Lessons in Chemistry is one of the best books I've read in a while. It made me laugh out loud. Elizabeth Zott has a direct and no nonsense practicality about her that is so lovable. Her dog, six thirty, makes a delightful sidekick. That she teaches him almost 1,000 words (and the author gives him a point of view) is beyond wonderful.
Elizabeth's struggles for equality in a male-dominated world were poignant and emotional. She demonstrated great restraint and composure when it wasn't deserved. I felt grateful to women of her generation for the opportunities I enjoy today in the technology workplace.
Find your next great read for National Reading Month by exploring my reviews of these books you’ll devour if you liked Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. What all of the books in this list share is a bit of romance and a lot of humor. Several of them focus on women and girls in STEM, but not all of them. However, the female protagonists in these books will keep you up giggling half the night.
I hope you find something that catches your interest. Happy reading!
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
“Everyone likes tall, broody, sullen hunks with genius IQs.” ― Ali Hazelwood, quote from The Love Hypothesis
Ten stars! I laughed out loud, so many times, reading this STEM romance book. (In fact, I’ve read it twice.) The voice of the main character, Olive Smith, was so much fun. The scenarios that she finds herself in during her fake-dating relationship are hilarious.
I loved Adam, too, and how he was bemused by the situation and played along with all the shenanigans.
In the end, there is real depth here. Olive faces serious professional issues in the academic workplace, including sexual harassment. Adam is articulate and direct about what it means to be a good professional mentor and why he strives to do so.
If you loved Lessons in Chemistry and are interested in another novel with smart, witty women protagonists, you will love this one. I promise! Ali Hazelwood inspires women in the technology field. Her other novels are great, too, but start with The Love Hypothesis.
The Future Unborn by Khristina Chess
“There is no place for the word twerking anywhere on your college application. Ever.” ― Khristina Chess, quote from The Future Unborn
Kansas Jones has it all: class president, varsity swim team, straight-A student, a future at MIT.
Then one misstep results in an unplanned pregnancy that threatens to take all her dreams away.
Kansas thought twelve weeks was plenty of time to make a decision, but with finals, college applications, and the R2-RoboCon competition piling up, the clock is ticking faster than she ever imagined. And when a family tragedy shifts her perspective, she finds herself facing a choice that no blueprint can solve.
Funny, sharp, and deeply compelling, The Future Unborn is a YA novel that blends high-stakes ambition with raw, emotional depth. Kansas’s story is gut-wrenching yet hopeful, balancing the weight of teen pregnancy, family, and impossible decisions with the lighthearted banter of a brilliant robotics team.
You won’t want to miss this thought-provoking and unforgettable YA book similar to Lessons in Chemistry.
Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson
“A teacher (a good teacher) is composed of molecules of education and intelligence, bonded together by patience and passion.” ― Laurie Halse Anderson, quote from Catalyst
Kate Malone is another hopeful MIT applicant. A smart math and science nerd, she is regimented about organizing all aspects of her life. In fact, she is so confident that MIT will accept her that she has not applied to any other colleges.
Things don’t go as planned. Worse, things change at home that force Kate to adapt in ways she never expected.
While Catalyst wasn’t my favorite Laurie Halse Anderson novel, it does fit this list for books like Lessons in Chemistry because Kate is a young woman in STEM, dealing with all the issues that entails. Check it out!
Laurie Halse Anderson is another author on my list of Best YA Authors to Binge on Kindle Unlimited.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
“It’s an unimaginative accusation and one that I am frankly tired of hearing. Witchcraft. As though there is no other explanation for a woman who excels at her work.”― Ariel Lawhon, quote from The Frozen River
What a wonderful book! Historical fiction isn't my usual genre, but the cover and the accolades for "The Frozen River" made me give it a try.
On a high level, this mystery is about a midwife named Martha Ballard. The body of an accused rapist is found frozen in the river, and after examination, Martha says that the victim was murdered. She becomes a key witness in a trial for the woman who was raped because she treated the woman's wounds after the assault. The other accused man is a judge.
This novel has many layers. Beyond the mystery, there is the social commentary on women, family, sexual assault, and society during early days of America in New England. Paul Revere is mentioned as a friend of the family. The author depicts a rich setting of cold winter, warm homes and hearts, young love and pre-marital relationships, and the early court system. I couldn't put it down.
I will definitely read other novels by Ariel Lawhon! If you loved the strong, historical women in Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Gamus, you will definitely devour The Frozen River.
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
“I just can’t believe that life would give us to each other,” he said, “and then take it back.”
“I can,” she said. “Life’s a bastard.” ― Rainbow Rowell, quote from Eleanor and Park
It's been a long time since I've encountered a novel that I literally couldn't put down. Eleanor & Park was one of those books. I loved every minute. I sat on the porch, on the couch, on the floor by the window... and devoured this book. It was a wonderful reading experience about first love. Sweet and heartbreaking and everything I wanted. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, romantic young love story.
The story unfolds from alternating points of view, both Eleanor and Park, as they fall in love over the course of one year. The dialog is witty, snappy, and fun.
As a super-dreamy book about about young love, it will give you all the feels. If you devoured Lessons in Chemistry, you won’t want to miss this.
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
“His bed’s really comfortable. And he never pees in it.” ― Huntley Fitzpatrick, quote from My Life Next Door
This adorable YA love story is compelling and has an unexpected ending. Everything about the messy Garrett house draws Samantha into it, but especially the good-looking son, Jase. He’s one of several children in the house. His little brother, George, has some of the best lines. I laughed out loud. The sneaking around teen love stuff was pretty wonderful. Samantha’s best friend is a jerk, and her sister is too. No wonder she’s so drawn to the loving family next door.
Samantha is keeping this relationship with Jase a secret from her mom and everyone else in her life, but eventually that blows up in her face. In the process, she learns some lessons about who she is and who she wants to be.
If you liked Lessons in Chemistry, this dreamy YA book will leave you smiling for days. It evokes all those light feelings of happiness, joy, and romantic love. You just can’t help sighing about that first kiss. You can’t wait for Samantha and Jase to take their relationship to the next level, and your heart breaks when things get rocky. This is such a sweet story. So cute!
Other Books like Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
If you are looking for other books like Lessons in Chemistry, check out the Readers Who Enjoyed Lessons in Chemistry list on Goodreads. You might also be interested in my post, Other Good Reads, which lists other reviews of Binge-Worthy YA Books So Addicting You Can’t Stop Reading.
Khristina Chess is an award-winning author of a dozen young adult novels, including The Cutting Edge of Friendship, The Delinquent Hero, and Junior Missing. Hollow Beauty, her book about eating disorders, was named a finalist in the Next Generation India Book Awards. She tackles tough teen topics and writes binge-worthy books across multiple genres, including contemporary, thriller, mystery, and adventure.