Elizabeth Zott is enthusiastic and devoted to chemistry research, even though her colleagues treat her like a secretary. As the only woman scientist at Hastings Research Institute in the early 1960s, convincing supervisors to support her research has become Elizabeth's daily fight. After falling in love with the brilliant Nobel-prize hopeful Calvin Evans and unexpectedly becoming a single mother, Elizabeth struggles to make ends meet. Reluctantly, she applies her scientific knowledge to a cooking show and suddenly becomes America's most beloved TV star.

Lessons in Chemistry is a humorous yet insightful novel that sheds light on the misogyny women face everywhere in the workplace, regardless of one's role. But it is also a heartwarming story about love, friendships, motherhood, and the best part, having a dog. It took me a while to fall in love with Elizabeth's character; I'm still not sure if I like having a protagonist who behaves like they're on the spectrum as a way to showcase their "scientific enthusiasm." If I met Elizabeth in real life, I'd probably think she's pretending to be a scientist from how she talks. The overly complicated monologues feel a bit forced at times. Regardless, Lessons in Chemistry is a delightful read with an unusual protagonist that will have you laughing and crying with Elizabeth.