Let me introduce you to Elizabeth Zott. 

She is an opinionated and intelligent woman: a research chemist; a mother to Mad; a dog owner; a passionate advocate for women's equality; she’s a rower; a television cooking show presenter …. and she’s depressed. When you dive into this engaging book and get to know her, you’ll find out that this is not without good reason. She’s been banging her head against the dictates of an academic world of misogynistic men for years, to no avail. She’s been denied her doctorate, had her research appropriated by male colleagues, and lost her job. But don’t despair! Elizabeth has not given up on her dreams or her principles, and her tale is deeply engaging, a little bit quirky, and often funny.

It is the early 1960s and Elizabeth is forced to present “Supper at Six” (the aforementioned cooking show) in order to provide for herself and her daughter. She harnesses the show as both a vehicle for her chemistry and a vehicle to empower stay-at-home women. 

The wider cast of characters is diverse and colourful. There is humour (laugh-out-loud in places), there is poignancy, there is a love story, and a range of other relationships which under-score the value of friendship. It’s the recipe for a great read.

I loved Elizabeth and didn’t want her story to end. It left me thinking about all the women from many previous generations who, through their determination and resourcefulness, have been trailblazers. It made me think about how far we have come - and how far we have yet to go.

Add this book to your summer reading pile! You won’t regret it.

Sally