Clubbing in March -- Part 2

 

The Questers discussed Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus in March. Set in the 1960s, this novel reminds readers of a time when women were not expected to excel at work, and if they did, they were supposed to allow their male counterparts to take the credit for their hard work. The main character, Elizabeth Zott, is a highly intelligent chemist who falls in love with Nobel Prize nominee Calvin Evans. Their quirky relationship works because they respect each other, even if no one else does. When tragedy strikes though, Elizabeth finds herself hosting a cooking show where she uses her genius to create recipes, as well as havoc among her female audience. 

The Questers enjoyed this book and found it had a nice balance between humor and more significant, though-provoking themes. The group gave the novel 3.8 stars.

The Young Soul Readers discussed The Final Six by Alexandra Monir in March. This is a futuristic novel focusing on brilliant teenagers being sent on a mission to establish a new colony on Jupiter's moon. Leo, a championship swimmer form Italy, and Naomi, an Iranian-American science genius, team up to save the human race from an already damaged Earth. As they train for a mission that literally holds the survival of the human race in the balance, the two grow together with a deep bond. Aware of a failed mission from the previous attempt, the two face the pressures of success, as well as figuring out who they can trust. This novel has readers on the edge of their seats. The Young Soul Readers gave this book 3.3 stars.

The Readers discussed The River by Peter Heller in March. Set on the Maskwa River in Canada, this adventure novel follows two friends, Wynn and Jack. They embark on what should be a relaxing wilderness experience where they look forward to unplugging from the world for a while. However, when a wildfire threatens their path, it turns into a fight for survival. 

The Readers found the book to be exciting and gave it a strong 3.45 rating.