One of the benefits of working in a bookstore is the ARC supply. We get quite a few, so sometimes I grab things willy-nilly. One of my random selections was Lessons in Chemistry [Buy Bookshop Amazon LibroFM], and I promptly forgot I had it. Not even the part where it was our book of the year reminded me of its existence on my shelf. A friend started reading it and sent me a passage that kinda mocks rowers and how much we talk about rowing, and THAT is when I remembered I had it.

So, basically, I picked up Lessons in Chemistry for the rowing jokes. I regret nothing, because this book is wonderful.

Our main character is Elizabeth Zott, and she’s not your average woman… especially not in the early 1960’s. She doesn’t really care to be a wife or a mom like society expects of her. She wants to be a chemist. Since this story touches on two timelines of her life, we know that she ends up becoming a single mom and host of a cooking show on TV, and follow along on her journey to that point.

This novel runs the gamut of emotions, including love, grief, trauma, and learning to stand up for oneself. Elizabeth is sassy and strong in the face of predatory men, gossip, and heaping loads of sexism. Like, so freaking much, I’d be less than friendly too. There is speculation online that Elizabeth is autistic, and I could definitely see that being the case.

The rowing jokes come from her workplace enemy-turned-lover, Calvin. He’s a dedicated rower and drags her into it. As a former rower, I can validate many of the comments throughout this book. Especially the one about rowers always finding each other and talking about it…. Sorry, not sorry.

Lessons in Chemistry is funny at points, but also covers a lot of ground that makes you think. There were some weird parts, like the bits from the dog’s perspective, but overall, it’s a lovely read and I am very excited to see Brie Larson take on the role of Elizabeth for the Apple TV+ show. The character definitely feels like it was meant for Brie.

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