Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera, scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle app

Follow the author

Bonnie Garmus
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Lessons in Chemistry Paperback – March 29 2022

by Bonnie Garmus (Author)
#1 Best Seller in Feminist Criticism
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$19.96","priceAmount":19.96,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"19","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"96","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"uE4wlYMdpfp1mToj46GUZdmjdj1FQCLOgAb9YikVjoGz5hItGNhQp7sPBtHvoAwKWsJH7yLL8B%2FvJNTvWm8TomXnzp22bA0IGZ%2FwSS%2Bx%2FyTV2USArI2o1PREhqAtvY5i%2Bsf6sJzycco%3D","locale":"en-CA","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

NATIONAL BESTSELLER
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A delight for readers of Where'd You Go, Bernadette, this blockbuster debut set in 1960s California features the singular voice of Elizabeth Zott, a scientist whose career takes a detour when she becomes the star of a beloved TV cooking show.

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.

Like science, though, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Eizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother but also 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 how 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.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    400 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    March 29 2022
  4. Dimensions
    15.49 x 2.79 x 23.37 cm
  5. ISBN-10
    0385697376
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0385697378
  7. See all details
Next slide of product details

Frequently bought together

Lessons in Chemistry
$19.96
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.ca.
+
The Lost Bookshop: The most charming and uplifting novel for 2024 and the perfect gift for book lovers!
$18.20
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.ca.
+
Hello Beautiful (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel
$18.20
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.ca.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

From the Publisher

1

2

3

4

5

6

Product description

Review

A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A NATIONAL BESTSELLER
A #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
Winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Debut Novel
Shortlisted for the 2022/23 Comedy Women in Print Prize

Named one of the best books of 2022 by The New York Times • Oprah Daily • NPR • Entertainment Weekly • Daily Hive • The Guardian • The Times • Kirkus Reviews • Business Insider • BookPage • Amazon

"I loved it and am devastated to have finished it." —Nigella Lawson, author of Cook, Eat, Repeat

"Just loved it. Highly recommend, once you start you won’t put it down."                 —Julianna Margulies

"Deeply droll and terribly wise at the same time, this book is a delight." —The Globe and Mail

"Feminism is the catalyst that makes [this story] fizz like hydrochloric acid on limestone. . . . Beyond the entertaining subplots and witty dialogue is the hard truth that, in 1961, a smart, ambitious woman had limited options. . . . To file Elizabeth Zott among the pink razors of the book world is to miss the sharpness of Garmus's message. Lessons in Chemistry will make you wonder about all the real-life women born ahead of their time—women who were sidelined, ignored and worse because they weren’t as resourceful, determined and lucky as Elizabeth Zott. She's a reminder of how far we've come, but also how far we still have to go." —Elisabeth Egan, The New York Times Book Review

"Garmus . . . delivers an assured voice, an indelible heroine and several love stories. . . . There is an infectious absurdity to the book and its hero. . . . Garmus manages to charm. She's created an indelible assemblage of stubborn, idiosyncratic characters. She's given us a comic novel at precisely the moment we crave one."      —The Washington Post

"Darkly funny and poignant. . . . Garmus paints an excruciating portrait of what her awkward and brilliant protagonist has to deal with on a daily basis both in academia and the corporate world. . . . Excellent . . . quirky and heartwarming." —The Atlantic

"Beneath its pink cover, Lessons in Chemistry offers a story about power. . . . A book whose success is the stuff publishing dreams are made of. . . . Lessons in Chemistry has stuck a chord with a wide swath of readers. . . . A book that defies easy categorization. . . ." —The New York Times

"Darkly funny and poignant. . . . Irresistible, a gorgeous tribute to resilience and the many types of love that sustain us." —Oprah Daily

"Elizabeth is a standout character that pushes the boundaries that women are expected to abide by in this witty yet important read." —BuzzFeed

"Irresistible. . . . One meal at a time, [Zott] galvanizes her audience to question the lives they've been served." —New York Times Book Review

"A bold, smart and often hilarious look at the value of so-called women's work." —Real Simple

"This is a triumphant and totally original debut novel about a woman who refuses to live by society's strict and oppressive gender rules and follows her dream of becoming a scientist even as the world tries to stand in her way." —Isaac Fitzgerald, author of How to Be a Pirate, for TODAY

"A kicky debut, this book tackles feminism, resilience, and rationalism in a fun and refreshing way." —BuzzFeed

"A rare beast; a polished, funny, thought-provoking story, wearing its research lightly but confidently, with sentences so stylishly turned it’s hard to believe it's a debut." —The Guardian

"It's the world versus Elizabeth Zott, an extraordinary woman determined to live on her own terms, and I had no trouble choosing a side. Lessons in Chemistry is a page-turning and highly satisfying tale: zippy, zesty, and Zotty." —Maggie Shipstead, author of Great Circle

"A smart, funny, big-hearted debut combining chemical elements into what seems a winning formula—one whose breakneck pace and gently ironic tone should appeal to readers of literary-commercial hits by American authors such as Katherine Heiny, Emma Straub and Curtis Sittenfeld." —Sunday Times (UK)

"This triumphant feminist fable, wittily observed, is teeming with vivid comic set-pieces, those joyful moments feel more or less earned thanks to Garmus's winning forumla." —Telegraph

"[A] warm and addictive novel which cleverly and entertainingly unpacks the thorny questions around women's empowerment, the need to be true to oneself and why we should refuse to accept the limitations others try to impose on us. A triumph." —Daily Mail

"[A] smart, uproarious, emotional page-turner." —The Times

"A transporting read." —Stylist

"Never will you meet such an uncompromising character as Elizabeth Zott. . . . This is a truly unique book with some great life lessons." —Woman & Home

"Full of humour heartbreak and characters who feel like real people. This is a book that everyone will be talking about." —Red

"[An] energetic debut. . . . A more adorable plea for rationalism and gender equality would be hard to find." —Kirkus Reviews(starred review)

"Indefatigable and formidable, Elizabeth pushes the bounds of how women and their work are perceived in this thoroughly engaging debut novel." —Booklist

"Bonnie Garmus's devastating and funny debut novel blows the lid off the simplistic myth of post-World War II American life. . . . A witty and sharp dramedy about resilience and found families. . . . The scope of what this iconoclastic woman goes through is breathtaking, from personal losses to unrelenting sexism. . . . Not one moment of Elizabeth's story rings false; every detail is a well-documented component of the time period yet specific to her experience. Readers won't be able to get enough of Elizabeth and her makeshift family. Lessons in Chemistry is a story to return to again and again." —BookPage (starred review)

"Lessons in Chemistry is a breath of fresh air—a witty, propulsive, and refreshingly hopeful novel populated with singular characters. This book is an utter delight—wry, warm, and compulsively readable." —Claire Lombardo, author of The Most Fun We Ever Had

"A book that sparks joy with every page. Lessons in Chemistry is both funny and rousing: it had me laughing one minute and air-punching the next. Bonnie Garmus has created an unforgettable heroine." —Elizabeth Day

"Elizabeth Zott swept me away with her intellect, honesty and unapologetic selfhood. Lessons in Chemistry is a story for all the smart girls who refuse to dumb themselves down despite a culture that demands otherwise. Though a creation of the 50s & 60s, Zott is a feminist icon for our time." —Rachel Yoder, author of Nightbitch

"A vibrant and original story of hope and staying true to yourself. Laugh-out-loud funny and brimming with life, generosity and courage." —Rachel Joyce

"A timeless book. Elizabeth Zott is an iconic heroine—a feminist who refuses to be quashed, a mother who believes that her child is a person to behold, rather than to mould, and who will leave you, and the lens through which you see the world, quite changed." —Pandora Sykes

"Original, fresh, tender, funny and warm. The story dances and swirls, captivating the reader from the first page." —Sinead Moriarty

"The most charming, life-enhancing novel I've read in ages. A perfect delight."   —India Knight

"Bonnie [Garmus] is an absolutely exceptional writer." —Brie Larson 

About the Author

BONNIE GARMUS is a copywriter and creative director who has worked widely in the fields of technology, medicine and education. She's an open-water swimmer, a rower and mother to two pretty amazing daughters. Born in California and most recently from Seattle, she currently lives in London with her husband and her dog, 99.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Doubleday Canada (March 29 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0385697376
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0385697378
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 488 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.49 x 2.79 x 23.37 cm
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Bonnie Garmus

Bonnie Garmus

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Bonnie Garmus is a copywriter and creative director who has worked for a wide range of clients, in the US and abroad, focusing primarily on technology, medicine, and education. She’s an open water swimmer, a rower, and mother to two pretty amazing daughters. Most recently from Seattle, she currently lives in London with her husband and her dog, 99.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
288,872 global ratings
Please read this masterpiece!
5 Stars
Please read this masterpiece!
My goodness, this is such a fantastic book. I was recently in Paris at the famed Shakespeare and Company and picked up my third copy (someone will get it as a gift). I recommend it to everyone and have yet to hear from anyone who didn’t love it. I know that everyone has different tastes in literature and it’s a bit of a foolish thing to be so gung ho about one particular book but this one is really special in my opinion.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from Canada

Elle
5.0 out of 5 stars Fully deserving of its accolades
Reviewed in Canada on January 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
I loved this story. I have a hard time understanding some of the criticism in the other reviews.

The prose flows easily. The dialogue has been crafted carefully to match the idiosyncrasies of each character. Their flaws, humanity, and humour come out so effortlessly - I was truly impressed.

I never believe reviews that claim a book is funny - I’ve never found them to be true. This novel is an exception, however. There are truly humorous exchanges that made me chuckle out loud (poor Walter trying to reason with Elizabeth - I could just picture the flustered, red-faced, exasperated man), as well as some EQ flaws from the most intelligent characters that are amusingly laid bare for the reader.

Despite the A+ stylistic marks, the content, plot development, and character growth are what really stick with you. It’s easy to forget in 2023 that, a mere few decades ago, women were subjected to abhorrent behaviours that were accepted as “the way things are,” with no credible recourse to justice. I love that our protagonist builds resilience throughout the story, and demonstrates gumption that so many women didn’t have the courage or opportunity to demonstrate in their day.

Let’s not forget that there are many Elizabeth Zott’s to this day still - women who get shunned, discredited, disrespected, or simply not taken seriously in their fields on a daily basis. Women who have to work much harder than men to prove themselves and “make it.” Women who are brilliant but, due to traditional family roles, had to make hard choices - the world isn’t kind to a mother who prioritizes career over housekeeping/childrearing. This book is an ode to women who have succeeded despite and in spite of.

I will be recommending this book to all my girlfriends. And I encourage you to read it - you will finish it with a renewed sense of purpose and drive, and a smile on your face.
9 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Stephanie B.
4.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Riveting!
Reviewed in Canada on October 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
Just finished reading Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, and all I can say is wow, what an incredible book! Delightfully rage-inducing, yet simultaneously and absolutely heart-warming and empowering, this book successfully navigates the dawn of women's rights and value in STEM through the eyes of a no-nonsense, courageous, and utterly spellbinding main character. Elizabeth Zott is my new fictional hero!
4.5⭐️ (but Amazon won't let me give half a star).
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
Reviewed in Canada on April 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book was by turns hilarious and heartbreaking. I love the originality of it all and very often my favorite character was Six-Thirty! This was a compelling read and more believable than I expected. Well written, great characters that were easy for me to see and hear in my mind.
Helpful
 Report
KEMS
5.0 out of 5 stars An enlightening, funny and devastating book all at the same time
Reviewed in Canada on January 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
How close to truth can a fictional story get? As a child of the 60s and a scientist and an athlete myself, the story line rings so true! There are lines in this book that could have come out of my own upbringing and home life, especially from my mother. Its a great read and hard to put down for the quality of the writing and entertainment value but also for such an irreverent, satirical and sardonic look at the era in question. The attention to detail is both funny and impressive - but its also a sad reflection of the value of women in science and in the community. I would love to say that things have changed and this book is not a reflection on the current state of affairs in terms of women in science and technology but there were still many examples in the book that still ring true today. I am so looking forward to reading more of Bonnie Garmus’s work.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
C.K.P.G
5.0 out of 5 stars READ IT
Reviewed in Canada on April 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
Wow
Wow
Wow
Such a solid read. I loved it from start to finish. I recently got back into reading & this has been far my favourite read of 2024! So so so good. I am aware that it is now on TV but the books are always better. Honestly this book really opens one’s eye.
Helpful
 Report
Shawna Flaten
4.0 out of 5 stars Did a scientist write this book?
Reviewed in Canada on February 16, 2024
Verified Purchase
A scientist must have written this book as there was a lot of scientific words in the text. This was an entertaining book as there were lots of cute moments but it all came together nicely at the end.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and Entertaining
Reviewed in Canada on May 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
Inspirational and emotional story about an admirable main character. I got this as a Mother's day gift and as birthday gifts for some of my sisters, each of whom are mothers with scientific careers.
Helpful
 Report
Mary
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story
Reviewed in Canada on June 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
The book was well written, presented in an easy flowing format and very entertaining. I did watch the series but enjoyed the character development and presentation far more in the book. Our book club will have fun discussing this wonderful book.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Michelle M
5.0 out of 5 stars A witty, inspiring novel that is a great read
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is great book. I love the way the author presented her ideas and the characters are fantastic. At the heart of the novel is a love story between two strong willed, brilliant people who have been battered by life but present themselves to the world on their terms. The secondary characters are strong and add nuance to the story. The author used the context of the 1950's and 60's to show that although women have come a far way in some instances, for the most part the fight to be recognized and taken seriously in the workplace is still very much still a major issue in 2024. The humor and satire of the novel are sharp and on point and I hope that Ms. Garmus is inspired to write more wonderful novels.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Julia I.
5.0 out of 5 stars Hermoso
Reviewed in Mexico on April 7, 2024
Verified Purchase
Lo ame mucho!!! Facil de leer, senti cerca a las personajes; me hizo reír y llorar 🥲
Customer image
Julia I.
5.0 out of 5 stars Hermoso
Reviewed in Mexico on April 7, 2024
Lo ame mucho!!! Facil de leer, senti cerca a las personajes; me hizo reír y llorar 🥲
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
Report
Rainner Teixeira
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in Brazil on February 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
There is long time that I’ve read something so impactful, interesting and profound. A book that took my attention since the first chapter and make me feel inspired by stories full of encrypted messages and important debates.
Report
Mrs Mac
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a joy. No understanding of chemistry needed!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 28, 2024
Verified Purchase
What to say about this book, apart from it being in my Top 3 so far this year? It has one of the best opening chapters I’ve ever read. The writing is quirky, zingy, chippy and sharp. I have just finished it but feel like I want to read it again, now, straight away, because there were the bits I missed whilst desperately reading to find a happy ending, the bits I could perhaps understand better and the bits that were just a sheer joy to read. It made me laugh aloud at times. The lives of women in America in the 1950/60s are depressing, saddening and quite unbelievable in places, but their lives were replicated elsewhere in the world at the time AND continue to be replicated around the world now, today. The way men treat women…well, we don’t have to look far to see it every day in certain cultures and sections of society. Anything that champions everybody’s right to speak freely and be who they are is very ok in my book. You don’t need to understand chemistry to read this book, you just need to appreciate people and their experiences. All the characters leap out of every page. They are fully formed, articulate, you have a clear picture of who they are and what they look like. And, if you don’t quite believe them, then stop, believe and go with the flow. I’d give this book 10 stars if I could. It has blown me away. I have read several 1 star reviews and feel sad that those reviewers have clearly missed the point. It’s a love story, a story about family and how we create our own, a story about personal belief, personal achievement and a story about respect - for oneself, for each other, for different viewpoints and different lives. It’s a triumphant debut.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Martina K
5.0 out of 5 stars Ein Buch, das man nicht weglegen kann
Reviewed in Germany on June 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
Dieses Buch hat mich gleich ab der ersten Seite mitgenommen . Eines der besten Bücher für mich. Es ist sehr unterhaltsam, humorvoll, traurig und erfrischend sarkastisch zur Rolle der Frau in den 50er und 60er Jahren. Top!
Report