This was one of my most anticipated books of 2022 and I'm so disappointed that it didn't work out.

This book was like a disappointing sandwich: two okay ends (start and finish), but with too many ingredients.

I have really mixed feelings and obviously this is a loved book - 23 out of the 25 friends of Goodreads that have read this gave it 5 stars. I spent so much time wondering if I picked up the same book as everyone else.

I loved how rational Elizabeth was and that the author included the very realistic idea that many scientists are not religious and can be atheist. I loved the last chapter, that last conversation was perfect. I think the author accurately described the sexism and misogny that women experienced in STEM then (and many of us still experience now no matter the work environment).

Let's start out with something mentioned in the blurb, "laugh out loud funny", I do not think that having a descriptive rape occur in chapter three, shortly followed by saying the MC's brother committed suicide due to homophobia can be the building blocks of any laugh out loud funny book.

I was so excited to follow a badass, female, feminist chemist who truly knocked down barriers, but was so disappointed that her opinion of wanting children was thrown out the window. I am so tired of that trope as I'm not sure I want kids. The surprise kid trope is overused and for once I want to see a successful woman follow her childless dream.

More thoughts:
-This was exhaustingly descriptive
-The POV changes mid page and chapter did not work (a pet peeve)
-Too long (chapters could've been cut)
-The cooking show glimpses left a lot to be desired
-The anthropomorphic dog did not work here and his POV was weird
-I know young children can be geniuses, but there are limits to what a 4 year old can do.

I just did not see how this was five star worthy because in the end, that badass scientist I was promised didn't show up until near the end.

I did find some quotes that resonated with me and seemed timely to the moment here in the United States (July 2022, a week after SCOTUS gutted women's rights).

In a world full of Dr. Donattis, be an Elizabeth Zott.

'"You have a lot of nerve,"..."You know very well that women do not continue to work when pregnant. But you - you're not only with child, you're unwed. It's disgraceful"' (113)

'"How dare you,"..."A woman telling me what pregnancy is. Who do you think you are?"' (113)

'"What I know"..."is that Calvin and I did not want to have children. I also know that we took eery precaution to ensure that outcome. This pregnancy is a failure of contraception, not morality. It's also none of your business'" (114)

So many quotes I wanted to share from this page (293), but this one will do:
'"I'm glad she feels she an express her belief in God and I welcome her right to do so. But I should be extended the same courtesy. Plenty of people don't believe in God."'

'"But you realize"..."that faith isn't based on religion. Right?"' (308)