Just the nicest couple, you think? What can I say about the novel. It wasn't what I was expecting. I was hoping I would like the characters. Not, unfortunately. I am sorry to say this was a miss. I read the author's previous novel, Local Woman Missing, and loved it this one didn't do anything for me.
The writing like always was very short, and simplistic. I believe this is her trademark. I am sure the author writes this way for reason. So, I am not going to complain about her writing. The plot was ok in the beginning. I thought it was going somewhere. Hoping it would get better. It was fast paced I will say that. But, the characters were bland and unlikeable.
Then to top it off Christian the entire time was trying to figure out how to get his wife out of this pickle. Even if it was criminal. Anyway to protect his wife. The ending was over the top. I don't want to ruin it for anyone who plans on reading. The final twist got me so upset. Because I felt strung along to follow the book I didn't like. And the author expected me to believe the ending, right! I doubt very much that I would read any more books by her. Sorry, I really wanted to like the book and I didn't.
Lily Scott thinks she killed her friend's husband, Jake. She tells her husband Christian what she thinks happened. They both go to the spot where the attack happened. With no hide or hare from Jake. Where did he go? Nina is going ballistic because for days Jake doesn't come home. They have a fight about Nina's mother. As Jake is jealous of the care his mother in law is getting from Nina. But, she can't see. She suffers from Macular Degeneration and she needs Nina to help her.
The worst part is Lily and Christian see Nina who supposedly is their friend doesn't say anything. Christian goes into the house and steals the car keys to move the car without anyone's knowledge. In the meantime. They fool everyone thinking it was Jake in the house when it actually was Christian. With Nina beside herself with worry. Christian and Lily say nothing about anything. While they know what happen they keep their mouth closed.
Nina is starting to put the pieces together. She realizes she doesn't really know Christian, and Lily. What does she do. You will have to read the book to find out if you are a fan of Mary Kubica psychological fiction. You may like her newest novel. I am not a fan for this one.
Wow! After finishing Lessons in Chemistry. No words can express my enthusiasm. I'm gushing at this book. I read the kindle version. I can't wait for the paperback to come out. This book is a keeper for me. I have a funny feeling it won't be awhile since the book is very, very, hot right now. I mean red hot! The book is being adapted for Apple TV.
I didn't expect to love Lessons in Chemistry at all judging by it's cover. If you don't usually read Chick-lit or what is called Rom-Com. Which I don't know what the difference is really. Then if you are like me you read literary fiction, women's fiction then I assume you would do the same. Pass on by so many times seeing the cover and keep walking. Does the book call you? Speak to you? It did none of those things to me. Until I was forced to break down for my book club this month. Why, oh Why did it take me this long. NOW, I UNDERSTAND! But, why oh why did the publisher pick the artwork and cover to look this way! The author even had input and the publishers never listened. They didn't listen. Wrong choice, Penguin Random House. Look at the other countries book covers. All of them look a bit more appealing to me:
I choose the British cover if I was the publisher. The other ones look a bit sexist. What was Random House thinking? I just had to get it off my chest. I pretty much think the publishers have lost sales because of their decision not using a less sexist cover( Pink), and Rom-Com type cover. I hope they learned their lesson. The author is traveling around the country doing extra work to change minds. The book has been rated the best book of the year by Barnes and Noble. I can see why after reading Lessons in Chemistry. I have inserted Bonnie's conversation at an event at Barnes and Noble.
I read Lessons in Chemistry for this month's book club in March. I kept putting it off. Even though I bought the digital version. I was extremely offended by the publishers using this cover art work. I like the pencil and the hair because I can remember women doing it all the time. I think the reason to use the cover was not to judge her by her beautiful looks but her smarts. I don't know if it would have made a difference. It is what it is. There is so much talk about the cover. It's unbelievable. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. This just takes away from the book discussion. What the meat and potatoes of the book is about.
There are many people who love it. There are some who hate it. I am wondering if age has something to do with it. People my age in my 60's appreciate the book. We remember what it was like in the 60's and 70's. Actually for me I was too young to understand what was going on. I wasn't into current events, or news. My family didn't talk politics much. But, I remember what the culture and what things were like as a young girl, and teenager. What was acceptable and not acceptable as a girl/women.
Women couldn't have a credit card without husband's permission.
Women were fired or let go if they were pregnant.
Science/ law education was rarely allowed. Except nursing, or teaching fields.
Women couldn't get a managerial position
Domestic abuse
Men didn't do any housework or taking care of the kids.
Being at home when the husband arrived
Cooking, shopping, taking care of the household
Husband only worked- It was unacceptable for women to be anywhere else but home.
Women didn't go to college( it was rare of women to be educated)
Wife didn't not take care of the finances.
That all changed after it became difficult for only one income in the family household after the 1970's and the feminist movement changed the work force. But not for our heroine of the story, Ms. Zott.
Elizabeth is a bit different than most people. She doesn't accept it.
it's only a man's world at Hasting Institute. She is a scientist, and of all things a woman. It doesn't sit very well with everyone who works at Hastings. She is the only woman, a scientist.
That is not good enough for her, though. One day Calvin Evans comes into her department and fiddles around. Tells her she is taking some beakers from her department. Which of course she questions. And is not happy with someone coming in her department and picking and choosing her inventory. She doesn't realize he is the famous scientist, Calvin Evans.
He wants to do something to make it up to her. But he doesn't know how. Incidentally, which I can't recall if he purposely went to the same movie theatre and Elizabeth. But, they did come separately and alone without each other. Though, Calvin sees Elizabeth and so excited. Unfortunely he becomes ill, and sick to his stomach. He throws up in front of her. She takes pity on him.
They strike up a friendship which eventually turns into something entirely then both of them expected. They both fall in love and move in with each other. Elizabeth tells Calvin the wrongs of the in the working world especially science as a woman. He is dumbfounded and can't believe what he hears. He supports her and cheers her on constantly. Without her knowledge he helps her get funding for her research which she is unaware of.
Both Calvin and Elizabeth have hard and difficult upbringing. Elizabeth was going to a ivy league college until a professor attacked her. Of course she was the one who got the raw end of the stick. She couldn't get back into the school. Instead she taught her self.( one of the parts of the novel wasn't realistic). Instead going into her undergraduate work she jumps ahead and has received her Master's degree.
They become closer learning about each other's unhappy upbringing. While Calvin's parents were killed and was giving to his Aunt. He lived with her until she was killed. Then he was given to a home. The one thing Elizabeth never wanted, children. This part will be important information to remember. You will understand why.
In the short time they had with one another. Unfortunately Calvin is killed when he is taking his dog for a walk, 6:30. He is killed by a car. 6:30, the dog makes the book so adorable, and fun to read. Everyone will cheer for 6:30. He makes the novel very interesting.
After Calvin's funeral Elizabeth learns her job is in jeopardy. Everyone treats her differently know that Calvin has died. While Calvin was alive he was backing her up in support to her boss. Now, he is gone there is no one to support her and she is fired. Because she is pregnant. But this is only an excuse. They never liked her as a scientist. The scientist all men felt threatened. They were all happy and relieved she was let go. During the 50's and 60's you couldn't work while you were pregnant. I don't want to tell you too much else. Or I will ruin it for you.
I loved the book. I was so surprised and I don't know what I was expecting. But, it was better than I expected. The book was a reaffirmation of what women went through. Even though I was to young to understanding it.
I always heard about it in the news. I graduated college in nursing in the 1980's. So I didn't go through many of the problems women were going through in science or the business world. Or didn't realize it in the hospital when I was a nurse. Perhaps the reason was it was a women's field. If I worked in a field that was dominated by men. I would have noticed. I am sure we as nurses were discriminated. Nurses were made fun of on TV. Doctors treated nurses as servants. But because it was dominated by women we didn't realize it the same way.
Now, I think back on the things that were said and done in passing in life. We always felt it was just the way it is. These women now in 2023 has changed the way women are treated thank goodness. Never thought things would change. When I heard about the Weinstein case. I thought this has been going on for years. I am so glad something has changed( Me Too). These young women speak up, Thank you for speaking for all of the ladies. But, it is the back of us older women and what we accomplished that you persevere and continue the fight.
I love the idea of cooking and chemistry come together in the novel. Which is actually true. If you read any of the new cookbooks there is many reactions that happen while cooking and baking. But this is not the entire reason of the mix of cooking and chemistry for the novel.
Elizabeth gets a job because of her neighbor. Its a cooking show, Supper at Six. Her neighbor though asks her to conform to the producer's wishes of course Elizabeth can't do it. Instead she is attempting to reach her audiences who she knows are mostly housewives. Who sit home and sit pretty in the kitchen take care of the kids and don't think for themselves. She wants to educate the audience to connect with them to have a mind and think about the science. "That's why I wanted to use Supper at six to teach chemistry."
When women understand chemistry they begin to understand how things work. When atoms and molecules. The real world govern the physical world and when women understand the basics. They can see the false limits that have been created before them.
Chemistry is the root of change where chemistry is always changing from reactions over and over again. "Change is what we were chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, pledge don't hold back." Despite what Elizabeth Zott will tell you, Supper at Six is not just a introduction to chemistry, he wrote that day on the plane. It's a thirty minute five day a week lesson in life. And not in who we are or what we're made of, but rather who we are capable of becoming."
There is many quotes about chemistry and their reactions of chemistry in cooking for example making brownies. " Brownies are best when made from either a high quality cocoa powder or unsweetened backing chocolate. It contains a high level of ployphenols, which as you know are reducing agents that protect the body against oxidative.." Who knew?? Then there is the example of the skin of the baked potato. I am not going to go into it. You can read it when you are ready.
This is to give an example. There is many chemistry equations in the book many non-chemistry women out there who will not understand. But will learn while reading, lol! which makes it fun in the novel. Which I am a science nerd anyway so I love it. There are so many snide remarks made by Elizabeth. But, lots and lots of humor. Which I don't ever laugh in many humorous novels. So the book has to be funny.
Elizabeth gives birth to Madeline, or Mad or Maddy as she is known after she is born. She is a trip and so whip smart beyond her years. Her teacher doesn't know what to make of her. Mad doesn't understand why her mother takes the job. The cooking show which she feels is beneath her Mom. Eventually though things change...
I am sure this happens in reality to children watching their mothers. Especially now. Their daughters I can see them questioning their mother's occupation. What its like working at their specific job. What are their bosses like. Do they get paid fairly to give one example. Many mothers want their daughters to see them as a good example. For their daughters to see their mother's as strong women and not to take no for an answer.
In closing I am sure you realized I loved the book, Lessons in Chemistry. Every young woman should pick up a copy. This book is multi-generational for women. For what women have fought for and continue the fight with the young women. But, also life lessons for men to understand what their mother's have gone through. What their sisters, and girlfriends, and wives still need to accomplish. And some day break the glass ceiling. The book is wonderful novel to talk about women's issues this month. Since it is Women's History Month.
I will say the best part is the ending. With someone getting what they deserve, Y-E-S! This is one novel I am happy for all the string were tied and knotted together. I usually don't like a novel that gives us ending.
The book is tightly woven and continues that way to the very last word. I am so glad I read the book. It is a page turner and keep you turning the pages. I wish it didn't end. I loved all the quirky characters... Especially, Six Thirty. Who actually talks back. That part gave the book magic. The most delicious book I have ever read. I had an adult daughter I would run to the store and buy her a copy. But, I don't I have a son instead. My excuse he is not a reader. But, he doesn't know what he is missing, ha, ha, ha!
This is the second time around I am reading, The Plot Against America. The second time around I have a better appreciation of the novel than the first time around. I read it when it was first published in 2008. It didn't have the same impact as it does now.
The book I read again a few weeks ago. I don't remember the entire novel. But, I will say, Phillip Roth must have seen it coming. All the themes he has covered in the book is pretty much is what is happening now. It is a warning to us.
I didn't read any of Phillip Roth's novels. I did see as a young adult I recall watching a couple of his earlier novels. Which were adapted for the screen. I can't believe I watched them. But, those were the times we lived in.
Anyway on with the book. Since my memory is fuzzy. I will just tell you the novel is speculative fiction. What if novel. So you are asking what if, what? Back in the 1940's if you were living then you already are aware of the history. But, some us didn't know it was happening. It wasn't written in our history books. Everything was painted roses. We loved our leaders, senators, congressmen. This is not true at all. The average American didn't realize what was happening in our country while FDR was president. There were threats within caused by outside sources. Of all places Germany. What??!, you say. It's sounds unbelievable. Yes, it is. But, it is true. I couldn't believe it either. But, I did my research. And found out it is true.
Any hoo, the book is terrifying. And close to what we are experiencing in the United States today. Being an outsider when you are not welcome in the US. There are so many parallels in the book comparing to the 1940's, to now. Making it relevant for today. The author must have known what was happening in our government and political leaders.
He wrote the book after 9/11. Think about what was going on during that time. Our president and leaders were becoming rigid and hard line with the middle east, particularly Iraq, and Afghanistan. We were being swayed by news media. Who was telling the truth? We didn't know the truth. Only what we were being fed.
The Plot Against America is about a family living in Newark, NJ in the 1940's living in the US where anti-Semitism was running rampant. It divided families against each other and communities. FDR was running for President for a second term. He was running against Charles Lindbergh. He is larger than life hero. He was famous as an aviator who crossed the Atlantic. He's baby was kidnapped and eventually found dead. He is known for his politics, and anti-Semitism beliefs.
I feel it was interesting perspective I had from 2004 and now in 2023. What a difference of my thoughts of the book from then to now. I recommend the book if you like speculative fiction, historical fiction. I give it five tea cups.
Unfortunately I couldn't finish, Cobalt Red. Of course I had sadness, empathy, and compassion for the people the author was investigating. Unfortunately, I felt the author was redundant through out the book. Cobalt Red exposes the conditions the villagers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are subjected to. Including poor working conditions, exposure of toxins in their community, and the village they live in. The author observes the miners under the noses of most of the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mr. Kara exposes the way minerals are mined under our noses and the world. Many times he was put himself in danger. He was limited to certain areas he could travel to.
Is it China who owns the mines? Or is it their very own government at fault? China acquired the mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo under everyone’s noses. Or the global world at fault? Not enough reporting in the area. This is the question we should ask our self every time you charge your cell phone, PC, or any other battery operated device mined for Cobalt, Lithium, etc.
I’m sure like everyone else. We didn’t realize how Cobalt was manufactured for batteries. As long as our phones are charging, and computers are running. But, now there is more demand for better long lasting batteries for our phones, and PC. Since Covid it has changed our use of technology.
The sad truth it is ruining the envoirment , polluting the air, killing the people in the villages, treating the villagers as slaves. As I was reading. I was thinking of the Bible( Egypt, and the slaves). Hundreds of people digging to only making a dollar a day. This is not just men, women( even pregnant), (little kids) mining.
As I was reading I was thinking about our climate. We are destroying our planet just as much as natural gas, oil etc. How do we regulate this. When no one cares? It’s not over our control? It’s not a simple answer.
China owns these mines. They don’t regulate. They have manufacturing mines. But that isn’t enough. There are smaller mines where anyone can work. Making a dollar a day. The villagers are independent and they go through a middle man. They are supply and demand. Covid made the situation worse. Who is to blame? China? Globally to allow this to happen? Their government?
China doesn’t care about the people, the villages, or the community. They took advantage of the people. They don’t give back to the community. Just poison the community with toxins. The government has been corrupted and don’t care as long as China pays them and lines their pockets. Globally we turn our backs and want a green earth. Hypocritical when the conditions and the treatment of these people and the environment is appalling. We, the world have to find a solution. For the villagers, and our climate.
Why I stopped reading this book and didn’t finish. As I was reading I realized this is a political weapon I have in my hands. Sure enough the author was on the book tours talking about it and politicizing it. I don’t know if it was the author’s intention. But, he was falling in the trap. If it was intentional or not. I don’t know. But, because now it’s being politicized. I had to stop reading. I was mad as H-ll for the conditions, then politicizing. I just couldn’t read anymore. I think the author knew what was going on. But, of course he wants to sell his book. Instead of talking about the wrongs of the villagers. It became a conversation about oil and gas vs. cobalt manufacturing. Not finding solutions. I don’t know what the author’s politics are. It seemed to me he really didn’t care about the issues. Rather he wanted to play politics. I never seen anything like it in my life.
I am glad he brought it to the attention of the public. The villagers should have a right to dignity, and a good life. Instead they are living in poverty, misery, and suffering. At work, home, community, and their environment.
China thinks of them of the villagers as subhuman. The continent of Africa has had colonial rule from Leopold( Belgium) for many years before China. The country has always been oppressed from one country from another. They win their independence. The leader, and the government becomes corrupted and taken advantage by countries. The cycle starts over again. Whether colonial rule or self governing the country never prospers. Only the leader and who it profits.
Looking For Jane is based on historical fiction on reproductive rights on the 60's and 70's in Canada. It is the story of three people and how they connect and interweave into their lives and their story. I am writing my review as someone who grew up in the 1970's in the United States. I also grew up when Roe vs. Wade had passed in the supreme court. Also in advance my view on reproductive rights in advance. Everyone has a right to privacy, and right to choose. That said, I ma be biased on the book. But, it is a book worth reading. To know what women had to go through before, during and after the laws were changed( realize this is in Canada).
I don't think young women realize how dangerous to live before reproductive rights were law in Canada and in the US. Back alley abortions were performed with coat hangers, infections, finding a medical doctor vs. someone without a license. Women were desperate. I grew up in the 70's after Roe vs. Wade became law. I think many women took it for granted that Roe vs. Wade was the law of the land. If you didn't pay attention to politics. You would have never known. I will now get off my soap box.
Looking for Jane has three different time lines from the 1960's till 2017. There is a good reason why the author chose these time lines. Think pre abortion laws, when it was passed, and after it was passed. How the laws changed and affected Canadian women. I believe it passed in Canada in the late 80's.
The story opens with three time lines and three main characters. It was a bit confusing. Which doesn't take away from the book. You will understand why the confusion toward the end of the book. And will like the resolution toward the end. It will all make sense toward the end of the story, and give you a "aha moment". That's what makes it a satisfying read from the beginning to the end. The characters are realistic, true and loveable characters. The developing of the characters and story was well developed through out the book. The stories weave and interconnect each other tightly, no hanging threads. No questions unanswered. I related to the story of what these women were going through as I was a teenager in the 70's. It felt realistic.
Looking for Jane has three time lines and three main characters. Angela in 2017 finds a hidden letter that has life changing consequences to the recipient. Angela searches all the way back to 1960's and brings her to a rabbit hole, " Underground Women Movement, Code name, "Jane". Where she discovers who the recipient to the letter is. When you as the reader, think you understand and know what is going to happen. You are totally wrong. It went to a totally different direction. It threw you a different bone.
It brings Angela to finding out about the Unwed Mother's Home in Canada. What truly happened in that home. Who the letter was actually for. Would the letter be a welcome or a disaster to the recipient? I didn't expect the book to be a page turner or a mystery. The novel was more Women's literary fiction, than mystery. That's why my expectations were low for the book. I was greatly surprised. I didn't expect it to have a lot of grit being women's fiction. But, guess what it did.
Anyone interested in reproductive rights will like the book. Anyone who likes suspense and mystery will also enjoy it, although it is not set in the US. It doesn't take away from the flavor. I recommend it highly if you like historical fiction, feminist and reproductive activism. I sure hope there will be more books on reproductive rights written in fiction.
I received a review copy through Kindle from the publisher as compensation for the review.
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