Lecture
Critic's Choice
Lessons in Chemistry
Artis—Naples Lifelong Learning
Elaine Newton, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto
The book to be discussed is
Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus
Jump back to the 1960s to spend some time with Elizabeth Zott — a quirky, whip-smart chemist who lives in Southern California and makes history when she joins an all-male research team. But while Elizabeth may be bold and confident in her femininity and intelligence, the world is not quite ready for her. Elizabeth unexpectedly winds up as a single mother — and the host of America’s most popular cooking show. She quickly becomes one of TV’s most beloved personalities, but her unusual approach to the culinary arts begins to stir the pot. Not only is she teaching women about how many teaspoons of ‘sodium chloride’ to add to a dish, but she is artfully encouraging them to step into their own power and challenge the status quo. Full of romance, laughs and poignant observation, Lessons in Chemistry is sure to charm its way into your heart. Read the book before it makes its way to television later this year!
Please note: The Thursday lecture will be held in Daniels Pavilion. The Saturday lecture will be held in Hayes Hall.
Elaine Newton
Elaine Newton
Elaine Newton, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of humanities at York University, Toronto, Canada. She has taught courses in literary theory and methodology, contemporary fiction, psychology and literature and archetypal criticism. Elaine was one of the founders of York University’s advising program and its much-emulated faculty of education. She is a recipient of the province of Ontario’s Teaching Award in recognition of excellence in university teaching and, in 1984, received a citation as Toronto’s Outstanding Professor. In 1996, she was the recipient of the university-wide Teaching Award. She has held appointments as professor of literature at Carlton University, Ottawa; University of Cape Town, South Africa; University of Sydney, Australia, Victoria University and the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has lectured throughout Canada and the U.S., London, Hong Kong, Zurich and Caracas. In 1992, she was a member of the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester-at-Sea. Elaine retains an abiding commitment to adult education and the role of the university in the wider community.
For over 40 years, Elaine has planned and conducted adult education courses throughout North America. This is the 34th anniversary season of Critic’s Choice literature series and the 28th year she has presented Four O’clock at the Movies. She also initiated and taught the pioneering Artis—Naples seminar discussion program, the Questors, for 12 years. Elaine has worked as a book critic for Toronto’s The Globe and Mail, been a special consultant to the Ontario Library Association, led movie and theater discussions and served as a consultant to the North York Board of Education. She continues to conduct an annual lecture series at the Toronto Public Library and makes frequent guest appearances on TV and radio. Elaine has an enthusiastic and loyal following each season as she offers insightful commentary about contemporary fiction and motion pictures.
