Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

 

Elizabeth Zott wants to be known for one thing, her mind.  She wanted to get her doctorate in chemistry but a doctoral supervisor who stole her research and then tried to have sex with her put an end to that.  She ends up at a research facility but in the 1960's, Elizabeth is seen as lab assistant material not scientist.  That is, until Calvin Evans notices her.  Calvin is a Nobel-nominated scientist and he is entranced with a woman he can talk with who understands him.  It doesn't hurt that Elizabeth is gorgeous and soon they fall in love.

But when Calvin is killed leaving Elizabeth alone and pregnant, she is pushed out of her job.  She creates her own lab in her kitchen and her former co-workers often come by to get her assistance with their work.  But it's not enough money to support her and her daughter.  So when she is offered the chance to host a cooking show on the local PBS station, she reluctantly agrees.

Elizabeth is a hit!  She doesn't only teach women how to cook nutritious meals but she tells them daily to reach for their dreams.  To go get educated, to do what they dream of doing in life.  Where will it all end?

This is a debut novel and it took off like a rocket.  It won numerous awards and has been made into a television series.  Women love Elizabeth and her refusal not to be taken seriously and her determination to live her dreams.  Bonnie Garmus was a copywriter when she wrote this novel.  There are elements of her own life here, Elizabeth and Calvin are rowers as is Bonnie, and the amazing dog echoes her real life companion.  The book is humorous while insisting on women as individuals who should be given credit for their accomplishments.  This book is recommended for women's fiction readers.