Let me start by saying this: Bonnie Garmus' 'Lessons in Chemistry' isn't just a book - it's an experience. As someone who devours both scientific literature and feminist narratives, this novel hit me like a perfect chemical reaction.

The protagonist Elizabeth Zott is the kind of character who stays with you long after you've closed the book. Her struggle as a female chemist in the 1960s felt so visceral that I found myself yelling at the pages during particularly infuriating sexist encounters. That scene where she's denied lab access? I had to put the book down and take a walk.

What surprised me most was how Garmus makes complex chemistry concepts accessible and even romantic. The way Elizabeth explains chemical bonds while cooking on her TV show had me looking at my kitchen utensils with new respect. I never thought I'd describe molecular structures as 'poetic,' but here we are.

The supporting cast shines too - especially Six-Thirty the genius dog (yes, you read that right). His chapters offered much-needed comic relief while subtly commenting on human nature. Though fair warning: you'll start side-eyeing your own pet wondering what they really understand.

My one critique? The ending felt slightly rushed after such meticulous buildup. I wanted more closure for certain characters, particularly Elizabeth's daughter Mad. But maybe that's just me being greedy for more of Garmus' brilliant writing.

This isn't just historical fiction - it's a mirror showing how far we've come (or haven't) in gender equality. Several scenes made me realize some 'Mad Men'-era attitudes still linger today, just dressed in modern clothes. That uncomfortable realization alone makes this worth reading.

Pro tip: Watch the TV adaptation after reading - it's great, but the book's depth and scientific nuance make it the superior version. Keep your highlighter ready for quotable passages about resilience, feminism, and why everyone should learn to row at dawn.