13 Books Like Lessons In Chemistry
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Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus became a runaway bestseller and celebrity book club pick when it was published this year. If you read and loved Lessons In Chemistry and can’t wait to find more books with a similar vibe, then here’s a list of 13 more books like Lessons In Chemistry to put on your to-be-read list now.
Lessons In Chemistry revolves around Elizabeth Zott, a determined chemist who staunchly rejects societal constraints imposed by men. This list of books like Lessons In Chemistry features books in a variety of genres with strong, independent women who, like Elizabeth, defy societal norms and forge their paths with unyielding determination.
Contents
- Books Like Lessons In Chemistry
- Park Avenue Summer by Renee Rosen
- The Book Woman Of Troublesome Creek – Kim Michele Richardson
- The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Girls In the Picture – Melanie Benjamin
- The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
- The Dollmaker – Harriette Arnow
- Where’d You Go, Bernadette – Maria Semple
- A Woman Of Intelligence – Karin Tanabe
- The Ten Thousand Doors Of January – Alix E. Harrow
- The Bookish Life Of Nina Hill – Abbi Waxman
- The Female Persuasion – Meg Wolitzer
- The Alice Network – Kate Quinn
- A Tree Grows In Brooklyn – Betty Smith
- Books Like Lessons In Chemistry – Conclusion
Books Like Lessons In Chemistry
Park Avenue Summer by Renee Rosen
Synopsis: In Park Avenue Summer by Renee Rosen, Alice, a young aspiring photographer in 1960s New York City, secures a job as the secretary to Helen Gurley Brown, the new editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine. Helen is determined to transform the conservative publication into a bold and empowering voice for women. As Alice navigates the fast-paced and glamorous world of publishing, she becomes witness to the challenges and triumphs of the feminist movement, friendship, and self-discovery.
Similarity: Both books explore themes of feminism, highlighting the strength and determination of women in pursuing their passions and breaking societal norms. The protagonists in both books are ambitious women striving to succeed in their chosen fields, facing obstacles and challenges with resilience and determination.
Difference: Park Avenue Summer is set in the world of publishing and focuses on the magazine industry in the 1960s, while Lessons In Chemistry centers around the field of scientific research in the 1960s and 1970s. While both books feature strong female protagonists, Park Avenue Summer has a more glamorous and lighthearted tone, capturing the essence of 1960s New York City, whereas Lessons In Chemistry delves into the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated scientific community, addressing serious themes of sexism and discrimination.
The Book Woman Of Troublesome Creek – Kim Michele Richardson
Synopsis: Set in 1930s Kentucky, the story follows Cussy Mary Carter, one of the last of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky and a Pack Horse Librarian, as she delivers books to remote Appalachian communities. Despite prejudice and hardships, she finds strength in her love for books and reading.
Similarity: Both books feature resilient female protagonists who defy societal expectations, emphasizing their determination and passion for their work.
Difference: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek focuses on the power of literacy and the love of books in the face of discrimination, while Lessons In Chemistry centers on scientific discovery.
The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
Synopsis: In The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo decides to share her life story with an unknown journalist. As she recounts her glamorous and tumultuous life, the novel delves into her complex relationships, personal sacrifices, and the lengths she went to for success in a male-dominated industry.
Similarity: Both books portray determined women striving for success in competitive fields, depicting their resilience, ambition, and ability to navigate complex relationships.
Difference: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo focuses on the entertainment industry and explores themes of fame, love, and identity, while Lessons In Chemistry centers on scientific pursuits and feminism within the context of academia.
The Girls In the Picture – Melanie Benjamin
Synopsis: Set in early 20th-century Los Angeles, the novel intertwines the lives of two remarkable women: Frances Marion, a talented screenwriter, and Mary Pickford, America’s Sweetheart and the legendary silent film star. Their friendship and collaboration pave the way for iconic films in a male-dominated industry.
Similarity: Both novels explore the lives of trailblazing women in their respective fields, highlighting their achievements and challenges.
Difference: The Girls in the Picture focuses on the early days of Hollywood and the friendship between screenwriter Frances Marion and actress Mary Pickford, offering insights into the entertainment industry’s challenges, in contrast to the scientific focus of Lessons In Chemistry.
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
Synopsis: The Other Einstein reimagines the life of Mileva Marić, a brilliant physicist and mathematician who was Albert Einstein’s first wife. Set against the backdrop of late 19th and early 20th-century Europe, the novel delves into Mileva’s struggles as a woman in the male-dominated world of science. Her intelligence and passion for physics draw her to Albert Einstein, with whom she forms a deep connection. However, as Albert’s fame rises, Mileva finds herself facing societal expectations, gender biases, and personal challenges that threaten her own aspirations.
Similarity: Both novels shed light on the overlooked contributions of women in the scientific field, exploring their resilience and determination.
Difference: The Other Einstein specifically focuses on the life of Mileva Marić, the first wife of Albert Einstein, providing historical context to women’s struggles in science.
The Dollmaker – Harriette Arnow
Synopsis: Set during World War II, the novel follows Gertie Nevels, a rural Kentucky woman who moves to Detroit. As she faces challenges in the city, including her husband’s PTSD, she strives to maintain her identity and heritage.
Similarity: Both books explore the resilience of women in challenging environments, depicting their determination and strength.
Difference: The Dollmaker focuses on themes of identity, heritage, and cultural adaptation, whereas Lessons In Chemistry emphasizes scientific pursuits.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette – Maria Semple
Synopsis: The novel revolves around Bernadette Fox, an eccentric and reclusive architect, and her daughter Bee. When Bernadette suddenly disappears, Bee embarks on a quest to find her, piecing together clues from emails, letters, and documents. Through Bee’s narrative, the story explores Bernadette’s unique perspective on life, her struggles with creative block, and the complexities of family relationships.
Similarity: The protagonists in both books face challenges in their professional lives. Bernadette grapples with creative block and societal expectations, while Elizabeth in Lessons In Chemistry confronts gender discrimination in the scientific community.
Difference: While both books explore themes of ambition and creativity, Where’d You Go, Bernadette delves into the complexities of family relationships, particularly the bond between Bernadette and her daughter Bee. In contrast, Lessons In Chemistry primarily focuses on the protagonist’s journey in the scientific field. Also, Where’d You Go, Bernadette incorporates humor and satire, often poking fun at societal norms and human behavior. Lessons In Chemistry is more introspective, delving into the protagonist’s internal struggles and the challenges she faces in her professional life.
A Woman Of Intelligence – Karin Tanabe
Synopsis: Set in the post-World War II era, this novel follows Katharina “Kitty” Palfy, a young widow who finds herself in the world of espionage. Recruited by the CIA to spy on her former lover, Kitty navigates the complexities of betrayal, love, and patriotism in the shadow of the Cold War.
Similarity: Both books are set in the mid-20th century and feature ambitious female protagonists who challenge societal expectations and navigate complex professional and personal relationships, showcasing their determination and resilience.
Difference: A Woman of Intelligence incorporates themes of espionage, political intrigue, and betrayal, providing a different focus compared to the scientific pursuits explored in Lessons In Chemistry.
The Ten Thousand Doors Of January – Alix E. Harrow
Synopsis: The novel follows January Scaller, a young woman in the early 20th century, who discovers a mysterious book that tells of secret doors to other worlds. As January embarks on a journey of self-discovery and exploration, she unravels family secrets and confronts powerful forces that seek to control these doors and the worlds beyond them.
Similarity: Both books feature determined and curious female protagonists who embark on journeys of self-discovery and navigate challenges to uncover hidden truths.
Difference: The Ten Thousand Doors of January is a fantasy novel that explores themes of magic, adventure, and the power of imagination, while Lessons In Chemistry focuses on the scientific pursuits and challenges faced by women in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Bookish Life Of Nina Hill – Abbi Waxman
Synopsis: Nina Hill is a young woman who works in a bookstore, leads a quiet life, and loves reading. When her world is disrupted by the discovery of a large and complicated family she never knew she had, she is forced to come out of her shell, confront her anxieties, and embrace unexpected relationships.
Similarity: Both books feature intelligent and determined female protagonists who navigate personal challenges and self-discovery while excelling in their respective fields.
Difference: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill explores themes of family, identity, and self-acceptance in a lighthearted and humorous manner, while Lessons In Chemistry focuses on the challenges faced by women in the scientific community.
The Female Persuasion – Meg Wolitzer
Synopsis: Greer Kadetsky, a college student, meets feminist icon Faith Frank, sparking a chain of events that leads Greer to pursue her own ambitions within the feminist movement. The novel explores friendship, ambition, and the complexities of female mentorship in the modern world.
Similarity: Both books explore feminist themes and the empowerment of women, focusing on their ambitions and determination to make a difference in their respective fields.
Difference: The Female Persuasion delves into contemporary feminism, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of women in various spheres, whereas Lessons In Chemistry is centered around the scientific community.
The Alice Network – Kate Quinn
Synopsis: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn tells the story of two women, Eve Gardiner, a former spy in World War I, and Charlie St. Clair, a young American searching for her cousin after World War II. Their paths cross as they embark on a mission to uncover secrets from the past, leading to discoveries about love, courage, and resilience.
Similarity: Both books feature strong female protagonists who defy societal norms, showcasing their courage and determination.
Difference: The Alice Network is a historical fiction novel set during World War I, emphasizing espionage and the power of female networks, whereas Lessons In Chemistry centers on scientific discoveries.
A Tree Grows In Brooklyn – Betty Smith
Synopsis: Set in early 20th-century Brooklyn, the novel follows Francie Nolan, a young girl from a poor immigrant family, as she navigates the challenges of poverty, family, and her desire for education.
Similarity: Both books depict the resilience of young women striving for a better life, emphasizing their determination and love for learning.
Difference: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn explores the coming-of-age experiences of a young girl in a challenging environment, while Lessons In Chemistry focuses on the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
Books Like Lessons In Chemistry – Conclusion
I hope this list of exceptional books like Lessons In Chemistry gives you some options to add to your TBR list. Or perhaps one of these would make a great book club selection if you’re a member of a book club.
Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, contemporary romance, or magical realism, this list has something for every reader who appreciates strong female protagonists, stories of resilience, and stories that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit.
