Before Lessons in Chemistry was a hit TV series, it was a poignant novel full of unforgettable characters, trials and themes that kept our book club conversation flowing.
I highly recommend this book for your own club or simply as a read that will have you wanting to ring your friends and talk about it!
If you're looking for questions for your own book club, please feel free to use any of mine.
Book Club Questions - Week One
Elizabeth Zott had no formal education, and yet she was able to self-educate, thanks to her library card. With the advent of technology, the library almost seem outdate. Do you think libraries are important? If so, why?
Following the war, men were returning to the workplace, pushing women back into traditional roles. How do you think these men were feeling and what impact did that have on the way they treated Elizabeth?
Di you see Calvin's demise coming or was it a shock?
Book Club Questions - Week Two
Elizabeth refuses to accept limits place on her by society and insists that others also ignore those limits. How does each of those characters ultimately rise to that challenge? And in what ways have you or others been limited by societal norms?
Why do you suspect the author decided to include the viewpoint of their dog, Six-Thirty?
When Elizabeth finds out she's pregnant, she's less than thrilled. She never planned to become a mother and with Calvin's death, she's now all alone to raise their child. In what ways did motherhood surprise Elizabeth?
Book Club Questions - Week Three
The story features a great supporting cast from the neighbour Harriet to Elizabeth's producer Walter. Who was your favourite supporting character and why?
Why did Elizabeth agree to host the cooking show? Why did the show resonate with women across the country?
Okay, this isn't really a serious question but how good was the scene when Elizabeth pulls a knife on the disgusting station chief Lebensmal?
Book Club Questions - Week Four
Elizabeth's mental health and episodes of depression are a theme. Symbolically her show airs in the 'Afternoon Depression Zone', but she seems to be able to always rally. Why do you think when she's most successful, she's most depressed?
Family and friendship are interconnected themes. Can friends provide a better sense of family than family itself?
What do you think is in store for Mad?
What was your favourite scene?
If you'd like to join our book club, we're currently voting on our next read. Click here to join our Facebook Book Club Group so you can contribute to our discussions or email me at kim@kimpinkwriter.com and find out more.