Women in STEM, scientifically calculated brownies, a talking dog — there's so much to love about Bonnie Garmus' "Lessons in Chemistry" that it's hard to know where to begin. The charming yet poignant novel follows the story of a female chemist in the 1960s who — through a series of unfortunate and totally misogynistic events — becomes every American housewife's favorite cooking show host. Did you immediately wonder if you could find any more books like "Lessons in Chemistry" as soon as you finished the last page?
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Garmus' debut novel was so well-received that it was named Barnes & Noble's Book of the Year in 2022, and Apple TV+ even adapted a "Lessons in Chemistry" series starring Brie Larson as the iconic Elizabeth Zott and Lewis Pullman as Calvin Evans.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Garmus revealed that she wrote the first chapter for "Lessons in Chemistry" after her boss at the advertising agency she worked for got full credit for a campaign that she created.
"When I started writing Elizabeth Zott, I was writing my role model," she said. "Because that day in the meeting where I was saying, 'Hey, wait, those are my ideas! Hey, everybody!' and no one was listening to me, and later when I started writing her, my constant theme in my head was, 'What would Elizabeth Zott do?' She was always a little more bold than I was. She doesn't apologize for anything she says. So it's great to be in her head."
If you — like everyone else in the world — devoured "Lessons in Chemistry" in a single sitting and are searching for your next literary fix, we've got you covered. Here are 16 books that give off similar vibes as Garmus' masterpiece.
'Chemistry' by Weike Wang
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A Ph.D. chemistry student grapples with the pressures of parental expectations, romantic relationships and realizing the dream she's spent her life chasing isn't what she thought it would be.
'The Woman With the Cure' by Lynn Cullen
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This riveting piece of historical fiction is based on the very true story of Dorothy Horstmann — the woman whose dedicated poliovirus research led to the development of the polio vaccine.
'Romantic Comedy' by Curtis Sittenfeld
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After penning a hilariously (and depressingly) true skit mocking the phenomena of dorky men dating supermodel-looking women, this romance-adverse sketch writer finds herself falling for a Hollywood heartthrob.
'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood
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A Ph.D. biology student successfully convinced her best friend that she was actively dating — until she had to prove it and panic-kissed the first man she saw. The only way to save face? Convince the annoyingly attractive rival professor to pretend they're in love.
'Transcendent Kingdom' by Yaa Gyasi
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This breathtaking novel follows a young Ghanaian neuroscientist determined to find a scientific answer to all the suffering and hardship her family has faced since immigrating to Alabama.
'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang
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An econometrician with Asperger's hires an escort to teach her how to be better at dating so she can land a husband. But it doesn't take long before her little experiment becomes something more.
'Remarkably Bright Creatures' by Shelby Van Pelt
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If you loved Six-Thirty in "Lessons in Chemistry," then you'll really love the distinguished, talking octopus named Marcellus, who takes it upon himself to help the aquarium's janitor find her missing son.
'The Soulmate Equation' by Christina Lauren
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In this charming contemporary romance, a single mom (and data wizard) signs up for a DNA-based matchmaking service and is totally baffled when it matches her with a stuck-up, stubborn man she already knows.
'Love on the Brain' by Ali Hazelwood
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Set in the world of scientific research, this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy tells the story of a neuroscientist who reluctantly agrees to co-lead a project for NASA with her professional nemesis — never mind the fact that he's devilishly handsome.
'Remedial Rocket Science' by Susannah Nix
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Her dream job working in IT for an aerospace company is the last place this self-proclaimed computer geek thought she'd run into her only one-night stand. But he's there, and even though he's both taken and the CEO's son, she can't seem to stay away.
'The Calculating Stars' by Mary Robinette Kowal
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When a meteorite destroys almost all of the East Coast, one WASP pilot and mathematician is called to join a coalition determined to speed up space colonization. Her talents are needed, but her desire to become the first lady astronaut is expectedly unwelcome. It is the 1950s, after all.
'The Echo Wife' by Sarah Gailey
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The idea of cloning yourself to be there for your husband without having to go through any of the trouble? All fun and games until he cheats on you with the clone, and you kill him in a fit of rage.
'The Surgeon's Daughter' by Audrey Blake
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Fans of "Lessons in Chemistry" will definitely root for Nora Beady, the sole female student at a prestigious medical school, and Magdalena Morenco, the sole doctor on staff, as they develop a new life-saving technique: the Cesarean section.
'Take My Hand' by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
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Inspired by true events, this historical novel tells the story of a nurse who witnessed horrifying patient treatment at an Alabama family planning clinic — and, years later, is finally ready to blow the whistle.
'The Other Einstein' by Marie Benedict
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As with many famous men, we rarely hear about the triumphs and successes of their wives — until now. This novel imagines the untold story of physicist Albert Einstein's wife, Mileva Maric, who was also a brilliant physicist herself and may have contributed more to his theories than anyone knows.
'With the Fire on High' by Elizabeth Acevedo
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Cooking is a major element in "Lessons in Chemistry," and the same is true for this YA contemporary novel. Protagonist Emoni, an incredibly talented high schooler with a passion for cooking, must balance taking care of her daughter and grandmother while following her dreams.
