Lessons in Chemistry Review: 10 Stars, a Beaker Full of Feelings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (and then 5 more)
This book absolutely wrecked me—in the best, most unexpected way.
I went in thinking I’d enjoy the science (which I did), but I was not prepared for how deeply this story would hit on motherhood, grief, resilience, and what it means to build a life in a world that keeps trying to shrink you.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings
Sexual assault
Misogyny / workplace sexism
Death of a partner
Grief
Suicide (mentioned)
Emotional distress / postpartum struggles
🧪 What This Book Is About
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist in the 1950s/60s who refuses to conform to society’s expectations of women.
Instead of playing the role she’s assigned, she:
challenges sexism in science
fights to continue her research
and unexpectedly becomes the host of a cooking show… while teaching chemistry
Because obviously.
💔 Why This Book Hit Me So Hard
This book spoke to me in ways I honestly didn’t expect.
First—chemistry. It’s basically part of my DNA. Both of my parents are chemists, and some of my earliest memories are of my dad doing experiments at home just to spark my curiosity. I even aced the SAT II Chemistry test before ever taking a formal class. So hearing all the scientific language woven throughout the story? I loved every second of it. 🧪
And then there’s the part I wasn’t prepared for…
Motherhood.
This book does something that so many others avoid—it tells the truth.
It shows how isolating and overwhelming motherhood can be, especially when you don’t have a support system. It doesn’t sugarcoat it. It doesn’t wrap it up in a pretty bow.
And that hit me hard.
Because I remember being in that place—completely overwhelmed, exhausted, and wondering why everyone else seemed to think this was “the best time of my life.”
People love to say:
“You’ll miss this.”
“They’re only little once.”
And all I could think at the time was:
this is a living hell.
Reading this felt… validating. Like someone finally said the quiet part out loud.
🔬 Full Plot Summary (Spoilers + Ending)
Elizabeth Zott is a chemist at the Hastings Research Institute, where her intelligence is constantly dismissed because she’s a woman. Her academic career was derailed after her advisor sexually assaulted her—an experience that continues to shape her life and opportunities.
She meets Calvin Evans, a brilliant but socially awkward chemist. What starts as tension turns into a deeply meaningful relationship built on mutual respect and intellectual equality. They fall in love, choose not to marry, and build a life together alongside their dog, Six-Thirty.
Then tragedy strikes.
Calvin dies suddenly in an accident, leaving Elizabeth devastated—and pregnant.
Now alone, grieving, and facing a world that offers her very little support, Elizabeth is also pushed out of her job. She gives birth to Madeline and struggles through early motherhood in a way that feels incredibly real: isolated, overwhelmed, and trying to hold onto her identity as a scientist.
Her neighbor Harriet Sloane becomes her main source of support, helping her survive one of the most difficult periods of her life.
Elizabeth continues her scientific work from home, but after repeated setbacks—and after her research is stolen by male colleagues—she eventually finds herself in an unexpected role:
Host of a cooking show called “Supper at Six.”
But Elizabeth doesn’t play by the rules.
Instead of performing as the perfect housewife, she:
teaches chemistry on air
challenges societal expectations
encourages women to think critically and demand more
The show becomes a massive success, resonating deeply with women who feel unseen and underestimated.
Meanwhile, Madeline begins uncovering pieces of her father’s past, eventually leading to a major revelation:
Calvin’s biological mother is Avery Parker, a wealthy woman who had been secretly supporting him from a distance.
As corruption at Hastings is exposed:
Elizabeth’s stolen work is recognized
the men who sabotaged her are removed
and she is offered the role of head of chemistry
In the end, Elizabeth leaves the show and returns to science—on her own terms.
The story closes with:
Elizabeth back in the lab
Madeline thriving
Avery entering their lives
and Elizabeth finally reclaiming the career she deserved all along
🧠 Writing & Style
Here’s what shocked me:
Bonnie Garmus doesn’t have a background in chemistry.
I never would have guessed. The scientific language feels natural, intentional, and incredibly well-integrated into the story.
The writing itself is:
sharp
witty
emotionally grounded
and surprisingly funny at times
Yes, it’s a little drawn out in places—but it’s such an easy, engaging read that I didn’t mind at all.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Can I give this 10 stars?
Because I want to.
This book is:
smart
emotional
honest
empowering
It made me laugh, it made me uncomfortable, and it made me feel seen.
I loved the story. I loved the themes. I loved the science.
I just… loved it. 🥹
📚 Books You Might Also Love
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Oh—and before I go:
TIL pistachios are self-combustible.
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