Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, BY BONNIE GARMUS

We are told from an early age, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but if we are being honest, most of us do this almost every day—with people, animals, food, almost everything. Well, recently, I literally judged an actual book by its cover and almost missed out on a great one!

Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus, with its peach and blue cover and cartoon drawing of a woman with bright red lips, wearing a penciled bun and glasses, initially struck me as a light, silly rom-com. Not that I don’t love a fun romantic comedy every now and then, especially while lounging on a beach in the Caribbean with a frozen daiquiri in hand. But I wasn’t on vacation and I was looking for something more substantial that would keep my mind occupied while I walked and did yard work. So, I passed on it. Soon after, I started seeing reviews in my online book clubs that raved about the book and warned “don’t judge this book by its cover!” So, I downloaded it to Audible and hit play, and I’m so glad I did.

This book is fantastic. It is about Elizabeth Zott, a woman in the 1960’s who is smart, quirky, independent, untraditional, and far ahead of her time. After suffering a personal tragedy and facing severe adversity in her workplace (A female scientist? How dare she!), she accepts a spot as a host of a cooking show—a perfect job for a woman, right? Not so fast! Ms. Zott will not be pigeon-holed. What happens next is a story that is simultaneously funny, ironic, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

Bonnie Garmus pens a heartfelt story in a way that makes you laugh out loud, nod with empathy, raise an eyebrow in surprise, grow red with anger, and cry with compassion. It has all the feels and leaves you wanting more. Pay attention though, because the book is full of subtleties you might miss.

Bottom line is that we are never too old to re-learn an old lesson— do NOT judge this book by its cover. It is a substantial book full of life lessons, good humor, and an overall fabulous read. It’s great on Audible, too!

Kirsten Kowalski is a lawyer, photographer, and author living and working in Vero Beach. She attended Samford University and Cumberland School of Law where she wrote for the Cumberland Law Review. Kirsten has been an avid reader her whole life and dreamed of becoming a photojournalist for National Geographic. When she married and decided to have children, those dreams changed, but Kirsten has never given up her love for books or her dream to write a novel. In December 2019, Kirsten realized her dream and published her first novel, Becoming Home, an Historical Fiction novel based on her family home on the New England coast. She is currently working on her second novel which is based in Vero Beach. Kirsten has been married to her husband, Jack Kowalski for 30 years and they have two children, Alexandra and Johanna. Kirsten and Jack spend their time working together at their firm, Kowalski Law Group, or boating, traveling, and throwing frisbees on the beach with their two dogs, Kai and Kona.