51 Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Questions, Snack Ideas and Activities

Find 51 thought-provoking book club questions, book club snack ideas and book club activity ideas for Bonnie Garmus’ debut novel Lessons in Chemistry.

Lessons in Chemistry is one of the best novels I have read in 2023. I absolutely fell in love with the plot. It was heartwarming novel about an intelligent chemist Elizabeth Zott who is determined to live life on her own terms in 1960s California.

If your book club has chosen Lessons in Chemistry to be the next book, I am super excited for you. Because the book really has so many great topics to discuss. From sexism discrimination , misogyny, personal dignity, safety and so many more.

So explore the discussion-worthy book club questions Bonnie Garmus’ incredible first book Lessons in Chemistry!

Lessons in Chemistry Synopsis

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman.

But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six.

Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary.

But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.

Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry as original and vibrant as its protagonist.

Read my full review of Lessons in Chemistry.

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51 Best Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Questions:

Discuss the relevance of the title- Lessons in Chemistry. How does it relate to the story?

Discuss the success of Lessons in Chemistry.

What is your impression of Garmus’ writing style in Lessons in Chemistry? Despite dealing with serious subject matter, do you find dark humor and comedy make the story more enjoyable?

Sometimes I think,” she said slowly, that if a man were to spend a day being a woman in America, he wouldn’t make it past noon.” Discuss the significance of this quote from the 1960s to the present day.

How do you think Elizabeth’s relationship with her brother shaped her professional and personal life?

Discuss the significance of the opening paragraph of the book

How do you find the setting of the novel? Do you think the story would differ if it were set in a contemporary period?

What’s your interpretation of the meet-cute story Elizabeth and Calvin?

Discuss the theme of gender inequality in the workplace explored in Lessons in Chemistry.

What are your thoughts on Elizabeth and Calvin’’s close relationship despite each carrying their own secrets?

Discuss the relevance of Elizabeth Zott’s profession.

How do you think Elizabeth’s life would have been if she had been a doctor or a lawyer in the 1960s?

What are your thoughts on Elizabeth Zott’s career at the Hastings Research Institute?

Compare the characteristics of Elizabeth Zott, Mrs. Sloane, and Miss Frask

Discuss Elizabeth Zott’s use of scientific calculation in cooking. Do you consider cooking to be more of an art or a science?

What do you think rowling symbolizes in Lessons in Chemistry

How do you compare Elizabeth and Calvin’s childhood? If they had met as children, do you think they would have been best friends?

Do you believe Garmus may have drawn inspiration from her own personal experiences in creating the story and characters in Lessons in Chemistry?

What do you think of the impact of Elizabeth’s pregnancy on her career and personal life?

If Elizabeth Zott were not a chemist, how would you describe her life as a single mother in the 1960s?

Discuss Elizabeth Zott’s parenting style in Lessons in Chemistry. Do you think her unconventional approach was necessary?

Describe Elizabeth and Mad’s life if Calvin were alive. In what ways do you think it would have been similar or different?

Compare the characters of Calvin Evans and Walter Pine.

What do you think of Six Thirty? How has Garmus portrayed him so differently compared to other novels you have read?

How do you think Elizabeth Zott’s life would have been different if she didn’t have a helpful companion like Mrs. Sloane?

What role do you think societal expectations play in Elizabeth’s life and career choices?

Discuss Elizabeth’s character development and growth throughout the novel.

What do you think about the show ‘Supper at Six”? Have you heard about any similar shows from that time period?

How do you compare Elizabeth’s roles as a cooking show host, chemist, and mother?

What do you think of Mad? Do you think she was special?

Discuss the relevance of Mad’s family tree.

Do you think author Garmus portrayed Elizabeth only as a strong, self-assured character, avoiding Elizabeth’s s weaknesses?

What role do you think the Life Magazine article played in Elizabeth Zott’s life?

Discuss the relationship between Mad and Reverend Wakely.

Is it possible that Garmus was inspired by Roald Dahl’s Matilda when creating the characters of Mad and Mrs. Mudford?

What are your thoughts on Avery Parker? Do you think her life and experience represent the lives of many women during that period?

How do you find the portrayal of male characters in Lessons in Chemistry? Do you believe that most men in their 50s and 60s held misogyny views?

Some readers find that Elizabeth Zott’s monologues were somewhat unrealistic, what’s your comment on that?

If you were in Elizabeth’s situation during that period, what decisions do you think you may or may not have made?

Do you expect to find many dark and explicit themes in the narrative? How do you think that has impacted your overall impression of the book?

How do you think faith and religion are represented in Lessons in Chemistry? Discuss it in the context of setting the story.

Discuss the perspectives of Harriet and Elizabeth Zott towards religion on the basis of this quote.

Stephen King described Lessons in Chemistry as ‘ witty, sometimes hilarious…the Catch-22 of early feminism’. Do you agree with that?

What are the top three aspects of Lessons in Chemistry that you find most enjoyable?

To what extent does the unpredictable nature of life reflect on Elizabeth’s own life?

What’s your opinion on the Lessons in Chemistry TV show starring Brie Larson? Do you think Larson is the perfect choice?

What message does the book convey about the importance of pursuing one’s passion amidst challenges?

Discuss famous feminist protagonists of literature.

Do you think Lessons in Chemistry is a relatable story for women in the 21st century?

Lessons in Chemistry is the debut novel of Bonnie Garmus. What’s your overall review of her writing style?

Compare Lessons in Chemistry to other historical fiction set in 1960s.

Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Snack Ideas

In Lessons in Chemistry , Elizabeth Mott is known for creating recipes bursting with flavors and textures. So take your book club snacks to the next level and tantalize your taste buds with some of her delicious creations.

Dark-Chocolate Pudding with Candied Ginger
Cinnamon Roll Cherry Cobbler
No-Bake Pineapple Dream Dessert Recipe
Mini quiches with different fillings such as spinach and feta, or cheddar
Ribbon Sandwiches
Recipes inspired by Lessons in Chemistry

More Book Club Ideas and Activities

Find the best Lessons in Chemistry book club soundtrack – Lessons in Chemistry playlist
You can get a science coffee mug, planter bulb glass vase, or science party tableware for a chemistry-themed book club decor.
Discuss book club members’ favorite cooking show
Conduct a fun color change chemical experiment.
Watch and discuss the TV adaptation of Lessons in Chemistry

Notable Reviews for Lessons in Chemistry

Strikingly relevant…Darkly funny and poignant…Lessons in Chemistry’s excellent experiment [is] quirky and heartwarming.” —The Atlantic

A bold, smart, and often hilarious look at the value of so-called women’s work.”—Real Simple

An irresistible buoyancy, along with a deliberately sharp bite. Garmus’s novel focuses on a female scientist whose ambitions are impeded—and then rerouted—by a world not yet ready for her.”-Frank Bruni, The New York Times

More Books Like Lessons in Chemistry

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple– Follows a misanthropic matriarch, funny and engaging writing

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding– Talks about pressure of being single, society’s view on single women

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin– Follows two college friends, mentions about sexism and discrimination in the gaming industry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lessons in Chemistry:

What is Lesson in Chemistry about?

Lessons in Chemistry follows a talented chemist who becomes a Tv show chef after becoming a single young, single mother in the late 50s and early 60s.

What are the trigger warnings Lessons in Chemistry?

The novel Lessons in Chemistry touches on several sensitive topics such as misogyny, attempted rape & sexual assault, workplace sexual harassment, child abuse mentioned, and car accidents.

Is Lessons in Chemistry a good book?

Lessons in Chemistry is a dazzling debut novel by Bonnie Harmus. With Laugh-out-loud funny moments and, a shrewdly brilliant protagonist, incredible characters it’s a must-read novel.

Is Lessons in Chemistry a true story?

In an interview author, Bonnie Harmus reveals that All the characters in Lessons in Chemistry are entirely fictional except Six-Thirty, the dog in the story. It is based on her old dog, Friday.

Why is Lessons in Chemistry so popular?

Lessons in Chemistry is so popular for its realistic portrayal of the life of women in the late 1950s and early 60s. This witty and propulsive novel about a feminist hero is great book to read in 2023. Check my review of Lessons in Chemistry. .

Is Lessons in Chemistry a romance?

Lessons in Chemistry has an important romance subplot in it.

How old should you be to read Lessons in Chemistry?

The recommended age for Lessons in Chemistry is readers 18 years and up.

Is Lessons in Chemistry becoming a movie?

Lessons in Chemistry is going to be adapted into a television drama in 2023 on Apple TV+. Brie Larson stars as Elizabeth Zott and Lewis Pullman as Calvin Evans.