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Published in 2022, Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus won several awards and was adapted into a AppleTV+ show a year later.

After reading this fast paced novel based on the difficulties of being a female chemist in the 50s (and other various societal difficulties), it is apparent that this novel is deserving of all its awards. And, like any good novel, we, as the reader, are left changed and pondering our own life choices.

Even though Zott is not your “average” woman, her story taught us several important life lessons. So, here is a look at life lessons from Lessons In Chemistry.

1. Never Judge A Book By It’s Cover

While you can Lessons In Chemistry by its cover (just look at that perfectly designed cover!), Zott constantly deals with instant judgement from those she encounters.

As a female scientist in the 50s, her coworkers automatically view her work as invalid, especially once she starts dating Calvin. And the judgement doesn’t stop their. Even female staff members view her in an ill lens.

However, thanks to the author’s mixed perspective narration, we notice that the views of Zott shift once the characters know more.

2. Look At The World In Wonder

Elizabeth notes that children are like sponges, continuously absorbing their environment. So, it is no surprise that Mad’s narrative invites us to view the world in a new lens.

When Mad’s is told to draw her family tree, she includes various family friends and other personal connections. While these people might not be included in the usual form of a family tree, Mad’s perspective is not entirely false. In fact, it draws attention to what even qualifies as “family” .

As any child, Mad continues to ask questions about everything. We can learn from her innate wonder and begin asking more questions, whether about the world or the human species.

3. For What You Love, You Will Find A Way

Despite being fired from Hastings lab, Zott is still a chemist at heart. Even while pregnant, she converts her kitchen into a lab, vowing to continue her studies at home.

While her equipment was not nearly as valuable as that found in a research lab, she still did everything in her power to make it work.

Even when she started Supper at Six, she converted a simple cooking show into the very thing she loved, chemistry. Her passion ultimately shown through, inspiring viewers to continue watching.

4. Don’t Let Others Tell You How To Live Your Life

If Elizabeth followed the status quo, we would have had a dull story to tell. The story develops only because Zott continues to fight for her beliefs.

If Zott wasn’t true to herself, Supper at Six would have never received its media presence, Hastings would have never had their abiogenesis findings, Mad wouldn’t be the strong little girl she is, Harriet would still be in her failing marriage, and the list continues…

Notice how not all events were related to Zott personally. Her determination was so strong that it was contagious. She set a standard that others followed, allowing them to find their true selves.

5. Trust The Process

Without revealing too much of the conclusion, it is safe to say that characters received their well-deserved ending. So, while there were many obstacles along the way, their persevering paid off.

It can be easy to get lost in the sea of negatives rises. However, know that happy endings exist outside of novels, too.

Did these lessons resonate with you? Do you have another lesson from Lessons in Chemistry? Let us know in the comments!