1. The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao by Martha Batalha
The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmāo is similar to the book Lessons in Chemistry in its idea of feminism and the importance of family. It is set in the mid-20th century, where two sisters, Euridice and Guida, lead very different lives. Guida's life is harder than her sister’s. She is a single mother who works hard but is happy she has not sacrificed her identity. On the other hand, to fit into the role of a housewife, Euridice lives a zombified life, hiding her life's aspirations deep inside.
In addition to reading the book, you can watch the movie The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmāo and thus analyze the stories of women once again. So, enjoy reading and watching.
2. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Romantic Comedy is a great book for those who enjoyed Lessons in Chemistry. Romantic Comedy tells the story of Sally Milz, the creator of the late-night sketch comedy show “The Night Owls,” similar to “Saturday Night Live.” Thanks to Sally’s comedic mind, she has an aha moment. When one of her male colleagues starts dating a beautiful woman, Milz starts making fun of average-looking guys who date beautiful girls.
Romantic Comedy book has only three chapters and combines a description of the work environment with a modern love story. The most convincing passages in the book talk about how to get rid of the subconscious need for male approval both at work and in life.
3. The Women by Kristin Hann
The Women is a novel that depicts the courage and bravery of women in the face of danger. Like Lessons in Chemistry, this book describes the fate of a young woman, a student named Frankie, who fights for herself and helps others in her own way. The author of the novel describes the events of the Vietnam War and focuses on the experience of women at that time, namely military nurses.
Women worked under fire, on military bases, and in field hospitals to heal and unite soldiers. Hann does not offer any revolutionary view of war. Instead, the author shares the experience of war from the perspective of women. Reading this book, you will not only realize once again the terrible events and consequences of the war, but you will also be able to experience them on an emotional level with Frankie.
4. The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange
Like Lessons in Chemistry, The Connellys of County Down is about family and finding love in the most unusual places. The main character, Tara Connelly, starts a new life after being released from prison, where she served 18 months for drug trafficking. Since she has nowhere to go, she returns to her family, her siblings, Eddie and Geraldine. Tara tries to get back on her feet and start her life and career while facing family issues.
The author has created a novel about testing the boundaries of love and loyalty. In addition to reading this novel, you can also immerse yourself in this story by checking out Lange's bestselling debut, We Are the Brennans.
5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Little Women book describes the story of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March. Because of the war, their father has gone to, they live with their mother. It is their mother who teaches the girls to love themselves and strive to become better.
Little Women, just like Lessons in Chemistry, tries to convey the idea that every little girl already has her own character traits, unique appearance, interests, and worldview. If you are interested in the novel’s theme, we recommend that you watch the 2019 American drama film Little Women of the same name after reading it.
6. When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
The book’s title, When Women Were Dragons, may make someone think it is pure fantasy, but strangely enough, it has a common idea with Lessons in Chemistry. For those who love fantasy, the book will appeal. It tells the story of the lives of thousands of American women who once turned into dragons in 1950.
Through the life of the protagonist, Alex, you will see aspects of women's lives in the mid-20th century, where their power was minimal, and most expected women to be simple housewives. Women dragons were perceived as creatures that needed to be either destroyed or tamed because of the chaos and change they wreaked. Yet dragons are the personification of great wisdom and power, and to be a dragon means to be one with your heart and feelings. So don't waste your time. Immerse yourself in a real historical story with fantasy elements while reading When Women Were Dragons.
7. The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
The book The Soulmate Equation is a chemistry love story of the main character, a single mother, Jess Davis. Sure, you can connect the dots and find the relation between Jess and the heroine of Lessons in Chemistry, can't you? The story’s main event is that Jess Davis signs up for a revolutionary campaign that promises to find a DNA partner.
With 98% compatibility, she is matched with one of the company's first founders, Dr. River Pena. Yet there's one catch: they can't stand each other. So, if you are interested in exploring the topic of compatibility between men and women and their characters, this book is for you.
8. Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
Her Hidden Genius is a mixture of a physicochemical atmosphere and the topic of women in scientific careers. The main character, Rosalind Franklin, a real scientist described in the book, is happy in the scientific environment. Yet, her family members do not approve of her career. In addition, her scientific research is stolen by her male colleagues.
However, no obstacles stand in her way. She creates her research group working on viral RNA at Birkbeck College. Marie Benedict adds in the notes that the depiction of Franklin is based on Anne Sayre's 1975 book, Rosalind Franklin and DNA. So, if you want, you can study more about this prominent scientist by reading the two books.
9. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Hidden Figures is a book that describes the life stories of women innovators from 1940-1960s America. These African-American women made a significant contribution to scientific development in the field of space. In the Hidden Figures book, you will get to know Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden and live their stories with them. Moreover, there is a wonderful movie adaptation of the same name. You should watch it after reading the book. So, don't waste your time and immerse yourself in a fascinating story.
10. By Her Own Design by Piper Hughley
By Her Own Design is a book about the success of a black woman in the mid-20th century. Despite all the discrimination, just like in Lessons in Chemistry, the novel’s main character, Ann Lowe, realized her aspirations. She created one of the most famous American wedding dresses of all time for Jackie Kennedy.
By Her Own Design is a novel about determination and faith based on a true story. The book describes how black women were treated and how people took advantage of their precarious position and limited rights. However, those who wanted to make changes became stronger and achieved their goals, bypassing obstacles.
Books are not only a source of knowledge, they are a guide to the past. Comedy and romance books, science fiction books, dramas, and memoirs – all give readers an understanding of life in a particular era under any circumstances. The 20th century, as you can see, was not easy for women, but those who believed in themselves and fought realized their aspirations. Now, we live in a different time, but if you are a woman and face similar discrimination, know that everything is in your hands, and many more people will support you. Hope you use this book list to get motivated and act.
