Inside the Book: Bonnie Garmus (LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY)

Author Bonnie Garmus discusses her instant-hit novel LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, her ground-breaking characters, and her family's influence on the story. Get the book: bit.ly/3lxIvax
About LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY
“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.” -Maggie Shipstead, best-selling author of Great Circle
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.
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.
Sign up for the Penguin Random House newsletter to get more videos like this and tailored book recommendations: bit.ly/2k9u67A
Subscribe to PRH: / @penguinrandomhouse
PRH on Facebook: / penguinrandomhouse
PRH on Twitter: / penguinrandom
PRH on Tumblr: / penguinrandomhouse
PRH on Instagram: / penguinrandomhouse
PRH on Pinterest: / penguinrandom
TAGS
#LessonsInChemistry #BonnieGarmus

[@RReederONE]

Such a good book! This is one of my top 5 favorites.

[@leahannfetsko6378]

I loved this book so much and really identified with Elizabeth. I hope that there are more books about her.

[@susannalinshalm5638]

I would especially enjoy a sequel where Madeline is the main character

[@Roxher33]

I love that part that the setting takes place on the late 50s and 60s. I’m so glad you shared about your mom. I’m an 80s baby born in US and my mom is from Mexico. I’ve learned about American history,of course from school and documentaries. But like the author said, I didn’t realize how much women had to suffer before. And also how recent women’s rights are. All my life I have felt I have my rights and I’m hon for defend them. But this book has given me a different appreciation for women. I want to thank the author for her perspective.

[@94hydenseek]

Currently listening to Lessons in Chemistry and really enjoying it

[@kristinaparker5597]

I'm currently reading this book and enjoying it SO MUCH!!

[@nancyduncan3023]

Wonderful to hear Bonnie Garmus talk about Lessons in Chemistry...her debut novel. Best read for the year. Easily.🎉🎉🎉

[@joannapalczewska5228]

It is an excellent book. I am glad, I found it.

[@sarahkieswetter8826]

I adored this book!!!

[@rochellewarren5008]

💜her daughter Mad🙋🏾‍♀️Good Read

[@patricialmcguire6010]

Does anyone know what the chemical structure is on page 126 that was engraved on Calvin's gravestone? I'm in the middle of the book--is it revealed later on?

[@patricialmcguire6010]

I think it's oxytocin--the love hormone.

[@JuliaMakenzie11]

The next paragraph says it's a chemical response that resulted in happiness

[@mashanisreen9172]

Your r so graceful loved to see you mam

[@agrxdrowflow958]

Really enjoyed the book, but unfortunately it does not reflect reality. EZ is a unicorn. She does not exist.

[@KennethCallahan-on3ke]

While there were moments in the novel that had charm, the author's staggering anti-Catholic animus so outpaced her knowledge of subject matter that I couldn't finish the book. "Bishops" running schools and wielding rulers as weapons? Opposed to evolution? I was embarrassed for her.

[@nancyduncan3023]

Reflects Catholic primary schools in Australia. 😮This is real.

[@Thecuriousincident1]

That 100% happened in that era.