Book Review | Book Club Pick | What to Discuss | π Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus π
TLDRIn this video, Vivian discusses the novel 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garvis, published in 2022. The story follows Elizabeth, a female chemist in the 1960s, who faces sexism and misogyny in her workplace. Despite the challenges, she forms a relationship with a respected colleague, Calvin Evans. After becoming a mother, Elizabethζε€ becomes the star of a popular cooking show, leading to a dramatic shift in her life. Vivian praises the book's narration, character development, and its exploration of gender dynamics, recommending it for book clubs while noting its discussion of sensitive topics like sexual assault.
Takeaways
- π The book being discussed is 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garvis, published in 2022, with a 394-page count and an audiobook duration of nearly 12 hours.
- π©βπ¬ The protagonist, Elizabeth, is a chemist in the early 1960s, facing sexism and misogyny in her professional environment as one of the few women not working as a secretary.
- π Calvin Evans is a prominent, Nobel Prize-nominated scientist who defies the lab's norms by respecting and valuing Elizabeth's intellect and work.
- π Elizabeth and Calvin enter a relationship, but she is determined not to become Mrs. Calvin Evans, wanting to maintain her own identity and independence.
- πΆ An unexpected pregnancy and the societal expectations of the 1960s lead Elizabeth to leave her job at the lab, as it's not considered acceptable for a mother to continue working.
- π² Elizabeth's advocacy for nutritious lunches for children leads her to become a star of an afternoon cooking show, which becomes a global phenomenon.
- π£οΈ The narrator, Vivian, praises the book for its engaging voice, wit, and its exploration of sexism and the patriarchy from a relatable perspective.
- π The book is highly recommended, with Vivian expressing a desire for everyone to read it and considering it a strong contender for Book of the Year.
- π Elizabeth is highlighted as a potential best main character for 2023, with other characters like Madeline and Harriet also noted for their depth.
- π The book is recommended for book clubs, especially those with women members, and could spark discussions on sexism, misogyny, and feminism.
- β οΈ The book contains scenes and discussions of sexual assault and rape, which should be considered when deciding whether to read or discuss it in a book club.
Q & A
What is the title and author of the book being discussed?
-The book being discussed is 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garvis.
When was 'Lessons in Chemistry' published?
-'Lessons in Chemistry' was published in 2022.
How many pages does 'Lessons in Chemistry' have?
-The book 'Lessons in Chemistry' has 394 pages.
What is the approximate duration of the 'Lessons in Chemistry' audiobook?
-The audiobook of 'Lessons in Chemistry' is just shy of 12 hours long.
What is the main character's profession and the time period in which the book is set?
-The main character, Elizabeth, is a chemist working in the early 1960s.
What challenges does Elizabeth face at her workplace?
-Elizabeth faces gender discrimination at her workplace, being looked down upon solely because she is a woman and a chemist in an era where women were considered inferior to men in many aspects.
How does Elizabeth's relationship with Calvin Evans differ from the other men at the lab?
-Calvin Evans, a multiple Nobel Prize-nominated scientist, respects and values Elizabeth's intellect and capabilities, unlike the other men at the lab who dismiss her because of her gender.
What significant event leads Elizabeth to become a cooking show star?
-After her three-year-old daughter's lunch keeps getting stolen at school, Elizabeth ends up in a TV studio confronting the thief's father about providing nutritious lunches, which inadvertently leads to her becoming a star of an afternoon cooking show.
What are some of the themes and topics that could be discussed in a book club after reading 'Lessons in Chemistry'?
-Themes and topics for discussion could include sexism, misogyny, feminism, the dynamic between Elizabeth and other female characters like Harriet and the HR woman, the men's interactions with Elizabeth, and her perspectives on marriage and her unexpected career change.
What is the narrator's opinion about the book and its recommendation for book clubs?
-The narrator highly recommends 'Lessons in Chemistry' and believes it is a strong contender for Book of the Year. They also suggest that it would be an excellent choice for book clubs, especially those with women members, and that it could spark engaging discussions on various topics related to the book's themes.
What is the content warning provided by the narrator for potential readers of 'Lessons in Chemistry'?
-The narrator warns that the book includes scenes and discussions of sexual assault and rape, advising potential readers to be prepared for such content.
Outlines
π Introducing 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garvis
This paragraph introduces the book 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garvis, published in 2022. The book, which is 394 pages long and has an audiobook version of nearly 12 hours, is discussed by the narrator, Vivian. The story revolves around Elizabeth, a chemist in the early 1960s who faces sexism and misogyny in her workplace. Despite being highly intelligent and competent, she is looked down upon by her colleagues simply for being a woman. However, one colleague, Calvin Evans, a respected scientist, recognizes her talent and they form a relationship. The paragraph also touches on the unexpected turn of events in Elizabeth's life, including her transition from a lab environment to becoming a TV cooking show star, and the narrator's enthusiasm for the book's unique storyline and engaging narration.
π Content Warning and Book Club Discussion Points
The second paragraph serves as both a content warning and a guide for book club discussions. It alerts readers to scenes and discussions of sexual assault in the book, advising them to prepare themselves for such content. The narrator then delves into potential discussion topics for book clubs, such as sexism, misogyny, and feminism. It also explores the dynamics between Elizabeth and other female characters like Harriet, the neighbor babysitter, and the HR lady, as well as the interactions between Elizabeth and the men in the book, including Calvin. The paragraph invites readers to consider the perspectives of both male and female characters and their views on societal norms and expectations of the 1960s.
π Book Club Recommendations and Upcoming Reviews
In the final paragraph, the narrator shifts focus to other book recommendations and upcoming reviews. She mentions books by Colleen Hoover and titles that involve characters who can see into the future and change it. The narrator encourages viewers to subscribe to her channel for notifications about these reviews. She also refers to a video on 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow' with book club discussion topics tailored for business owners, artists, and creators, emphasizing the variety of themes and topics that different book clubs might find interesting.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Lessons in Chemistry
π‘Bonnie Garvis
π‘Elizabeth
π‘Sexism
π‘Misogyny
π‘Feminism
π‘Calvin Evans
π‘Cooking Show
π‘Narrator
π‘Book Club
π‘Sexual Assault
π‘Character Development
Highlights
The book 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garvis, published in 2022, is a 394-page novel and an almost 12-hour audiobook.
The protagonist, Elizabeth, is a chemist in the early 1960s, facing sexism and being undervalued in her workplace.
Elizabeth works in a lab where she is one of the few women not employed as a secretary.
Calvin Evans, a highly respected and multiple Nobel Prize-nominated scientist, recognizes Elizabeth's talent and potential.
Elizabeth and Calvin enter a relationship, but Elizabeth is reluctant to marry due to her desire for independence.
An unexpected pregnancy leads to a significant turning point in Elizabeth's life and career.
Elizabeth becomes a star of an afternoon cooking show, which becomes a worldwide phenomenon.
The narrator's voice is described as witty, dry, sarcastic, and direct, reflecting the protagonist's own perspective.
The book addresses themes of sexism, misogyny, and feminism, making it a compelling choice for book club discussions.
The dynamic between Elizabeth and her neighbor babysitter, Harriet, offers insights into different life choices and views on womanhood.
The HR woman and Elizabeth share a common background, both being unable to finish their advanced degrees, sparking discussions on support and challenges faced by women.
The interactions between Elizabeth and the male characters, including Calvin, provide a window into the societal norms and expectations of the 1960s.
Elizabeth's perspective on marriage and her relationship with Calvin offers a nuanced view on personal and professional aspirations.
The book explores the complexities of Elizabeth's feelings towards her cooking show and her relationship with her daughter.
The inclusion of a 'talking dog' offers a unique narrative device, providing a different perspective on the events of the story.
The book is recommended for book clubs, especially those consisting of women, but also invites interesting discussions in a mixed-gender group.
The book may include sensitive topics such as sexual assault and rape, which should be considered when selecting it for discussion.
Three quotes from the book are suggested for further discussion in book clubs, emphasizing the depth and variety of themes presented.
Transcripts
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