“Lessons in Chemistry”

This is the book of the summer, if not of the decade for me! A big shout-out to Cousin Ellen for gifting me the book that I have now gifted to several others. Mitch loved it too so it’s broadly appealing. Set in the 1960’s, the protagonist Elizabeth Zolt is a feminist before the word became popular. She is a scientist, lives with her lover and becomes a single mom - none of which are particularly acceptable by societal standards of the day. Add to the narrative a human-like dog who has a high vocabulary and keen observations, a cooking show and many fascinating characters, and you’ve got yourself a book you cannot put down. It’s hard to believe this is Bonnie Garmus’ first novel (at age 64). I simply cannot wait until her next book comes out as she writes with humor, intelligence and originality that I rarely see.