Book Discussion: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library is hosting a book discussion of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus on Tuesday, October 20. It's a group conversation around the novel, so the whole thing is built on talking through the book with other readers rather than listening to a presentation.

If you haven't read it yet, Lessons in Chemistry is set in the 1960s and follows Elizabeth Zott, a chemist who finds herself in an unlikely role as the host of a cooking show. She uses the platform to teach women the science of cooking—and, in the process, challenges the expectations placed on them. It's the kind of book that gives you plenty to chew on, which is exactly what these discussions are for: taking the themes you noticed on your own and hearing how other people read them.

Coming to the library for this is a low-pressure way to spend a Tuesday afternoon. You don't need to be a literary critic or have a polished set of notes to join in; the point is just to talk about the story and the characters with people who've read the same thing. If you've already finished the book and are looking for a reason to revisit it, this is a good one.

The discussion takes place at the Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd, Tampa, FL 33626, and it's free to attend.