Lessons in Chemistry

“Courage is the root of change—and change is what we’re chemically designed to do.” Elizabeth Zott proudly and rather stoically recites again and again throughout the story. It is certainly not her fault that the world in the 1950’s and 60’s is a patriarchal society that she does not fit into. Elizabeth Zott is the ONLY female chemist at Hastings Research Institute. Chemistry is all she ever wanted do with her life. As everything else felt upside down, science always made sense. When she unexpectedly falls in love (perfect chemistry) with a fellow scientist Calvin Evans, it is explosive. Unfortunately, life can be unfair and there is not always a happy ending. Elizabeth is repeatedly hounded by sexist superiors throughout her career. These chauvinist men simply cannot tolerate her intelligence and beauty. They will do whatever it takes to knock her down. Years later Elizabeth finds herself as a single mother and host of a hit television series called Supper at Six. Using chemistry and cooking to influence women across the country, the show becomes a smashing success. Daring to change the balance of power, Elizabeth makes many people uncomfortable with her direct honesty regarding issues women have been quietly suffering from for years. This novel is a unique, witty observation of a time in history when feminism was progressing at a snails pace. Filled with quirky, smart, wonderful characters - even the scenes that felt completely fantastical were still a joy.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️