43: Lessons in Chemistry: Session 1 — Elizabeth Zott, Feminism, & Finding Your Voice – Badass Books and Besties
Lessons in Chemistry: Session 1 Book Club Discussion
Welcome back, book lovers! Our first session of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus gave us a lot to unpack — and we loved every minute. This book is a brilliant mix of wit, heartbreak, social commentary, and hope. In our lively discussion, we talked about Elizabeth Zott’s feminist fight, Calvin’s heartbreaking fate, Six-Thirty’s unforgettable perspective, and what it means to create your own chosen family in a world that doesn’t always support you.
Elizabeth Zott: A Feminist Icon
Elizabeth Zott is quickly becoming one of our favorite protagonists. From the first chapters, we see her challenge societal norms, push back against institutional sexism, and insist on being treated as an equal in the lab. One of our favorite discussion points was how she refuses to change her name — not because she’s stubborn, but because she believes her identity and achievements belong to her, not to a man.
One member said it best: “She knew herself. She knew what she knew. And she wasn’t going to lay down and be a doormat.”
This sparked an amazing conversation about how women have historically been asked to give up their names, careers, and voices — and how powerful it is to see Elizabeth refuse.
Calvin’s Character and the Power of Partnership
Calvin’s character gave us a lot of feelings — good and complicated ones. We loved seeing how he respected Elizabeth’s intellect, supported her work, and encouraged her to keep rowing, writing, and creating. But we also talked about the moments where he still let his privilege slip through — like assuming she’d eventually marry him, despite her clearly stating she didn’t want to.
We felt his loss deeply, especially since his relationship with Elizabeth was such a catalyst for her growth. One participant put it this way: “I like how happy they were together — but he was a little pushy. He didn’t always listen. It was okay back then for a man to do that, but it frustrated me.”
His death scene — with Six-Thirty witnessing it and the heartbreaking detail of the leash — hit us hard. Several of us admitted to hoping desperately that neither Calvin nor the dog would die, and when Calvin did, it felt like a gut punch.
Six-Thirty: The Dog Who Stole Our Hearts
If there’s one character everyone agreed on, it’s Six-Thirty. We adored his unique perspective, his love for Elizabeth, and even his trauma. The idea that a dog could have PTSD was both heartbreaking and brilliantly written.
One member said: “I would love to hear what our animals think. Six-Thirty just feels so real — like he’s part of the family.”
Six-Thirty became an anchor in the story, a quiet witness to Elizabeth’s transformation, and a reminder of resilience.
The “Supper at Six” Timeline & Story Structure
Our group debated the structure of the book — starting with Elizabeth as a mother and TV host, then flashing back to her life with Calvin. Some of us loved this framing device, while others found it a little jarring.
One person shared: “I actually forgot what the beginning part of the book even was until she mentioned Supper at Six again. Then I had to go back and remember.”
Ultimately, we agreed that Bonnie Garmus likely structured it this way to create intrigue and highlight how far Elizabeth would come by the end of the story.
Sexism, Internalized Misogyny & Workplace Commentary
This section of the book gave us a lot to talk about. From being fired for being pregnant to constantly having her intelligence questioned, Elizabeth’s experience reflects a very real history for women in STEM. We had a passionate conversation about how far society has come — and how much further we still need to go.
One member noted: “We’ve come a long way, but we’ve got a ways to go. Those misogynistic jokes and stereotypes were just accepted then. Now we can call them out.”
We also discussed internalized misogyny — how even other women would criticize Elizabeth for not “playing her role” or for refusing to marry. This led to a conversation about modern parallels, like “trad wife” trends and the pressure some women still face to conform.
Found Family and Choosing Your People
Another powerful theme we explored was family — both the one you’re born into and the one you create. Elizabeth’s independence was shaped by her difficult childhood, but she built a life that included people she truly trusted and cared about.
One member said: “We may be born into families, but that doesn’t mean we belong to them.”
This led to some beautiful sharing about how we each create our own chosen families — through friendships, book clubs (like this one!), and relationships that support us rather than limit us.
Drink Pairings & Fun Extras
No book club session is complete without pairings! This time, we had:
- Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon – perfect for a chemistry-themed book
- Limoncello Spritz – bright and celebratory
- Fiction Beer Company’s “Chemical Structures” Porter – a real beer brewed in honor of Lessons in Chemistry
How fun is that? Even if you’re just reading on your own, these pairings can turn your next reading session into a full experience.
Why This Book Matters
One of the most powerful moments of our discussion came when we talked about why this story still resonates today. Elizabeth Zott’s fight for respect feels both historical and current. The themes of equality, identity, and self-advocacy are ones we’re still grappling with in 2025.
This is why we read books like this together: to see ourselves in the story, to feel less alone in our struggles, and to be inspired by characters who demand more from the world.
What’s Next
We ended our discussion at Chapter 15, which means we still have so much to explore! Next session, we’ll dive deeper into Elizabeth’s career, her growing independence, and her journey toward hosting Supper at Six.
If this conversation made you nod along, laugh, or feel seen — come join us!
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