It’s a must-read!
The first of my reads on a rare vacation, I was lucky enough that one of my colleagues loaned me a copy of this book. I typically read a popular book long after the hype about it has died down. But not this one.
To say that I loved this book would be an understatement. It’s simply one of the best pieces of fiction I have ever read. Intelligent, funny, and engaging are just a few of the words I would use to describe this novel.
I read all 390 pages in three days.
Elizabeth Zott is a character every woman can cheer for; the heroine you didn’t know you needed. Fiercely and unapologetically independent, Bonnie Garmus uses her story to comment on the patriarchy. But not in a woe-is-me aspect. As in a taking-the-world-back-from-those-who-choose-to-silence-women way. And she is extraordinary.
There is so much about this book that I found relatable. As a scientist myself, I can appreciate the explanations of chemistry and the logic of science, as Elizabeth is a chemist. As an assault survivor, I can relate to her personal trauma. As a mother, I can appreciate the way Elizabeth approached raising her own daughter. As someone who has recently deconstructed from her religious upbringing, her honesty about her unreligious nature is refreshing. And yes, there is an unlikely love story as well.
Garmus’ writing is hilarious, and there were numerous times when I laughed out loud and had to repeat a passage out loud to my vacation companions.
I loved Garmus’ approach to storytelling. We were inside the minds of each character, witness to their internal dialogues, including one very intelligent dog named Six-Thirty who somehow amassed a fantastic vocabulary of over 600 words. To have an author respect the family dog in such a way warms my vegan soul.
Ladies, if you have ever felt held back by a world created to favor men, this is a must-read. Men, if you’ve ever wondered why women seem so disgruntled much of the time, this is a must-read for you, too.
Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookstore and buy this book. I will definitely purchase one for my personal library.
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Have you read this book? What did you think about it?
As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.
Anne the Vegan 
Yes! We read it for book club, so even better, I got to have an in-person discussion about it. It’s a very unique book with a unique tone!
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Agreed!
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I recently finished this book and loved every minute of it, i didn’t want it to end. They were all wonderful characters, so clear in my mind exactly what they looked like, and the dog, so much love for six thirty, its definitely a book i will read again
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I was sad for the book to end as well! Thank you for reading and commenting!
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