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Bonnie Garmus - Author Website

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Tweets by BonnieGarmus

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Instagram

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What is your overall impression of Elizabeth as a protagonist? Why was chemistry the right career choice for her?

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What is your overall impression of Elizabeth as a protagonist? Why was chemistry the right career choice for her?

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She enters a male-dominated field and it’s a constant uphill battle. Have you ever worked in a field like that and/or been in a similar situation?

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She enters a male-dominated field and it’s a constant uphill battle. Have you ever worked in a field like that and/or been in a similar situation?

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How did her unusual upbringing and violent relationship with her parents impact how she approached relationships as an adult?

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How did her unusual upbringing and violent relationship with her parents impact how she approached relationships as an adult?

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What did you think about the eventual romance between Elizabeth and Calvin? Why were they a good fit, aka, full of ‘true chemistry’?

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What did you think about the eventual romance between Elizabeth and Calvin? Why were they a good fit, aka, full of ‘true chemistry’?

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Calvin proposes but Elizabeth says no. What was behind her reasoning for turning down the proposal? Do you agree or disagree with her?

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Calvin proposes but Elizabeth says no. What was behind her reasoning for turning down the proposal? Do you agree or disagree with her?

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Why do you suspect the author decided to include the viewpoint of their dog, Six-Thirty?

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Why do you suspect the author decided to include the viewpoint of their dog, Six-Thirty?

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Let’s talk about Calvin’s death and how that changed everything for Elizabeth. 

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Let’s talk about Calvin’s death and how that changed everything for Elizabeth. 

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When Elizabeth finds out she is pregnant, she is devastated. She never planned to become a mother and with Calvin’s death, she’s now all alone to raise their child. In what ways did motherhood surprise Elizabeth?

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When Elizabeth finds out she is pregnant, she is devastated. She never planned to become a mother and with Calvin’s death, she’s now all alone to raise their child. In what ways did motherhood surprise Elizabeth?

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The story features a great supporting cast from the neighbor Harriet (who eventually becomes like an extended family member) to Elizabeth’s producer Walter (who becomes her best friend). Who was your favorite supporting character and why?

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The story features a great supporting cast from the neighbor Harriet (who eventually becomes like an extended family member) to Elizabeth’s producer Walter (who becomes her best friend). Who was your favorite supporting character and why?

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Elizabeth Zott had no formal education, and yet she was able to self-educate, thanks to her library card. With the advent of technology, the library almost seems outdated, though many would argue that the library is more important than ever. Do you think libraries are important? If so, why?

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Elizabeth Zott had no formal education, and yet she was able to self-educate, thanks to her library card. With the advent of technology, the library almost seems outdated, though many would argue that the library is more important than ever. Do you think libraries are important? If so, why?

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Why did Elizabeth agree to host the cooking show? Why did the show resonate with women across the country?

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Why did Elizabeth agree to host the cooking show? Why did the show resonate with women across the country?

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Why does Elizabeth always wear a pencil in her hair? Is it a weapon or is it a symbol of strength?

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Why does Elizabeth always wear a pencil in her hair? Is it a weapon or is it a symbol of strength?

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What are your thoughts about the revelation that Calvin’s real life mother was the one behind the funds to Elizabeth’s scientific research? 

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What are your thoughts about the revelation that Calvin’s real life mother was the one behind the funds to Elizabeth’s scientific research? 

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What did you think about the ending overall? What happens next for Elizabeth?

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What did you think about the ending overall? What happens next for Elizabeth?

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Did you feel like you learned any lessons or anything else from reading the novel? Do you have any favorite passages or scenes you would like to discuss? 

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Did you feel like you learned any lessons or anything else from reading the novel? Do you have any favorite passages or scenes you would like to discuss? 

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The late 1950s into the early 1960s was supposedly a halcyon time in American history. But was it? The war was over and men returned home to take back the jobs women had done in their absence. As a result, women were pushed into more subservient roles.  What influencesplayed a part in encouraging women to accept their place as only in the home?  And why, in today’s world, when women are in the workforce in record numbers, are they still doing most of the housework and child-raising?

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The late 1950s into the early 1960s was supposedly a halcyon time in American history. But was it? The war was over and men returned home to take back the jobs women had done in their absence. As a result, women were pushed into more subservient roles.  What influencesplayed a part in encouraging women to accept their place as only in the home?  And why, in today’s world, when women are in the workforce in record numbers, are they still doing most of the housework and child-raising?

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Elizabeth refuses to accept limits placed on her by society and insists that others also ignore those limits. How do each of those characters ultimately rise to that challenge? And in what ways have you or others been limited by societal norms?

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Elizabeth refuses to accept limits placed on her by society and insists that others also ignore those limits. How do each of those characters ultimately rise to that challenge? And in what ways have you or others been limited by societal norms?

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In the book, rowing is a metaphor on how Elizabeth sees a better society: that no one person in the boat is more important than the other. Have you ever participated in anything—work, sports, community efforts—where everyone must “row as one” in order to succeed? What are the hurdles people must overcome in order to reach the point where “it all feels easy”?

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In the book, rowing is a metaphor on how Elizabeth sees a better society: that no one person in the boat is more important than the other. Have you ever participated in anything—work, sports, community efforts—where everyone must “row as one” in order to succeed? What are the hurdles people must overcome in order to reach the point where “it all feels easy”?

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Six-Thirty is amazed by not only how often humans lie to each other, but how poorly they communicate overall. He struggles to understand the word “smart,” finding its very definition unintelligent. What does “smart” actually mean to you? Have you ever thought about what your pet might be trying to teach you?

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Six-Thirty is amazed by not only how often humans lie to each other, but how poorly they communicate overall. He struggles to understand the word “smart,” finding its very definition unintelligent. What does “smart” actually mean to you? Have you ever thought about what your pet might be trying to teach you?

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The dictionary first defines faith as “the complete trust or confidence in someone or something” and “a belief in religious doctrine” second. Madeline draws this same distinction—that faith isn’t based on religion. Knowing this, what role does religion play in the book? What is a Humanist? What does the science of psychology tell us about the human’s desire to believe in something greater than themselves? And why do Elizabeth, Calvin, and Wakely all believe that personal responsibility—faith in one’s self—is more important?

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The dictionary first defines faith as “the complete trust or confidence in someone or something” and “a belief in religious doctrine” second. Madeline draws this same distinction—that faith isn’t based on religion. Knowing this, what role does religion play in the book? What is a Humanist? What does the science of psychology tell us about the human’s desire to believe in something greater than themselves? And why do Elizabeth, Calvin, and Wakely all believe that personal responsibility—faith in one’s self—is more important?

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The book includes male characters who are sympathetic to Elizabeth’s plight, and yet, with the exception of Calvin and Dr. Mason, have trouble standing up for women or other minorities in the workplace. Why do good-hearted people have trouble speaking up? And what are the consequences of not speaking up?

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The book includes male characters who are sympathetic to Elizabeth’s plight, and yet, with the exception of Calvin and Dr. Mason, have trouble standing up for women or other minorities in the workplace. Why do good-hearted people have trouble speaking up? And what are the consequences of not speaking up?

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Elizabeth is sometimes depressed by the circumstances in her life. Not coincidentally, her show airs in the “Afternoon Depression Zone.” And yet she’s never a victim. How does she continually pick herself up? What fuels her resilience? And why, after she’s reached stardom, is she more miserable than ever?

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Elizabeth is sometimes depressed by the circumstances in her life. Not coincidentally, her show airs in the “Afternoon Depression Zone.” And yet she’s never a victim. How does she continually pick herself up? What fuels her resilience? And why, after she’s reached stardom, is she more miserable than ever?

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Harriet Sloane is an inveterate magazine reader. How do magazines and media shape our culture? And what did Harriet mean when she first told Elizabeth to “recommit”? Is there some dream of yours that you wish you would recommit to?

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Harriet Sloane is an inveterate magazine reader. How do magazines and media shape our culture? And what did Harriet mean when she first told Elizabeth to “recommit”? Is there some dream of yours that you wish you would recommit to?

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Friendship and family are interconnected themes in the book. Can friendships sometimes provide family better than family itself? Walter isn’t Amanda’s biological father, but he loves her fully and is the most present person in her life. On the other hand, Avery Parker still loves the son she never knew. How do you define family?

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Friendship and family are interconnected themes in the book. Can friendships sometimes provide family better than family itself? Walter isn’t Amanda’s biological father, but he loves her fully and is the most present person in her life. On the other hand, Avery Parker still loves the son she never knew. How do you define family?

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Madeline fills her family tree with Sojourner Truth, Amelia Earhart, and Nefertiti to point out that all humans are related. But if humans are 99.9 percent the same, why do we treat each other so differently?

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Madeline fills her family tree with Sojourner Truth, Amelia Earhart, and Nefertiti to point out that all humans are related. But if humans are 99.9 percent the same, why do we treat each other so differently?

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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: Book Trailer

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April 2022: Good Morning America - Book Club Pick

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April 2022: Good Morning America - Book Club Pick

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Bonnie Garmus talks about her debut novel, 'Lessons in Chemistry'

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Garmus' book is our "GMA" Book Club pick for April and was also an instant New York Times bestseller.

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Apple TV+ shares first look at “Lessons in Chemistry,” new drama series starring and executive produced by Academy Award winner Brie Larson

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Apple TV+ today unveiled a first look at “Lessons in Chemistry,” and announced that production is underway on Apple Studios’ new drama series starring Brie Larson.

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Book quote p. 26 "Don't work the system. Outsmart it."

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Book quote p. 26 "Don't work the system. Outsmart it."

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p.38 "People like my father preach love but are filled with hate. Anyone who threatens their narrow beliefs cannot be tolerated."

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p.38 "People like my father preach love but are filled with hate. Anyone who threatens their narrow beliefs cannot be tolerated."

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p. 39 "We spent most of our time at the library. It became our sanctuary--the only thing we could count on from town to town."

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p. 39 "We spent most of our time at the library. It became our sanctuary--the only thing we could count on from town to town."

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p. 210 "I'd never planned to be a parent," he told Elizabeth. "But here I am, a devoted father. Life's a mystery, isn't it? People who try and plan it inevitably end up disappointed."

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p. 210 "I'd never planned to be a parent," he told Elizabeth. "But here I am, a devoted father. Life's a mystery, isn't it? People who try and plan it inevitably end up disappointed."

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p. 231 "The librarian is the most important educator in school. What she doesn't know, she can find out. This is not an opinion; it's a fact."

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p. 231 "The librarian is the most important educator in school. What she doesn't know, she can find out. This is not an opinion; it's a fact."

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p. 259-260 "Stability and structure. Chemistry is inseparable from life--by its very definition, chemistry is life. But like your pie, life requires a strong base. In your home, you are that base. It is an enormous responsibility, the most undervalued job in the world that, nonetheless, holds everything together."

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p. 259-260 "Stability and structure. Chemistry is inseparable from life--by its very definition, chemistry is life. But like your pie, life requires a strong base. In your home, you are that base. It is an enormous responsibility, the most undervalued job in the world that, nonetheless, holds everything together."

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p. 260 "There isn't a woman in the world who is just a housewife."

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p. 260 "There isn't a woman in the world who is just a housewife."

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p. 331 "I fell in love with Calvin.. because he was intelligent and kind, but also because he was the very first man to take me seriously. Imagine if all men took women seriously. Education would change. The workforce would revolutionize. Marriage counselors would go out of business. Do you see my point?"

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p. 331 "I fell in love with Calvin.. because he was intelligent and kind, but also because he was the very first man to take me seriously. Imagine if all men took women seriously. Education would change. The workforce would revolutionize. Marriage counselors would go out of business. Do you see my point?"

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p. 331 "That's why I wanted to use Supper at Six to teach chemistry. Because when women understand chemistry, they begin to understand how things work... I'm referring to atoms and molecules, Roth. The real rules that govern the physical world. When women understand these basic concepts, they can begin to see the false limits that have been created for them."

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p. 331 "That's why I wanted to use Supper at Six to teach chemistry. Because when women understand chemistry, they begin to understand how things work... I'm referring to atoms and molecules, Roth. The real rules that govern the physical world. When women understand these basic concepts, they can begin to see the false limits that have been created for them."

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p. 331 "I mean by artificial cultural and religious policies that put men in the highly unnatural role of single-sex leadership. Even a basic understanding of chemistry reveals the danger of such a lopsided approach."

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p. 331 "I mean by artificial cultural and religious policies that put men in the highly unnatural role of single-sex leadership. Even a basic understanding of chemistry reveals the danger of such a lopsided approach."

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p. 331 "I think it lets us off the hook. I think it teaches us that nothing is really our fault; that something or someone else is pulling the strings; that ultimately, we're not to blame for the way things are; that to improve things, we should pray. But the truth is, we are very much responsible for the badness in the world. And we have the power to fix it."

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p. 331 "I think it lets us off the hook. I think it teaches us that nothing is really our fault; that something or someone else is pulling the strings; that ultimately, we're not to blame for the way things are; that to improve things, we should pray. But the truth is, we are very much responsible for the badness in the world. And we have the power to fix it."

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p. 331-332  "I'm speaking of fixing us, Mr. Roth--our mistakes. Nature works on a higher intellectual plane. We can learn more, we can go further, but to accomplish this, we must throw open the doors. Too many brilliant minds are kept from scientific research thanks to ignorant biases like gender and race. It infuriates me and it should infuriate you. Science has big problems to solve: famine, disease, extinction. And those who purposefully close the door to others using self-serving, outdated cultural notions are not only dishonest, they're knowingly lazy."

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p. 331-332  "I'm speaking of fixing us, Mr. Roth--our mistakes. Nature works on a higher intellectual plane. We can learn more, we can go further, but to accomplish this, we must throw open the doors. Too many brilliant minds are kept from scientific research thanks to ignorant biases like gender and race. It infuriates me and it should infuriate you. Science has big problems to solve: famine, disease, extinction. And those who purposefully close the door to others using self-serving, outdated cultural notions are not only dishonest, they're knowingly lazy."

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p. 338 "I make brownies on my bad days, I'm not going to pretend that sucrose is an essential ingredient required for our well-being, but I personally feel better when I eat it. Now let's get started."

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p. 338 "I make brownies on my bad days, I'm not going to pretend that sucrose is an essential ingredient required for our well-being, but I personally feel better when I eat it. Now let's get started."

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p. 340 "Family is far more than biology."

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p. 340 "Family is far more than biology."

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Extended interview: Bonnie Garmus on her debut novel and more

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Bonnie Garmus — Lessons in Chemistry - with Dr. Carla Hayden — at Sixth & I