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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • ONE OF NPR’s BEST BOOKS OF 2022A must-read debut! Meet Elizabeth Zott: a one-of-a-kind 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).“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.... A page-turning and highly satisfying tale: zippy, zesty, and Zotty.” —Maggie Shipstead, best-selling author of Great CircleChemist 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.

In the captivating novel "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus, we are introduced to Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist living in the 1960s. As a woman pursuing a career in a male-dominated field, Elizabeth faces numerous challenges and prejudices. Despite the obstacles, she perseveres and becomes a successful scientist, defying societal expectations.

The story takes us on an exhilarating journey as Elizabeth navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life. After being unfairly dismissed from her research position, she finds solace in cooking and hosting a popular cooking show called "Supper at Six." Elizabeth's unconventional approach to cooking, combined with her wit and charm, captures the attention of viewers and challenges traditional gender roles.

At the heart of the story is Elizabeth's unwavering dedication to her daughter, Maddie. As a single mother, she raises Maddie with love, resilience, and a strong sense of independence. Their bond is tested when Maddie learns the truth about her father, a renowned scientist who abandoned them. Elizabeth's strength and determination inspire Maddie to pursue her own dreams and stand up for what she believes in.

"Lessons in Chemistry" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that explores the themes of gender equality, motherhood, and the pursuit of dreams in a society that often limits women's opportunities. Bonnie Garmus's writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking, shedding light on the challenges women have historically faced while celebrating their resilience and strength.

As you delve into this captivating novel, you will find yourself rooting for Elizabeth as she defies societal norms, pursues her passion for science, and raises her daughter with love and determination. "Lessons in Chemistry" is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of breaking down stereotypes, and the enduring spirit of women who dare to dream big.