Elizabeth Zott is a chemist living in California during the early 1960s. As a woman working in a male dominated field, she endures gender discrimination and various forms of harassment but doesn’t let it stop her from pursuing her dream. At work, Elizabeth and renowned chemist Calvin Evans bump heads until they realize they were meant for each other. They adopt a stray dog named Six Thirty and live a happy, unconventional life until tragedy strikes. Elizabeth becomes a single mother and eventually falls head-first into the role of a cooking show host. Cooking is chemistry, after all. Zott stuns the nation as she encourages women to fight for freedom, equal opportunity, and control over their lives all while preparing a nutritious dinner.

Thoughts:
This book is a great blend of both hilarious and touching in all the right places. It’s a comedy, a love story, and a mystery all wrapped into one. There is an entertaining cast of characters and we jump back in forth in time to see how they are all connected. Obviously, the dog Six Thirty is the star of the show and I loved when we were reading from his perspective. The 1960s was a fascinating decade full of important shifts in American culture and I loved how Elizabeth was a beacon of hope for countless women just by being her authentic self. I laughed, I cried, I was burning with rage for Elizabeth. This is a beautiful story about love and loss, found family, chasing your dreams, and women empowering women.

CW: rape, death