Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus

Oh, do I 'get' this book; okay, let me rephrase, I get Elizabeth Zott.

Bonnie Garmus' Lessons in Chemistry follows the life of chemist Elizabeth Zott. In the 1950s, it was more than unusual for women to be in the workforce, let alone in an area as cerebral as science. Elizabeth endured sexual assault, discrimination, sexism, and patriarchy as she worked for a fraction of the money in a lab filled with men who were nearly all less capable than her.

While at work, she meets Calvin Evans, a thrice nominated Pulitzer scientist, and the two have chemistry. Along with their stray dog, that Elizabeth names for the time she met him, Six-Thirty rounds out the duos family. When Calvin is tragically killed, Elizabeth finds herself pregnant, something she never wanted.

Like all patriarchies and sexist/discriminatory societies, Elizabeth is fired when her employer learns of her 'condition.' After surviving on covert science papers for her former co-workers following the birth of her daughter, Mad, Elizabeth has a moment where she turns her kitchen into a lab, centrifuge and all. Once Mad starts school, trouble with another kindergartner causes Elizabeth to storm into a television producer's office complaining about his child, and she is offered a new job as the face of Suppers at Six, where Elizabeth uses chemistry to encourage growth and education while teaching women how to cook nutritious meals for their families.

With the help of a nosy neighbor turned best friend, Harriette, Elizabeth raises Mad and helps her tv audience learn pivotal lessons about life.

Lessons in Chemistry was a serious page-turner and my only regret is that I waited so long to read it (I sometimes worry that the book won't live up to the hype - this one does.)