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Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
#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.
- Listening Length11 hours and 55 minutes
- Audible release dateApril 5, 2022
- LanguageEnglish
- ASINB09BBK79VB
- VersionUnabridged
- Program TypeAudiobook
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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 |
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
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.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2023OMG!! 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.”
- Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025I 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, 2023A 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2024I 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.
Top reviews from other countries
- Terri MortReviewed in Canada on September 15, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved!
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 NoriegaReviewed in Mexico on March 8, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Increíble libro!
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 TeixeiraReviewed in Brazil on February 17, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
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.
-
beaReviewed in Spain on January 9, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars libro imprescindible
Me ha encantado.
Es muy original y se lee muy fácilmente.
Personajes curiosos y otros más típicos de la época.
Muy recomendable
- The Book CritiquesReviewed in India on November 20, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking!!
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.
The Book Critiques
Reviewed in India on November 20, 2024
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.
Images in this review