Intro
Elizabeth Zott was a promising doctoral candidate at UCLA, but her academic dreams were shattered when she was sexually assaulted by her advisor and had to drop out of the program. She then found a job as a research chemist at the Hastings Research Institute, where she met Calvin Evans, a Nobel-prize-nominated scientist who fell in love with her mind and personality. However, Elizabeth was reluctant to marry Calvin and have children, as she feared that would limit her ambitions and independence. She also had to deal with sexism and plagiarism from her male colleagues at the Institute.
When Calvin died in a tragic accident, Elizabeth discovered that she was pregnant with his child. She gave birth to Madeline, a gifted girl who inherited her parents’ intelligence and curiosity. As a single mother, Elizabeth struggled to find a job and support herself and her daughter. She eventually landed a role as the host of a television cooking show called Supper at Six, thanks to her superior cooking skills and scientific knowledge. However, she also had to cope with the pressure and expectations of the TV industry, as well as the social norms and prejudices of the era.
Lessons in Chemistry is a novel that explores the themes of women’s empowerment, gender inequality, motherhood, love, loss, and identity. It also shows how science and cooking can be intertwined and used as tools for education and creativity. The novel is full of witty dialogue, humorous situations, and poignant moments.
If you haven’t already, read and discuss this book at your next book club meeting. We’ve even done the hard part and created 20 discussion questions you can use to start talking!
20 Book Club Questions for Lessons in Chemistry
- How did the title and cover of the book relate to the story and themes of the novel?
- How did the author use humor and irony to convey the tone and mood of the novel?
- How did the author use different perspectives and voices to tell the story? Whose point of view did you find most interesting or engaging?
- How did the author use historical facts and figures to enrich the plot and setting of the novel? Did you recognize any of the real-life people or events that were mentioned or referenced in the book?
- How did the author use science and cooking as metaphors for life and creativity? What were some of the most memorable or surprising experiments or recipes that Elizabeth performed or shared on her show?
- How did Elizabeth’s character develop and change throughout the novel? What were some of the major turning points or challenges that she faced? How did she overcome them or learn from them?
- How did Elizabeth’s relationship with her daughter Madeline evolve over time? What were some of the similarities and differences between them? How did they support or challenge each other?
- How did Elizabeth’s relationship with her parents influence her personality and choices? How did they react to her career and lifestyle? How did she cope with their expectations or criticisms?
- How did Elizabeth’s relationship with her friends and co-workers affect her happiness and success? Who were some of the allies or enemies that she encountered along the way? How did she deal with them or benefit from them?
- How did Elizabeth’s relationship with her romantic partners shape her identity and goals? Who were some of the men that she dated or loved? How did they treat her or inspire her?
- What were some of the themes or messages that the author wanted to convey through this novel? How did they relate to your own experiences or opinions?
- What were some of the questions or issues that the novel raised in your mind? How did they make you think or feel differently about science, cooking, feminism, or society?
- What were some of the strengths or weaknesses of the novel? What did you like or dislike about the writing style, structure, pace, or language of the book?
- What were some of the emotions or reactions that the novel evoked in you? What were some of the scenes or moments that made you laugh, cry, angry, or surprised?
- What were some of the symbols or motifs that the author used to enhance the meaning and impact of the novel? How did they relate to the characters, plot, or themes of the book?
- What were some of the similarities or differences between this novel and other books that you have read in the same genre or category? How did this novel compare or contrast with other books by the same author or about similar topics?
- If you could ask the author one question about this novel, what would it be? Why?
- If you could change one thing about this novel, what would it be? Why?
- If you could meet one character from this novel, who would it be? Why? What would you say or do with them?
- This novel was recently turned into an Apple TV adaptation. How did the adaptation differ from the book? How was it similar?