Novel Kicks Book Club: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Hello July. Welcome. It’s lovely to see you.

Dare I say it but the weather might have finally got the memo about it being summer. Oh no, have I gone and jinxed it now?

With July stretching out in front of us there’s the promise of long, lovely summer evenings in places like the garden or sat in your favourite comfortable chair with the sunshine streaming through the window. Maybe relaxing on the beach is more your thing, or you’re counting down the days to that long awaited summer holiday.

I have to admit, when deciding what book to pick this month, I considered doing Christmas in July and a festive story. However, I didn’t want to wish the warm weather away when it has only just arrived.

What a better companion to have than a good book. This month’s novel has been recommended to me by many people and I can’t wait to read it.

This month’s pick is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

Details about taking part in our book club are below but first, here’s a little about the book: 

Our ability to change everything – including yourself – starts here

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, she would be the first to point out that there is no such thing.

But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality.

Forced to leave her job at the institute, she soon finds herself the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show, Supper at Six.

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. One molecule at a time.

How our book club works:

Anyone can take part whether you’ve already read the novel or will be reading along with me. The best thing is that you can do it from the comfort of your armchair/sofa/bed.

There’s a question in the comments to start off the discussion. I am looking forward to meeting you there.

About Bonnie Garmus: 

Bonnie Garmus is a copywriter and creative director who has worked for a wide range of clients, in the US and abroad, focusing primarily on technology, medicine, and education.

She’s an open water swimmer, a rower, and mother to two pretty amazing daughters.

Most recently from Seattle, she currently lives in London with her husband and her dog, 99.

Say hello to Bonnie on Instagram. 

Lessons in Chemistry was released by Penguin in May 2023. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Waterstones and Amazon US. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.