Lessons in Chemistry

Set in the early 1960s, the story follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist at the Hastings Research Institute. In a male-dominated scientific community, she is met with blatant sexism and professional sabotage. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes a single mother and the reluctant star of a televised cooking show, Supper at Six.

Rather than just sharing recipes, Elizabeth uses her platform to teach American housewives the chemistry of food and, by extension, the "chemistry of change," empowering them to challenge the status quo. The book is known for its unique supporting cast, including a highly intelligent dog named Six-Thirty.

The book became a massive bestseller, was translated into over 40 languages, and won "Book of the Year" from several major retailers.

Author: Bonnie Garmus

She is an American copywriter and creative director who became a "debut sensation" later in life. She spent years writing for the fields of technology, medicine, and education. Lessons in Chemistry was her first published novel, written in her 60s after she was inspired by a particularly frustrating day of sexism in the workplace.