Lessons in Chemistry
Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus
Published by Doubleday, copyright 2022
In 2022 a dear friend suggested that I might like Lessons in Chemistry. After purchasing it way back in January of this year at a local Park City, UT bookstore when we were visiting here for an interview, I finally chose to pick up this book as my light, fun, trip read for Mississippi this past summer. It was that; it could have only been that if it weren’t for the BIG PICTURE that it represents and the many systemic layers it explores, unfolds, and unpacks.
I recently had a conversation about what anti-racism is with a Dear One. I told her that anyone who wants to eliminate racism doesn’t have the luxury of being neutral. If we want a different world for future generations — we must be anti-racist and intentionally work for it everyday even in the smallest ways of “how” we talk and the language we choose to use. I do believe that language is a choice. Lessons in Chemistry works at this same level for the sake of women. Do we have a word besides feminist that equals anti-racist?
This author does a beautiful job of writing fiction yet revealing the realities of our not-so-distant-past — 1950’s and 1960’s — while intertwining consideration for examining today’s similarities. I also appreciated the curiosity of how religious questions are sprinkled throughout the book and where the curiosity specifically showed up to question. Yes, the main character has so much draw, but the author also really put the work into the secondary characters. It was as all the characters are holding up mirrors of one another for one other. The main character, Elizabeth Zott, works at being authentic on one hand, and on the other hand — she can’t help not being authentic. And… she brings that quality front and center for the next generation! Gorgeous Read ~ but definitely not fluffy!
*** I wrote this reflection on July 6, 2023 before I learned about the Apple TV+ series that just recently came out. Some people might get frustrated that the series is different from the book, but I actually love the creativity of both. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to read the book AND weekly sink into the beauty of the “TV” show.
