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. 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.

Drive to June by Khristina Chess

“You do realize that a car is a mobile make-out location, right?” Ian said. ― Khristina Chess, quote from Drive to June.

Although pitched as a story about alcohol abuse, this YA novel is also a funny, romantic story about a dating and intimacy. The present story line is a relationship that develops between the protagonist, 18-year-old Adrianna, and a pizza delivery boy who offers to help her get her driver’s license after finding her crying on the roof of her house.

Once Ian comes into her life, everything begins to change.

Wow, what a ride! Drive to June took off from the start and accelerated all the way to the finish. I had to find out Adrianna’s secret. What makes this book so special is the sweet relationship that develops between Adrianna and Ian as he teaches her how to drive. Although it starts as a story about alcohol abuse, this is a dreamy and hopeful YA novel with heart.

Fans of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Gamus will devour this one.

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!

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

“I want to say yes, but I don't want to be with a boy whose heart belongs to somebody else. Just once, I want to be somebody else's first choice.” ― Jenny Han, quote from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Lara Jean is a super sweet adorable character, and even though the story seems like a common love triangle, there are enough twists to keep the pages turning. Plus, Lara Jean herself is such a star. She’s naive and on her own for the first time, and she’s making all kinds of mistakes. She’s basically a train wreck. I love her immensely. Two plot points surprised me, and I thought I had those wrapped up early on.

I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did, but I finished it in two sittings. Now I see why everyone’s been reading it! :-)

Something about Lara Jean reminds me of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. You’ll love it.