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Lessons in Chemistry
Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel | Bonnie Garmus
"Set in 1960s California, this blockbuster debut is the hilarious, idiosyncratic and uplifting story of a female scientist whose career is constantly derailed by the idea that a woman's place is in the home, only to find herself starring as the host of America's most beloved TV cooking show. 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 1960s and despite the fact that she is a scientist, her peers are very unscientific when it comes to equality. The only good thing to happen to her on the road to professional fulfillment is a run-in with her super-star colleague Calvin Evans (well, she stole his beakers.) The only man who ever treated her-and her ideas-as equal, Calvin is already a legend and Nobel nominee. He's also awkward, kind and tenacious. Theirs is true chemistry. But as events are never as predictable as chemical reactions, three years later Elizabeth Zott is an unwed, single mother (did we mention it's the early 60s??) and the star of America's most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth's singular approach to cooking ('take one pint of H2O and add a pinch of sodium chloride') and independent example are proving revolutionary. Because Elizabeth isn't just teaching women how to cook, she's teaching them how 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"--
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Hillea2
Pickpick

My favorite read so far this year! Elizabeth is so inspiring in her strength, poise and grace. I didn‘t want it to end!

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The.Great.Catsby
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Pickpick

This book made me so mad!!!! But I also really enjoyed it. Elizabeth is... amazing. She really only cared about living her life for herself and her daughter. I really love how it ended. This was not a gobble it all up immediately read, but it was thought provoking and entertaining.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.26.23

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REPollock
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Pickpick

Absolutely fantastic. I loved this book, the characters, the choices the writer made about how best to tell the story, everything. Unreservedly recommend it to anyone who reads fiction.

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Birdsong28
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To celebrate the release of the paperback version of Lessons in Chemistry #Waterstones were giving away free tote bags. So I might have accidentally bought it as it would have been rude not to take up this offer, also it comes with a cute beaker bookmark.

julesG Soooooo cooool! 5d
squirrelbrain Fab! ❤️ 🧪 5d
RebelReader I‘ve almost finished the book. Finally! Better late than never. I‘ve laughed out loud several times. 🤣🤣🤣 4d
50 likes3 comments
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Magpiegem
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Pickpick

17/23 It is a very rare thing that I enjoy a much hyped book. And this book has made it to that category. The writing was wonderful, the characters felt filled out, and I want the dog. I enjoyed the journey very much. A definite 5⭐️ for me.

BkClubCare Six thirty!! 🐶 5d
31 likes1 comment
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CoffeeAndABook
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This book is a delight!! ?
It took me a moment to get into it but now I‘m so glad I trusted the Litsy love for this book and stuck it out.

Now I‘m just savoring every chapter, character, wonderful moment, sharp truth blast. And not least the presence of Six-thirty, the marvelous dog.

Note the cute table decoration in the café I‘m currently in - it seems to feature a portrait of Six-thirty himself!! ???

Cinfhen Fabulous photo 😍 6d
Cinfhen Cafe looks delightful 💕 6d
tpixie Great photo! Six thirty is one of the best characters! 6d
See All 14 Comments
CoffeeAndABook @Cinfhen I know right? I love coming here, even though it‘s expensive. Here‘s their website if you want to see more pictures ?
http://www.cafelichtenberg.de/Lichtenberg/Unsere_Philosophie/Unser_Kaffeehaus ☕️ This may sound goofy but I love looking at cafés all over the world, even ones I‘ll never be able to visit ☺️
6d
Cinfhen wow!!! It looks amazing!!! I‘d love to visit one day😍 6d
AmyG Fabulous photo! 6d
CoffeeAndABook @Cinfhen that would be great 😁🤸🏼‍♀️🤸🏼‍♀️😘 6d
CoffeeAndABook @tpixie Yes I agree 🐶💓 6d
CoffeeAndABook @AmyG Thank you 😊 6d
tpixie @CoffeeAndABook gorgeous- is that Denmark? Or Germany? ( website ends in .de) I want the chandelier with colored glass!! lol ask where they got it! I‘m looking for a beautiful colored glass, cheap chandelier!! Lol 😂 (edited) 5d
CoffeeAndABook @tpixie Hi, this is in Cologne in Germany! I think it‘s .de as in Deutschland - but Denmark makes sense too!! Yes the chandelier is amazing! It‘s probably 5 ft in diameter and had not only colored glass but also different kitchen tools built into it ? I‘m pretty sure it‘s custom made for the café. But I seem to recall I‘ve seen colored glass chandeliers at IKEA ? So we‘re full circle- that‘s almost Denmark for ya!! ?? (edited) 5d
CoffeeAndABook @tpixie just checked - Denmark is .dk 😉 (edited) 5d
tpixie @CoffeeAndABook what a great space. Some day I hope to make it to Germany 🇩🇪 kitchen tools! How fun! Hmm i might have to check out IKEA! Have a great day! 📚 5d
CoffeeAndABook @tpixie same to you 😃🌸 5d
51 likes14 comments
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Suelizbeth
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Pickpick

I have had a love/hate relationship with this book, and I‘m not really sure why, because love won out. I think part of it is that I feel so angry at the horrible way the women in this book are treated, because it‘s true in life, too. And I was reading another non-fiction book about women in chemistry and the parallels were uncanny. But this is a hopeful book and the heroine is a strong, courageous woman scientist. Also, it made me laugh.5⭐️

DivineDiana I felt the same! Cheers to the perseverance, strength and intelligence of Elizabeth Zott! ❤️ 6d
Suelizbeth @DivineDiana I failed to mention that there are some very funny lines and incidents. 📚❤️ 6d
DivineDiana Yes, there are! ❤️ 6d
39 likes3 comments
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angel1
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This wasn't what I was expecting when I picked this up, but I enjoyed it.😀

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rachaich
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Pickpick

Really liked the first half of this book, then found I was glossing over some of the scientific terminology as it felt repetitive.
However, I liked how there were knock on effects from different story lines, and how it tied up.

charl08 Ooh Alnwick. Was there last year, what a bookshop! 1w
rachaich @charl08 oh yes!!! 🤗😄😄 1w
24 likes2 comments
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AlizaApp
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Pickpick

Witty and funny - and sometimes sad - story of a 60s female chemist and her untraditional path to TV stardom as the host of a cooking show. Also: chosen family, an intelligent dog, lots of feminism.

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dabbe
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Pickpick

Since joining Litsy, I've tried reading more contemporary novels, this being one of them. While enjoyable (almost thoroughly so), I felt a little preached to by Elizabeth, though she was teaching the ladies in the 60s, not this jaded and worn-out 57-year old. I did laugh out loud at parts, found it jarringly sad in parts, and discovered Six-Thirty to be my favorite character (a dog, of course). All in all, a fun-kick-ass-woman read with 💜 and 💪.

Karisimo I disliked the preachy parts too- it slowed down the story. But the side characters are all so lovely, especially six thirty! 1w
marleed I really love book dogs and their names. I‘m still deciding on my book dog name because it has to be great! 1w
dabbe @Karisimo I wonder how I would have felt reading this as a 20-year old; maybe the preachy parts wouldn't have bothered me. I feel now that I've been over that bridge and am confidently assertive on the other side--and I'm extremely grateful to not have been an adult female during that period! 🤣 And many others, I unfortunately have to say. 1w
dabbe @marleed Me, too! And Six-Thirty was just the perfect name. I'd love to read a book where just he is the main character! 🤣 1w
66 likes4 comments
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Mrs_B
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Pickpick

This definitely lives up to all the hype. A feminist novel through and through. It is witty, honest and thought provoking. An excellent debut novel, I‘m already looking forward to seeing what Garmus will do next.

Cupcake12 I had for this Christmas. I still haven‘t read it, maybe I should move it up the TBR pile. X 1w
63 likes1 comment
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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I‘ve heard great things about this one!! It‘s high on the tbr stack!

#MarchMagic
#AboutScience

👨‍🔬 🧪🔬

Texreader I picked this one up from the little free library. 1w
SomedayAlmost It was pretty good. My book group really liked it. 1w
dabbe Just finished it last night! 🤣 Will be writing a review sometime today. 1w
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CBee I LOVED THIS BOOK 😍😍😍 1w
ShelleyBooksie 5 star read for me 1w
Leftcoastzen I need to get to this one too! 1w
Eggs Brilliant! 1w
72 likes7 comments
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Judybskt
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Pickpick

Loved this book!
Love my new Starbucks PSU mug too!

18 likes1 stack add
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JillR
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Pickpick

“He listened politely, then commented on her trousers - called them a bold choice. She looked at him surprised, then congratulated him on his own bold choice. There was a tone.” There is indeed a tone - it‘s smart, snappy, witty and a little angry. I very much loved this, and recommend falling for the hype!

TrishB It was a fab read 😁 2w
JillR @trishb I was worried it might be a disappointment as is sometimes the case with those books you see everywhere - so pleased it wasn‘t! 2w
squirrelbrain Yes, this was one that definitely lived up to its hype! 2w
JillR @squirrelbrain always good when that‘s the case! 2w
51 likes4 comments
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CoffeeAndABook
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New book and a free afternoon to ride my bike to a café and sit and read and people watch.
We‘re not quite there yet - but spring is in the air and I‘m feeling a tiny bit giddy ??⛅️

Cinfhen Fabulous!! I can feel that pep in your step xxx enjoy 😊 2w
CoffeeAndABook @Cinfhen Thank you 😎 hope you‘re having a good time with your family 😃😃😃😘 2w
50 likes2 comments
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Picking_Books
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Currently reading. Only about 90 pages left to go and really enjoying it! What are you reading right now?

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rachaich
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Book club pick. It's intriguing... ace cover and nice colours.
Bonnie was in Bath the last few days, signing books. I've not managed to get to see her as I saw Margaret Atwood last night after work

BekaReid Love this cover! 2w
24 likes1 comment
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actualdisneyprincess
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I am LOVING this. My coworker‘s been on me to read it, and my hold finally came in: much like Remarkably Bright Creatures, I‘m sorry it took me this long! Elizabeth is amazing and I adore her. 🥰😍 #lessonsinchemistry #bonniegarmus #librarianpick

dabbe I'm reading this now, too, and I agree 100%! ❣️ 2w
28 likes1 comment
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bio_chem06
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Mehso-so

I think this was decent read but it was a tad longer than it needed to be. I have yet to understand why it was on all the most popular lists.

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Magpiegem
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Today was way to stormy to swim so I sat on the beach and felt the awesome power and seaspray whilst I listened to Lessons in Chemistry. I love Six Thirty 🥰

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PunkedRocker56
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Pickpick

Such a beautiful story. At first I was frustrated with how some of the behaviors described in this book seemed so drastically over-dramatized. I thought to myself “there is no freaking way people acted like this.” I quickly realized I was shocked and disgusted because people really DID act this way and it‘s so hard to fathom. This book did a wonderful job in reminding us why women are badasses and deserve every piece of recognition. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Pinta
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Mehso-so

Ok I get the hype. “No-nonsense” 1960s single mom, precocious child, celebrity rise, canine narrator, all in quaint, confident prose. But (like the ? for “Supper at Six”): who is the audience? Everywoman, based on book sales. Opposing sexism & celebrating women‘s work always need retelling, but this feels fluffy? Paddle pressure when I wanted power 20s. P290 “That‘s what the audience needed to see: a woman who both demanded respect & got it.” 2022

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melissajayne
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Pickpick

5⭐️ I really liked this book and just flew through this. I think that the book really worked was that the book had a very quick pace to the plot. And it helped that Lizzie was extremely likeable and that there were definite villains. I really loved the sign off that Lizzie had for her show: “Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself.” #2023 #fiction #historicalfiction #bookclub #bookreview #bookstagram #feminism

robinb I loved this one too. Very original. 2w
32 likes1 comment
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Kshakal
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 📚👌🏻📚 2w
Eggs Well done 👍🏼 2w
32 likes2 comments
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Jfishtech
Pickpick

Power to the ladies!

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Judybskt
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Summer
Coffee
Blue
Peony
Beach
Coffee
Clue

Tagged

@Eggs - thanks for the tag! #wondrouswednesday

Eggs Thanks for playing 🌺 3w
13 likes1 comment
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PunkedRocker56
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1. Sweat pants from PINK. Combine those with my favorite knit sweater and a cozy blanket and that‘s my go-to cozy reading outfit!

2. I typically only read one book at a time.

Thanks for the tag! @TheNeverendingTBR

I tag @bookaddictsguide @book.jedi

@TheSpineView #Two4Tuesday

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! 3w
8 likes1 comment
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PunkedRocker56

Didn‘t really think this book was gonna pique my interest at first, so I‘m a little late on this trend. After hearing so many raving reviews about it and finding out it won an award on Goodreads, how could I not give it a shot? I‘ve been known to love a good feminist agenda comedy every once in a while, so I‘m feeling very optimistic!

ChantalReads Best book I've read this (school) year. 3w
10 likes1 comment
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Beatlefan129
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Pickpick

I liked this book but did not love it. I had many of the same issues I‘ve seen in other reviews: the cover doesn‘t match the seriousness of the story which is definitely not laugh out loud funny. Elizabeth Zott is smart and resilient but can be one-dimensional at times. And the first third of the book is incredibly sad. On the plus side I loved Six Thirty the dog.

Prairiegirl_reading That cover does this book a huge disservice. 3w
Beatlefan129 @Prairiegirl_reading I wonder if they‘ll choose a new cover when it comes out in paperback 3w
Prairiegirl_reading I sure hope so! 3w
83 likes3 comments
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Nessavamusic
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Pickpick

This historical fiction story follows Elizabeth Zott and her challenges as a scientist in the 1960‘s. It has a love story (not a romance though), has a lovable cast of side characters and an awesome dog. The first third of this book is difficult to read, to the point I almost DNF‘d. The story pivots though and becomes a very different story. I enjoyed a lot of this story, but it is a little all over tonally. 3.5⭐️ CW⬇️

Nessavamusic Content Warnings for rape, gaslighting, death of a loved one and off page domestic abuse. 3w
Nessavamusic Fun puzzle completed while listening to this audiobook! 3w
57 likes3 comments
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Amiable
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Pickpick

This book got off to a rough start. Despite the cover blurb, I didn‘t find it “laugh-out-loud funny.” As a woman in my 50s who has faced my share of sexism in the workplace, it made me tired. And angry. And tired of being angry. Yes, we‘ve made gains since 1960. But we‘re going backwards. It irritates me when young women in my office shy away from the word “feminist,” saying we don‘t need to be that anymore. Yes. We do. Keep fighting. ⬇️

Amiable The book itself was pretty good, although I thought it meandered too much in the middle and ended too abruptly and neatly. Still, a decent pick from my #AuldLandSpine list. Thanks again, Deb! 4w
AmyG I wish I could hand you my plate…for one of those. They look delicious! 4w
Amiable @AmyG Blueberry scones! From a box. 😀 4w
See All 14 Comments
BrittanyReads Wonderful review. 4w
plemmdog I didn‘t enjoy it. To me, Elizabeth Zott didn‘t feel like a believable character. I agree it felt too lighthearted. 4w
Amiable @plemmdog My problem wasn‘t with Elizabeth. I‘ve known women like her. I didn‘t think it was too lighthearted, either. There was a lot of really heavy stuff in there. I think the cover blurb was misleading by calling it “humorous.” It‘s difficult to enjoy a read when the main character is forced to keep taking punches. In a book, the author can make it all better. In real life, women take punches like this —without hope of a happy ending. 4w
Amiable @BrittanyReads Thanks! 🙂 4w
Tamra My students are skeptical too - they don‘t seem to realize how easily we can backslide. They take progress made in the past for granted and assume it‘s a given going forward. 4w
Deblovestoread I went into this one without reading any blurbs so I didn‘t have any expectations of what the book would be. I have had that happen where you think you will be reading one thing and it is something else entirely. 4w
Amiable @Tamra As has been horribly and heartbreakingly demonstrated with the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision. 😖 4w
CBee @Amiable I really loved this one, but I totally agree with what you‘re saying! 4w
Lindy I appreciated the way humour was used to lighten the burden of reading about Elizabeth Zott‘s horrifying (and realistic) experiences with misogyny at university and at work. I found the book fierce and uplifting, the sort of balm my soul needs these days. 4w
Amiable @Lindy Honestly, thank God for some of that. I probably would have put the book down if there wasn't any attempt at lightening the mood -- because the burden of reading about Elizabeth's experiences would have been too heavy to deal with. (edited) 4w
Amiable @Deblovestoread I was puzzled by the marketing. With the “sexy scientist“ graphic on the hot-pink cover and the “laugh-out-loud“ blurb, the packaging seems designed to pitch this as trivial “chick lit.“ Which is basically what happens with Elizabeth's career. Was that intentional marketing? Was it clueless? Who can tell? I know it sounds like I'm complaining about the book. I'm not. I did like it. I just hate the reality of it. (edited) 4w
70 likes1 stack add14 comments
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Daisey
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February #BookSpinBingo

I completed 10 books this month along with keeping up with MiddleMarch & Clarissa. My favorite was Lessons in Chemistry. 4 books completed are on the #1001books list & 5 count for #ReadingTheAmericas2023!

#ReadingStats #MonthlyStats

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Fantastic month!!! 4w
39 likes1 comment
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kspenmoll
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My reads for February 2023. The standout by far is Lessons in Chemistry. Just adored this book for a multitude of reasons. My book club discussion was lively! 8 of these books were buddy reads. #bookclub #janeandtheexcellentreadalong #goldenagecrimeclub #nunlit #pemberlittens #diversecozy #sundaybuddyread
The last 5 books were my choices. Killing of Innocents I have not finished so it is going into March.

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quietjenn
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Well, huzzah! We were sitting watching TV tonight when we heard a noise out front and my #llwbs box was in the door when we went to see what it was. Only two+ weeks later and it definitely looks like it's been through some stuff. But hooray! And thank you so much, @AmyG - it's wonderful and so perfect for bathtime self-care. The candle and soap smell amazing and the books are perfect. Thank you so much and I hope your trip is going great.

AmyG Huzzah! 1mo
AmyG You are so welcome. I am so happy it got there! 1mo
See All 12 Comments
Ruthiella I love a Happy End! 👏👏👏 1mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Woohoo 🎉 1mo
quietjenn @AmyG me too and thank you for being a gem throughout this whole thing 1mo
quietjenn @Ruthiella they're pretty great 😃 1mo
AmyG I am just so thrilled all is well! 😘 1mo
Bookgoil Hooray! It survived! 1mo
sisilia The Door 😍 It‘s one of my favs 1mo
kspenmoll Lessons in Chemistry is fabulous! Enjoy! 1mo
54 likes12 comments
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Birdsong28
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TrishB Sadly not near me😁 1mo
Birdsong28 @TrishB Nor me 😔 1mo
33 likes2 comments
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Victoriahoperose
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Panpan

Such a struggle with this one. Maybe I will have to revisit it another time, but I just didn‘t care for it. It was slow to start and I just could not get into the characters‘ stories.

Caroline2 Yep, I bailed on this one. I really don‘t get all the hype and the awards this has won?! 🤷‍♀️ 1mo
Victoriahoperose @Caroline2 I am so glad I am not alone. I was so excited to read this one! So bummed that I didn‘t like it 1mo
29 likes2 comments
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Messiejessie
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Pickpick

Always be yourself. Unless you can be Elizabeth Zott, then be Elizabeth Zott! I loved this character. This is a brilliant book.

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Oryx
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That tiny dot is Bonnie Garmus. Excited to hear her (if not see her). Fab venue at Seattle library too.

TrishB That looks amazing! (And huge!). 1mo
squirrelbrain I‘m so glad you got to see her! Interested to hear how it went. 1mo
Oryx @squirrelbrain She was fabulous. I'll be able to tell you about it next weekend in Leeds 😁. I want to read the book again now. 1mo
squirrelbrain Looking forward to it! (Both the event and hearing all about Bonnie) 1mo
70 likes4 comments
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yourfavouritemixtape
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Pickpick

This was a good read, but oh, did that book make me angry because of all the injustices the protagonist has to endure.

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Judybskt
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So far so good! I need to finish putting my books back in my freshly painted bookcase.

20 likes1 stack add
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Lesliereadsalot
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Pickpick

You‘ve never met anyone like Elizabeth Zott before. She‘s a chemist, a mother, a tv personality and someone who knows her own mind. What a character! An interesting read and you‘ll find yourself rooting for her successes.

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Lindy
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Okay Littens. Please select your favourite cover! Going strictly by cover appeal, I would pick up #6 first (the German edition) and #2 second (the Italian edition).

Cuilin #6 definitely 💯 1mo
squirrelbrain I still prefer the UK one (5). Number 4 is awful! 😬 1mo
Tamra #5 just edges out #3 for me. Fun comparison! 1mo
See All 55 Comments
Lindy @Cuilin I like the woman‘s direct gaze, friendly rather than sad (so I can guess the tone) and that I know immediately it‘s historical fiction. 1mo
IndoorDame I‘m right in line with your assessment on cover appeal 1mo
Lindy @Tamra Both 5 and 3 emphasize the wackiness, which I found is part of the appeal of this novel. 1mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain #4 could be soft porn 😬 In #4‘s favour, Elizabeth did turn her kitchen into a chemistry lab. And the tv execs wanted her to wear sexy clothing. But she refused. I doubt she would have worn the high heeled pumps in #5 either. 1mo
Cuilin @Lindy I love the black and white photo. Eye contact for the personal touch. Sets the tone and time. Hand on hip. Nostalgia tinted with challenge. (edited) 1mo
Lindy @IndoorDame Hey Adina! 👯 1mo
Lindy @Cuilin Yes! The hand on hip. 👌 (edited) 1mo
MissHel Oooh #4 or #3 are my favorites. It‘s the use of color for me. 1mo
TrishB Same as you 6 & 2. 1mo
julesG My favourite is #5. The German edition (#6) is great, too. The wackiest is #4. 1mo
Lindy @MissHel The colours on #3 remind me of Andy Warhol‘s art. 1mo
Lindy @TrishB 😊👯👍 1mo
Lindy @julesG My initial reaction to #4 is that it doesn‘t represent Elizabeth‘s character at all, but its wackinesss is growing on me. Reminds me of an American tv show I watched when I was a kid: The Beverly Hillbillies. 1mo
Karisa Wow! Such different depictions. Not sure any nailed it. I think #5 is my favorite because of the old fashioned 📺 and the nod to the periodic table. There‘s a lot going on and the colors are a bit much though? Tv test pattern-ish? 1mo
jlhammar Same, the German edition is my favorite. 1mo
Suet624 My only thought is #1 is the worst of the 6 choices. 1mo
EKonrad #5 but I wish the color scheme was different 1mo
BookNAround I like 6, then 3, then 5. 1mo
Lindy @BookNAround The strangeness of #3 grows on me, the longer I study it. There‘s some mystery to it. 1mo
Desha 5 then 2 then 6 for me 😆 1mo
Lindy @EKonrad Ah! I hadn‘t thought much about the colour scheme. What colours would you prefer? 1mo
Lindy @Karisa The tv and periodic table, I appreciate that. @EKonrad has also mentioned reservations about the colour scheme in #5 1mo
Sparklemn Definitely #5 1mo
Lindy @Desha Nobody is choosing #1. I‘m starting to feel sorry for whoever designed that cover. 1mo
Lindy @jlhammar @Suet624 @Sparklemn Thanks for playing along 🤗 1mo
EKonrad I don‘t even know what colors would be better. 🤷🏽‍♀️ But those seem too cheerful or upbeat for the overall tone of the book. 1mo
Karkar 5 is my favorite 1mo
LeahBergen Hmm… 6 is my favourite and then the slightly wacky 3. 😆 1mo
Desha @Lindy I agree 😂 1mo
Daisey 5 and 6 are my favorites. I really love the periodic table aspects in the British edition. 1mo
marleed I have such envy of the British edition (#5)! 1mo
CarolynM #6 is the most like I picture Elizabeth, but I think #5 is clever in the way it captures so many elements of the story (no pun intended😆) (edited) 1mo
Billypar For me, it's #3 by a landslide. I love the strange layout and color combo. 1mo
Lindy @marleed @daisey @desha @LeahBergen @Karkar @EKonrad @Sparklemn @BookNAround @Suet624 @jlhammar @Karisa @TrishB @MissHel @julesG @IndoorDame @Cuilin @squirrelbrain @Tamra Thanks everyone! #5 is the most popular (9 1/2 votes) but 6 is a close second (7 1/2 votes). I gave a half vote to each of two covers if someone said they liked two equally. 1mo
Tamra What a fun poll! 1mo
Lindy @Billypar I tallied votes too quickly! @MissHel is a fan of 3 too. 1mo
Lindy @CarolynM Thanks for weighing in, Carolyn. I tallied votes too quickly. I shall assign a half vote from you to both 5 and 6, bringing the total to 10 votes for 5 and 8 votes for 6. 1mo
CarolynM You didn‘t ask, but #4 is my least favourite, the expression on the face makes Elizabeth look like a total airhead. 1mo
Lindy @CarolynM I‘ve now studied all of them so long that I can see redeeming qualities in all of them… but 4 is at the bottom of my list too. 1mo
LeahBergen I love this poll! 👏 1mo
batsy I love 3. It's so quirky and interesting. Then 2 🙂 1mo
squirrelbrain Fascinating results! Thanks for doing this Lindy! ⚛️ 1mo
TrishB Thanks Lindy 👍🏻 that was fun. 1mo
julesG This was fun! And I agree with @CarolynM, #4 makes Elizabeth look like an airhead. A slightly stern face might have been better. 1mo
Lindy @batsy Thanks for weighing in. There are now 2 1/2 votes for 3, which brings it into a distant third place in popularity. So far, nobody has chosen either 1 or 2 as first choice, but there is a 1/2 vote for #4. (I‘m not going to factor least favourites into my informal poll.) 🤓 1mo
batsy @Lindy I'm enjoying the feedback on this informal poll 😆 4 is also my pick for least fave. 1mo
webhau1 5 is my favorite 1mo
Amiable I literally just started this book this morning. Without having read more than the first two pages, my eye goes to 5. And then 3. Cover 6 immediately makes me think of books by Mary McCarthy. (edited) 1mo
Prairiegirl_reading Five and six are my favourites. While I think the pencil in her hair in #1 is a great touch I‘m sick of so many animated covers with romance and “chick lit”. 1mo
Rissreads I like 2 and 6 too! 1mo
Lindy @webhau1 @Amiable @Prairiegirl_reading @Rissreads Thanks for weighing in. I‘m continuing to tabulate results and plan to talk about this poll and the cover designs in my next booktube video. 🤓 1mo
Prairiegirl_reading @Lindy 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼I‘ll be watching! 1mo
46 likes55 comments
review
Lindy
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Pickpick

I had put off reading this because of the cover, even though it was on lots of “best of 2022” lists, including Barack Obama‘s. My mistake! Loved the main character so much! And the humour. And the early 60s setting. And the clever dog. And the fierce feminism. So good!
Audiobook read by Miranda Raisin includes an interview with the author at the end.

Karisa I loved that novel too! (I hear you on the cover though. The “woman with bun and glasses” motif has been overused recently. Feels like their must be a collage of them all somewhere. 🕶️😂) (edited) 1mo
Prairiegirl_reading I did the same for the exact same reason! That cover is absolutely terrible. 1mo
Lindy @Karisa @Prairiegirl_reading I‘ve been thinking a lot about the cover, and also that my initial dismissal had to do with the category that used to be called chick lit. This book has the qualities that fall under that genre: a quirky female MC; humorous tone; workplace struggles; addresses issues of particular interest to women—so it shows my own prejudices that I assumed I wouldn‘t like it. 1mo
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Lindy @Karisa @Prairiegirl_reading As to the “woman with bun and glasses” motif, even though it has been overused, it‘s also perfect for Elizabeth Zott. Plus the importance of the pencil in her bun and the reflection of science equipment in her glasses. And even the orange background says “California in the 60s.” 1mo
LeahBergen I loathe this cover. I can‘t read it until I buy a UK edition. 😆 1mo
Lindy @LeahBergen I‘m off to inspect the UK cover now… 1mo
squirrelbrain We had a discussion about the US vs UK vs German cover a little while ago. I think we all agreed that the UK one was the best. The US cover would have put me off too - definitely ‘chick lit‘. There is also a UK special edition that has the periodic table on the page edges. ❤️ @tamra @julesG 1mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain Helen, thanks for commenting. I missed the earlier discussion and I‘ve just posted a cover comparison blurb on Litsy. I like the German cover best. @Tamra @julesG 1mo
Tamra @squirrelbrain agreed! I was nearly put off, but I‘m glad I gave it a chance anyway. 😁 1mo
squirrelbrain Don‘t worry - it was ages ago when we talked about it! 1mo
julesG I think the German cover captures the era best. But I still like the UK special edition with the periodic table on the edges the most. 1mo
Lindy @julesG Yes, a period table on the edges sounds special 🤓 1mo
Sparklemn @Lindy I never noticed the details in the cover until now. Thanks for pointing this out! 1mo
Lindy @Sparklemn 😇 1mo
45 likes14 comments
blurb
Lindy
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Friday Reads February 17: feminism; friendships between women; queer comics

https://youtu.be/T1y-1yQq5mk

Men I Trust - Tommi Parrish
Frizzy - Ortega & Bousamra
Lessons in Chemistry - Bonnie Garmus
Sometimes They Sang - Helen Potrebenko

review
Daisey
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Pickpick

I loved this book. I don‘t quite agree with some of the descriptions of it, as parts of the story made me angry just as often as other aspects made me smile, but it was a great story. The distinctive personalities of the characters were wonderful, and it again made me truly appreciative of the women who paved the way for me to lead the independent life I do.

#LitsyBookClub #audiobook

quote
Lindy
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Families aren‘t meant to fit on trees.

30 likes1 stack add
blurb
Daisey
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I‘ve really been looking forward to this one, and I started listening to it on my evening walk.

#LitsyBookClub #audiobook #audiowalk

Iamvinsto Is this really related to chemistry or something about life ? 🤔 1mo
Daisey The main character is a female chemist in the 1960s, so yes it is somewhat about chemistry but more her life story, especially as a woman and mother in the time and field. 1mo
42 likes2 comments
blurb
SheilaChew
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Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

kspenmoll You too! By the way, I loved A lesson in Chemistry. Meeting with my book club Thursday to discuss it! 1mo
SheilaChew @kspenmoll my bookclub picked it too! Read it in one day - loved it! 1mo
29 likes2 stack adds2 comments