Lessons in Chemistry

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Which of Elizabeth’s struggles resonated with you most and why?
• Several characters display sexist behavior and attitudes throughout the novel. Which of these characters do you find most offensive and why?
• What was the emotional impact of Avery Parker’s revelation about her relationship to Calvin? Did that change how you understood the novel’s events in hindsight?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• The novel uses humor and irony to balance its treatment of serious themes. Which humorous or ironic moment stood out as particularly effective and why?
• How is family defined in the novel? Does the novel’s message around the meaning of family resonate with you? 
• Have you ever experienced a scenario like those that Elizabeth or Calvin face throughout the novel? If so, how did you respond?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• Could Elizabeth’s story happen today? How have things changed for women in the workplace since the 1950s?
• Compare and contrast the novel to other media that feature the 1950s, such as the TV series Mad Men.