Wow, what a fabulous debut story.

Elizabeth Zott is logical, smart, and ambitious. These traits serve her well as a scientist, but don’t do her any favors as a women in the 60s. As one of the only women at Hastings Research

Our main character, Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant scientist she’s roadblocked by the expectations society has placed on women, or the lack of expectations. Currently working at Hastings Research, here groundbreaking research is looked down upon by everyone except Calvin Evans. Evans a Noble prize nominee, isn’t the most popular person but is the poster boy for brilliance at Hasting Research. When Elizabeth barges into Calvin’s lab to take some beakers, it’s the start of a relationship that is all encompassing. They’re the epitome of a couple in love, along with their dog Six-thirty they are an unconventional couple that doesn’t care what anyone thinks of them. Everything is perfect, until an accident leaves Elizabeth and Six-Thirty on their own with a baby on the way.

Elizabeth is now a unwed mother in the 60s, unemployed, and money is tight. When she gets wrangled into somehow hosting a cooking show, Elizabeth is forced to comfort the prejudices against women once again, but this time it’s in front of a live audience and in the place society thinks women should be in, the kitchen. Through it all though, she is able to connect with the women who watch her show, and able to help those housewives and mothers see what they’re real value is, and how they have much more to contribute to society than simply staying home.

I really did love this story. It’s smart, funny, and a unique way of framing the prejudices women faced for centuries. Elizabeth can be a hard character to relate and connect to at first, mainly because she’s a bit obtuse and prickly, but her logic and her commitment to knowing her worth as a women won me over. In addition, there are so many other fabulous characters. Six-Thirty while a dog, is probably my favorite character, there are so many other fabulous characters which really makes this lovely. There are also some awful characters that make my blood boil, nut they’re essential to the story.

Highly recommend if you are looking for a great story about strong women or really just a great story in general. I can’t believe this is a debut and cannot wait to read more from the author.

AMAZON | GOODREADS |★★★★★

Lessons in Chemistry comes out April 5, 2022! Huge thank you to Doubleday Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.  If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof_books.