyond what many grade school children have. He has taken on the role of protector of Madeline and, sometimes, Elizabeth. He even tells the story in his own voice in a few chapters.
As a young woman of the 60s, I could admire Elizabeth. Her character was an advocate for the intelligence of women. However, I am saddened that our society has not come far enough to embrace a woman’s rightful place in the higher echelon of science, business, politics, etc. The New York Times Review said Lessons in Chemistry is “irresistible, satisfying, and full of fuel. It reminds you that change takes time and always requires heat.” The character, Elizabeth Zott, gave us the heat.
