Lessons in ChemistryLessons in Chemistry
What it's about
In early-1960s California, Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant chemist in a research lab where men take credit for her work and treat her as a secretary. She falls in love with Calvin Evans, a famous scientist, until life changes suddenly. A few years later, she's a single mother and, against all odds, the host of a television cooking show, where she teaches housewives chemistry and tells them to think for themselves.
Why it's worth reading
It was a Goodreads Choice finalist and spent years on the bestseller lists. It's funny, angry and charming, with a very clever dog.
You'll love it if you liked
Remarkably Bright Creatures
The Wedding People
AtmosphereGood to know
There's a sexual assault early on, and a sudden death. The Apple TV series stars Brie Larson.
By the numbers
- Readers81 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller88 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #16 of the 233 romances we rank
- #24 of the 116 historical novels we rank
- #41 of the 481 new books we rank
- #222 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Moving
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The Four Winds
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All the Light We Cannot See
The Nightingale
TrustExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Quick answers
Is Lessons in Chemistry worth reading?
Yes. It was a Goodreads Choice finalist and spent years on the bestseller lists. It ranks #222 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 83.1 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Lessons in Chemistry about?
In early-1960s California, Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant chemist in a research lab where men take credit for her work and treat her as a secretary. She falls in love with Calvin Evans, a famous scientist, until life changes suddenly. A few years later, she's a single mother and, against all odds, the host of a television cooking show, where she teaches housewives chemistry and tells them to think for themselves.
How long does it take to read Lessons in Chemistry?
About 10 hours (400 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Lessons in Chemistry?
If you liked it, try Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, The Wedding People by Alison Espach or Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid.