#LessonsInChemistry - 1960s Feminist STEM Novel
Bonnie Garmus’s 2022 debut sold 6 million+ copies, spent 100+ weeks on NYT list, became Apple TV+ series (2023, Brie Larson), telling story of 1960s chemist Elizabeth Zott who becomes cooking show host teaching science to housewives.
Plot: Elizabeth Zott: Brilliant chemist, fired for pregnancy (unmarried), partner Calvin dies, becomes TV cooking show host “Supper at Six,” teaches chemistry via cooking, inspires women to think critically, challenges 1960s sexism.
Cultural Impact: Reese’s Book Club April 2022 pick, #BookTok phenomenon, “Elizabeth Zott energy” = unapologetically brilliant woman refusing to dumb down.
Apple TV+ Series (2023): Brie Larson (Elizabeth Zott), Lewis Pullman (Calvin Evans), 79% Rotten Tomatoes, renewed for Season 2.