Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie Garmus

Summary:

Lessons in Chemistry’ follows the story of a young chemist, Elizabeth Zott, as she navigates her career and relationships in 1960s America.

Book genre:

• Fiction

Main topic of the book:

• The struggles and advancements of women in the male-dominated field of chemistry during the 1960s.

Key ideas:

• Gender inequality in the workplace
• The power of determination and perseverance
• The impact of societal expectations on personal and professional choices
• The importance of mentorship and support in achieving success

Main parts of the book and a short summary:

• Part 1: Graduation – Elizabeth graduates from college with a degree in chemistry and struggles to find a job due to her gender.
• Part 2: The Interview – Elizabeth finally lands an interview with a chemical company but faces discrimination and harassment from her potential boss.
• Part 3: The Experiment – Elizabeth begins working at the chemical company and must balance her career aspirations with societal pressure to get married and start a family.
• Part 4: The Drug – Elizabeth is tasked with developing a new contraceptive drug, but faces setbacks and sexist comments from her male colleagues.
• Part 5: The Breakthrough – Elizabeth perseveres through obstacles and successfully creates the new drug, proving herself to her doubters.

Key takeaways:

• Women have faced and continue to face significant challenges in male-dominated fields.
• Determination and support from others can help overcome discrimination and societal expectations.
• Mentorship is crucial for women to succeed in their careers.

Author’s background and qualifications:

• Bonnie Garmus is an American author with a background in science and engineering.
• She has a degree in physics and worked in the tech industry before pursuing her passion for writing.
• Garmus’ experience and knowledge of the scientific world brings authenticity to the story and its characters.

Target audience:

• The book is targeted towards readers who are interested in stories about strong female protagonists and women’s struggles in the workplace.
• It will also appeal to those interested in the fields of chemistry and pharmaceuticals.

Publisher and first publication date:

• Publishing company: HarperCollins
• First publication date: April 2021

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