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Lessons in Chemistry

A Novel

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Lessons in Chemistry

Written by: Bonnie Garmus
Narrated by: Miranda Raison, Bonnie Garmus, Pandora Sykes
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About this listen

#1 GLOBAL BESTSELLER WITH MORE THAN 8 MILLION COPIES SOLD • Meet Elizabeth Zott: “a gifted research chemist, absurdly self-assured and immune to social convention” (The Washington Post) in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show. • STREAM ON APPLE TV+

This novel is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel” (
The New York Times Book Review) and “witty, sometimes hilarious...the Catch-22 of early feminism” (Stephen King, via Twitter).

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR:
The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek

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.

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.

©2022 Bonnie Garmus (P)2022 Random House Audio
Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Funny Thought-Provoking Comedy Heartfelt

What the critics say

GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER • A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Elle, Oprah Daily, Newsweek, GoodReads, Bookpage, Kirkus

ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Bustle, Real Simple, Parade, CNN, Today, E! News, Library Journal

“In Garmus’s debut novel, a frustrated chemist finds herself at the helm of a cooking show that sparks a revolution. Welcome to the 1960s, where a woman’s arsenal of tools was often limited to the kitchen—and where Elizabeth Zott is hellbent on overturning the status quo one meal at a time.”—The New York Times

"Strikingly relevant...Darkly funny and poignant...Lessons in Chemistry’s excellent experiment [is] quirky and heartwarming."—The Atlantic

"The most delightful novel I read this year—fresh and surprising—was Lessons in Chemistry: a fish-out-of-water story about a feminist hero who never stops pushing for what’s right. (I laughed out loud!)"—Philip Galanes, The New York Times

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All stars
Most relevant
I often use fiction to rest my “science” brain but this tickled all hemispheres. Loved it.

Women in STEM and entertaining!

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Wonderful characters (6:30!), excellent narration,, and the bonus interview is a thought-provoking treat. Enjoy!

A clever, important, and heart-warming light read

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The performance was good, the story was great. While dealing with some very heavy subject matter, it was fun, inspiring, and educational. A masterpiece! Supper at Six (a tv show) is something I really wish was real tv programming. I will be looking for more from Bonnie Garmus.

I want more!

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Really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book, who were all a bit quirky and engaging. The plot was definitely tied in a bow, but the story was entertaining and insightful. As far as chick-lit goes, this book has some layers and dimension through the exploration of chemistry and women in academia. A fun listen!

A pleasurable little read

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This book is such a great story and so well written. The narrator has it just right. I keep recommending this book, it just so spoke to me!

Loved this book!

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I want to experience more of this story. I hope there is a follow up one day!

Brilliant

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Pure enjoyment, clever storytelling and engaging characters. Loved it, can’t wait for her next book.

Lessons in Chemistry

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Brought up so many emotions. Laughter. Irritation. Love. Tears. Joy. I loved loved loved it!

Amazing Read!!

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Enjoyed this book from start to finish. Often these themes are quite depressing, but the protagonist and her actions were refreshingly easy to root for.

Grounded and uplifting.

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Loved this book. Every woman will find some part of herself relatable to Elizabeth Zott. All the characters are interesting and the story draws you in. Can’t wait to watch the tv series.

A Heroine for all

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