‘Lessons in Chemistry’ – Life, Careers and Change!
Michelle Bentley, General Manager, Hender Careers, 27 Feb 2023
A MUST read book - Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) – it is a story to which I think we can all relate. It is not a chemistry text (Phew!), it is a story of life, ambition, gender bias, love, family, misfortune, friendships, professional jealously and finding your talents and passions and the courage to follow them.
It speaks to the heart and the head and the relationship with chemistry is a vehicle which resonates with our sense of capability, challenge, potential, fears, opportunity and ‘being taken seriously’ as women and human beings.
It is a joy, funny, sad, thought provoking, frustrating, clever and a worthy read! It may seem like a book pitched more for women, and it certainly has women front and centre, but, as it’s set in the 50’s and 60’s, men are core to the story line. And there are lessons for all.
A few sentences that capture its essence
“whenever you start doubting yourself…whenever you feel afraid, just remember Courage is the root of change – and change is what we’re chemically designed to do. So, when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others’ opinions of what you can or cannot achieve. And no more allowing anyone to pigeonhole you into useless categories of sex, race, economic status and religion. Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you get home today, ask yourself what you will change. And then get started”.
I loved it!
