Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

I have very good luck with the name Elizabeth, or derivatives of it. My childhood friend was named Barrie W. My pledge mother at my sorority at Northwestern was named Betsy T. My friend and neighbor Beth B. introduced me to my husband. And as if out of the blue, my walking friend Beth S. sent me this book. I have learned that any advice from a Beth is good advice to follow, so I read the book immediately. I listen to most of my books on audio, but what a pleasure it was to sit down with this big, glorious, peach-covered book and read it from cover to cover. "Lessons in Chemistry" is the story of chemist Elizabeth Zott, trying to build her career in the 1960s, in the all-male Hastings Research Institute. When she unexpectedly falls in love with another scientist named Calvin Evans, this throws a wrench into her career goals. She never expected to find a soul mate, but in Calvin she found her match. However, frustrated by her lack of promotion at the lab, Elizabeth's accepts an offer to become the host of a cooking show called "Supper at Six." Despite the traditional pairing of women and cooking, Elizabeth is anything but conventional. She speaks her mind and doesn't care when others disagree. An anomaly for the 1960s, Elizabeth's television show inspires other women to stand up for themselves as well. Funny, quirky, and really fascinating, this author is one to watch out for. After working as a copy editor, this is Garmus' first novel. Plans are now underway to adapt the book for television starring Brie Larson. Beth S. instructed me to pass this along to her friend Karen. I hope Karen enjoys this book as much as I did. To buy this book on Amazon click here.