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Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 308,399 ratings

#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.

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Product details

Listening Length 11 hours and 55 minutes
Author Bonnie Garmus
Narrator Miranda Raison, Bonnie Garmus, Pandora Sykes
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date April 05, 2022
Publisher Random House Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B09BBK79VB
Best Sellers Rank #216 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#6 in Literary Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#7 in Humorous Fiction & Satire
#10 in Humorous Fiction

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4.6 out of 5 stars
308,399 global ratings

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Customers find the book engaging and thought-provoking. They appreciate the humor and relatable characters. Readers describe the romance as creative and believable. Overall, they describe the storytelling as interesting and fun.

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3,827 customers mention "Readability"3,806 positive21 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it smart, funny, poignant, and fresh. The book takes readers on a remarkable journey that leaves them feeling. Readers describe the characters as well-developed and incisive.

"...I give this 5 AMAZING stars! It was quirky, fun, and you will learn something while reading...." Read more

"...On a side note, I thought the book was so wonderfully done that I had a very hard time watching the miniseries because I did not like the choices..." Read more

"...vividly captures the challenges she encounters, creating an engaging narrative that showcases the strength and determination required to navigate..." Read more

"I finished this incredible book in two nights. It’s smart, funny, poignant,and fresh...." Read more

2,023 customers mention "Thought provoking"1,987 positive36 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and inspiring. They say it's an easy read with deeper themes and engaging characters. The author vividly captures the challenges encountered, creating an engaging narrative that showcases the struggles. Customers appreciate the book's relevance at this time.

"...What a powerhouse read about females in the workplace, having your own voice, sticking true to yourself, women-empowerment, and change. “..." Read more

"...I was moved By Elizabeth's story and fully invested in the future of every character in this book...." Read more

"...The plot of "A Lesson in Chemistry" is inherently captivating, capturing the attention of readers from the beginning and maintaining their interest..." Read more

"I finished this incredible book in two nights. It’s smart, funny, poignant,and fresh...." Read more

1,614 customers mention "Humor"1,561 positive53 negative

Customers find the book humorous and uplifting. They describe it as an entertaining yet sobering read that reminds them of just how fragile life can be. The humor and satire are sharp and on point. It's described as a feel-good, quirky, and delightful tale that beautifully combines the elements of history and love.

"...I give this 5 AMAZING stars! It was quirky, fun, and you will learn something while reading...." Read more

"...readers a glimpse into the life of this strong woman, leaving a lasting impression that makes you yearn to meet her in real life...." Read more

"I finished this incredible book in two nights. It’s smart, funny, poignant,and fresh...." Read more

"...' enchanting novel, "Lessons in Chemistry," a heartwarming and delightful tale that beautifully combines the wonders of science and the complexities..." Read more

1,283 customers mention "Character development"1,191 positive92 negative

Customers find the characters compelling and relatable. They find Elizabeth's character easy to root for. The writing is precise and the characters breathe off the page. The supporting cast is lovely, and the book encourages female empowerment and sticking true to oneself.

"...What a powerhouse read about females in the workplace, having your own voice, sticking true to yourself, women-empowerment, and change. “..." Read more

"...this book in less than a day because I was captivated by the well-rounded characters and the situations in which their author put them...." Read more

"..." succeeds in captivating readers with its strong and relatable female protagonist, providing a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by women..." Read more

"...author who makes her main character authentic and the supporting characters, good and bad, sound like people that could be real despite their quirky..." Read more

833 customers mention "Romance"637 positive196 negative

Customers enjoy the creative and relatable romance in the book. They find the story believable, with humor and life. The content is brilliantly presented and depicts deep messages well.

"...All of the characters blended so well and were perfectly detailed and described...." Read more

"...The author vividly captures the challenges she encounters, creating an engaging narrative that showcases the strength and determination required to..." Read more

"...This book similarly keeps its own identity- yes, there is deep, abiding love story but the author continues along firmly reminding the reader that..." Read more

"...beginning started out interesting but the middle sagged and the ending was so so. Maybe the movie is better." Read more

756 customers mention "Storytelling"600 positive156 negative

Customers find the storytelling engaging and thought-provoking. They describe the book as interesting, enchanting, and full of surprises. The book is described as quirky, serious, and clever.

"...A Lesson in Chemistry is an engaging and thought-provoking read that manages to strike a delicate balance between internal struggles and external..." Read more

"...Alrighty, the midnight critic has just completed the breakthrough novel, “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus and I’m feeling most gratified...." Read more

"Prepare to be captivated by Bonnie Garmus' enchanting novel, "Lessons in Chemistry," a heartwarming and delightful tale that beautifully combines..." Read more

"...Then I finished the whole book the next day. Yes, the first part of the book is dismal, but if you've ever been in a dismal place in your life,..." Read more

524 customers mention "Heartfelt content"477 positive47 negative

Customers find the book's content heartfelt and engaging. They find it funny, sad, and inspiring, with many gut-wrenching moments that reflect the struggles of suppressed women. The story is described as funny, smart, fanciful, and heartbreaking.

"...Notably, Garmus' prose is elegant, poetic, and infused with genuine emotion...." Read more

"Astounding. I didn't expect such a strong emotional connection to each of the main characters, loved the way the story evolved...." Read more

"This story brought out so many emotions: anger, sadness, joy, laughter, wonder and anticipation...." Read more

"What an unexpected surprise and delight! Also, many gut-wrenching moments , reflecting the struggles of suppressed women during the mid 20th century..." Read more

508 customers mention "Pacing"387 positive121 negative

Customers find the book's pacing engaging. They praise the writing as powerful, witty, and emotional in the right places. The story flows smoothly, with relatable characters and an interesting plot. Readers describe it as a gripping read that draws them into the story and tugs at their heartstrings.

"...on a remarkable journey that will leave them feeling enlightened, deeply moved, and inspired...." Read more

"...This book grabs you from the beginning and the story ends with a flourish of facts that bring it all together. I learned a lot too...." Read more

"...Every line is so well written, and it moves with ease and takes you into its world...." Read more

"...hands of someone less talented, this premise would have come off as hackneyed and preachy...." Read more

Chemical Reaction Retraction
4 out of 5 stars
Chemical Reaction Retraction
Much has been said about Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry. So when my sister chose it for our book club, I was curious, albeit cautiously.Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant and beautiful chemist in mid-century California. She seems to have everything going for her, but "seems" is the operative word. Because the men she works with are awful. What's more, Elizabeth isn't like other women, or even people. Unflinchingly driven and uncompromising, she refuses to perform for anyone, to smile on demand or at all. She tells the truth, even when it's ugly -- and it often is --making her seem uncooperative, unlikeable, and cold to everyone but Nobel Prize-nominated fellow odd duck Calvin Evans. Yet at her core, Elizabeth is purely kind. Despite having suffered loss, violence, and the most egregious sexual discrimination imaginable, she believes that everyone deserves to be treated fairly. And it is this humanity that she brings to her cooking show, Supper at Six.Now, if you're wondering how a no-nonsense chemist became a TV star, then I'm right there with you. Suffice it to say that unjust events in Elizabeth's life resulted in this most unlikely of developments. And although she's less than thrilled to be working with bowls instead of beakers, she makes the show her own, taking every opportunity to educate her female audience about not just cooking but chemistry and, ultimately, change. Subversive and surprisingly entertaining, Supper at Six is a syndicated smash. To me, this is where Elizabeth blossoms, her paradoxically off-putting personality, passion for science and food, and insatiable hunger for justice commingling to enable her to connect with other women. It's exciting and inspiring and all of the things. But this is still Lessons in Chemistry, not an uplifting romp about a reluctant but charismatic performer. Because as I said in the beginning, Elizabeth Zott does not perform.There's trouble brewing at the TV station, just as there was at the lab, only worse. So some things happen, and then some more things, culminating in an ending that feels like a drop off a cliff. And although I can see how it would be satisfying for most, to me it's anticlimactic. Still, this isn't my story; it's Elizabeth Zott's. She's a scientist first and in the end, she gets what she wants and needs.Maybe understanding -- and respecting -- that is a lesson that this very unscientific but very feminist reader needed to learn.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2023
    OMG!! GO READ THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!

    “Chemistry is inseparable from life-by its very definition, chemistry is life.”

    I literally just finished reading Lessons in Chemistry, the debut novel by Bonnie Garmus, and I was hooked from page one. Set in the late 1950’s, Elizabeth Zott is a scientist that isn’t receiving the credit or recognition she deserves because she is a female. When she meets Calvin Evans – a genius chemist – at Hastings Research Institute, well, let’s just say they had real chemistry. With her no-nonsense approach to life, Elizabeth ends up on a TV cooking show – Supper at Six – which quickly captivates the housewives of America.

    I am totally a foodie – and having a book mixing chemistry and food was interesting! “We [all] know food is the catalyst that unlocks our brains, minds our families, and determines our futures.” The research that @bonnie_garmus_author must have done for her fun facts throughout this novel really shows.

    What a powerhouse read about females in the workplace, having your own voice, sticking true to yourself, women-empowerment, and change. “Because when women understand chemistry, they begin to understand how things work.”

    I think my favorite “character” was Six-Thirty – the dog. I absolutely loved him & Garmus’s creativity for giving a dog such a unique, smart approach! All of the characters blended so well and were perfectly detailed and described. The only thing I find may be a turn off to people while reading is the constant battle between God and Chemistry; how our world was created/evolved. I think most people can read over it without an issue – but if you do not like atheists or want your beliefs possibly challenged, then this isn’t the book for you.

    I give this 5 AMAZING stars! It was quirky, fun, and you will learn something while reading. I almost wish I paid more attention to chemistry in school! I will read anything #garmus writes! Best book I’ve read in 2022 by far – go read it! A Nina’s Notables for sure!

    “Chemistry is Change. . . . Courage is the root of change-and change is what we’re chemically designed to do.”
    84 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025
    I was very late to the party on picking up this book. It wasn't until I saw a couple of snippets of the miniseries that I decided I should pick up the book and read it. I tore through this book in less than a day because I was captivated by the well-rounded characters and the situations in which their author put them. I was moved By Elizabeth's story and fully invested in the future of every character in this book. It had it surprises, it's moments where it made you angry, but it also was incredibly inspiring and uplifting. I highly recommend this book if you are into period pieces, love mid-century mod, perhaps you are a huge fan of The marvelous Mrs maisel or maybe you are a big fan of one Mrs Julia child. Absolutely adored this book and immediately went to see what other people recommended I read once I finished the last page.

    On a side note, I thought the book was so wonderfully done that I had a very hard time watching the miniseries because I did not like the choices made in the television version versus what was written in the book. I felt so loyal to the choices the author made in this book that it was hard to watch something diverge from that.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2023
    A Lesson in Chemistry is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of a male-dominated world through the lens of a resilient and inspiring female protagonist. The book offers readers a glimpse into the life of this strong woman, leaving a lasting impression that makes you yearn to meet her in real life.

    What sets this book apart is its ability to present a realistic view of a male-dominated world, allowing readers to empathize with the struggles faced by the protagonist. The author vividly captures the challenges she encounters, creating an engaging narrative that showcases the strength and determination required to navigate such an environment.

    The plot of "A Lesson in Chemistry" is inherently captivating, capturing the attention of readers from the beginning and maintaining their interest throughout. The book strikes a perfect balance between internal and external conflicts, skillfully weaving together the protagonist's personal growth with her desire to succeed in a field predominantly occupied by men.

    However, one area that could be improved upon is the resolution. Towards the end, the story seems to come to an abrupt halt, leaving the reader yearning for more closure and a sense of completion. A more conclusive ending would have added a greater sense of satisfaction and provided a better sense of resolution to the overall story.

    Additionally, while the novel touches upon the protagonist's metacognition, there is a desire for further exploration and revelation in this aspect. A deeper understanding of her inner thoughts and reflections would have added an extra layer of depth to the character's development, enhancing the overall reading experience.

    Despite these minor shortcomings, "A Lesson in Chemistry" succeeds in captivating readers with its strong and relatable female protagonist, providing a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields. This book serves as a testament to the resilience of individuals and highlights the importance of pursuing one's dreams, regardless of societal expectations.

    A Lesson in Chemistry is an engaging and thought-provoking read that manages to strike a delicate balance between internal struggles and external obstacles. With a relatable protagonist and an intriguing plot, this book offers valuable insights into the human spirit and the pursuit of one's passions.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2024
    I finished this incredible book in two nights. It’s smart, funny, poignant,and fresh. The female protagonist insists on keeping her own identity even in the midst of deep, passionate love. This book similarly keeps its own identity- yes, there is deep, abiding love story but the author continues along firmly reminding the reader that the protagonist is not subservient to her romantic partner. That life is messy and faceted and love is one wonderful piece of a much much bigger story.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Terri Mort
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved!
    Reviewed in Canada on September 15, 2024
    Lessons in Chemistry was absolutely fantastic. A delve into feminism of the 50’s & 60’s with brave and brilliant choices made by main character, Elisabeth Zott. What I additionally loved was the clever writing style of Bonnie Garmus. The book showed unique humor, tragedy and the struggles to get ahead in 20th century realities. Winning literature for sure!
  • Majo Noriega
    5.0 out of 5 stars Increíble libro!
    Reviewed in Mexico on March 8, 2024
    Es una maravilla. Simplemente maravilloso. La protagonista te cautivará de principio a fin y el humor y los detalles de cada personaje te atraparán. Una lectura deliciosa. Nada forzada ni “elegante”. Fluida y sumamente entretenida. Me encantó!!!!
  • Rainner Teixeira
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
    Reviewed in Brazil on February 17, 2024
    There is long time that I’ve read something so impactful, interesting and profound. A book that took my attention since the first chapter and make me feel inspired by stories full of encrypted messages and important debates.
  • bea
    5.0 out of 5 stars libro imprescindible
    Reviewed in Spain on January 9, 2025
    Me ha encantado.
    Es muy original y se lee muy fácilmente.
    Personajes curiosos y otros más típicos de la época.
    Muy recomendable
  • The Book Critiques
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking!!
    Reviewed in India on November 20, 2024
    Set in the 1960s, Lessons in Chemistry introduces us to Elizabeth Zott, a fiercely intelligent chemist navigating a world that constantly underestimates her. Rejected by the male-dominated scientific community, Elizabeth’s life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six. But this isn’t your average show—Elizabeth sneaks in lessons on chemistry (both literal and metaphorical) to empower women and encourage them to break free from societal norms.

    This book is a perfect blend of humor and heartbreak. Elizabeth is a character you can’t help but root for. Her resilience and unapologetic pursuit of her passions are inspiring, and her journey is a stark reminder of how much women have had to fight for basic recognition. The supporting cast adds layers to the story, especially her quirky dog, Six-Thirty, whose unique perspective brings both warmth and humor.

    Garmus beautifully tackles themes like sexism, love, loss, and perseverance. The feminist undertones are strong, but they never feel forced. Instead, they’re woven seamlessly into Elizabeth’s story, making you think about how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go.

    The writing is sharp and engaging, with moments that make you laugh, cry, and cheer for Elizabeth. Garmus also does a brilliant job of making scientific concepts accessible and interesting, turning the mundane into something extraordinary.

    Lessons in Chemistry is more than just a story; it’s a call to challenge societal norms and believe in your own power. Whether you’re a fan of strong female leads, love stories with depth, or books that make you think, this one’s for you.
    Customer image
    The Book Critiques
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking!!
    Reviewed in India on November 20, 2024
    Set in the 1960s, Lessons in Chemistry introduces us to Elizabeth Zott, a fiercely intelligent chemist navigating a world that constantly underestimates her. Rejected by the male-dominated scientific community, Elizabeth’s life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six. But this isn’t your average show—Elizabeth sneaks in lessons on chemistry (both literal and metaphorical) to empower women and encourage them to break free from societal norms.

    This book is a perfect blend of humor and heartbreak. Elizabeth is a character you can’t help but root for. Her resilience and unapologetic pursuit of her passions are inspiring, and her journey is a stark reminder of how much women have had to fight for basic recognition. The supporting cast adds layers to the story, especially her quirky dog, Six-Thirty, whose unique perspective brings both warmth and humor.

    Garmus beautifully tackles themes like sexism, love, loss, and perseverance. The feminist undertones are strong, but they never feel forced. Instead, they’re woven seamlessly into Elizabeth’s story, making you think about how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go.

    The writing is sharp and engaging, with moments that make you laugh, cry, and cheer for Elizabeth. Garmus also does a brilliant job of making scientific concepts accessible and interesting, turning the mundane into something extraordinary.

    Lessons in Chemistry is more than just a story; it’s a call to challenge societal norms and believe in your own power. Whether you’re a fan of strong female leads, love stories with depth, or books that make you think, this one’s for you.
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