NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • A must-read debut! Meet Elizabeth Zott: a “formidable, unapologetic and inspiring” (PARADE) scientist in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show in this novel that is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel. It reminds you that change takes time and always requires heat” (The New York Times Book Review).
"A unique heroine ... you'll find yourself wishing she wasn’t fictional." —Seattle Times
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.
Excellent read! A look at the status of women in the 50’s and 60’s in America….a fresh look at the mans world of science. But the story will also ellicit laughter and thought provoking insights.55
I loved this book! The characters were so interesting and unique, and the way the story wound around them was lots of fun. Sorry that the story had to end.55
A fun, feel good story that makes you laugh, cry, and think55
I like to read non-fiction books that evoke some emotion. As a female and professional, I found myself feeling angry for the constant and consistent discrimination Elizabeth encountered. Unfortunately, this type of discrimination is not non-fiction. I think the author did a great job of depicting the challenges that a professional woman faced during that time period. The story line could have been a real one, only names changed to protect the innocent!45
Intelligent, hilarious and moving. It was a pleasure to read.55
This is a fabulous book. Could not put it down.55
The best book I’ve read in a long time. Simple, yet intriguing. Heartwarming, funny and real.55
This was well written and interesting from beginning to end.55
An amazing, funny, intelligent read. I’m so happy I found it!55
Fun, witty, and holds your attention till the end. Definitely worth reading ! Great characters.55
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