Books matching: hidden figures
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- #1
Save:An inspiring and important tribute to trailblazing women in STEM and civil rights - must-read for fans of space history and social justice, even if the prose isn’t always electrifying.
"Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly is a compelling true story that sheds light on the untold contributions of black women mathematicians who played a crucial role in the American space race. The book delves into the lives and struggles of these remarkable women, focusing on their journey in breaking stereotypes, overcoming discrimination, and making significant advancements in mathematics and engineering fields during the challenging times of WWII and the civil rights movement.
The narrative of "Hidden Figures" intricately weaves together the personal stories of Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, and Mary Jackson, highlighting their unwavering determination, resilience, and intelligence in the face of adversity. Through a blend of historical detail, character depth, and societal challenges, the book not only celebrates the achievements of these unsung heroes but also provides a poignant reflection on the impact of segregation, gender biases, and the evolving landscape of the aerospace industry.
September 2016•290 pages - #2
Save:A meticulously researched and inspiring history that spotlights the quiet brilliance of women who mapped the stars, offering sparkling insight - if you don’t mind a slow, detail-rich pace.
'The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars' by Dava Sobel is a detailed account of the women who worked at the Harvard Observatory in the late 1800s and early 1900s, cataloguing stars from glass plate photographs. These women, known as computers, made significant contributions to astronomy by studying and classifying stars, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics. The author portrays the dedication, brilliance, and meticulousness of these women, shedding light on their crucial role in establishing a system for understanding and classifying stars.
THEDRAPERMANSION, uptown on Madison Avenue at Fortieth Street, exuded the new glow of electric light on the festive night of November 15, 1882. The National Academy of Sciences was meeting that week i...December 2016•336 pages - #3
Save:Lab Girl is a beautifully written, unique blend of memoir and science that will make you see the natural world - and the people who study it - with new appreciation. It's imperfect, but its genuine wonder and honesty easily outweigh its flaws.
'Lab Girl' by Hope Jahren is a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the life of a female scientist, specifically a botanist, sharing her experiences in the world of science research. The author alternates between personal chapters and musings about plant life, creating a narrative that is both educational and humorous. Jahren's writing style is described as refreshing, honest, and inspiring, as she delves into topics such as the struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated field, the wonders of plant biology, and the challenges of scientific research.
THERE IS NOTHING in the world more perfect than a slide rule. Its burnished aluminum feels cool against your lips, and if you hold it level to the light you can see God’s most perfect right angle in e...April 2016•376 pages - #4
Save:A thought-provoking, award-winning blend of alternate history, science, and feminism that’s inspiring for many, but may feel slow or heavy-handed for others. If you liked Hidden Figures or enjoy stories about trailblazing women, this is a must-read.
An interesting alternative history novel of speculative fiction unfolds in 'The Calculating Stars' where humanity faces the aftermath of a meteorite striking the US's east coast in the 1950s, leading to a race to colonize space to survive. The story primarily follows Elma York, a physicist and mathematician, as she navigates through themes of racism, sexism, and climate change while striving to achieve space colonization on the Moon and Mars.
In this alternate timeline crafted by Mary Robinette Kowal, Elma, a former WASP pilot, and her husband Nathaniel find themselves at the forefront of a space program aimed at securing humanity's future. The narrative delves into the challenges of gender equality, racial discrimination, and mental health issues, interwoven with a gripping tale of human discovery and survival amidst a rapidly changing world.
March 3, 1952—(AP)—The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics successfully put its third satellite into orbit, this one with the capability of sending radio signals down to Earth and taking measu...July 2018•430 pages - #5
Save:A fascinating and overdue tribute to America’s WWII code breakers - especially for fans of hidden history and powerful women, though the detail-heavy writing may feel dense for some.
"Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II" by Liza Mundy delves into the hidden history of the women code breakers during WWII. It explores the recruitment, training, and secret work these women undertook to aid in the war effort. The narrative style of the book combines personal anecdotes, historical context, and technical details of the code breaking process, shedding light on the significant but often overlooked role women played in cryptography during the war.
October 2017•464 pages - #6
Save:A smart, sharp, and quietly funny look at the messiness of finding your own path. If you're into quirky literary fiction and don’t mind a slower, more introspective pace, give this one a shot!
In Weike Wang's novel "Chemistry," the unnamed female narrator struggles with finding the right chemistry in her life, whether it's in her relationships, career, or personal identity. The story follows her journey of self-discovery, dealing with pressure from her Chinese immigrant parents, her successful boyfriend, and her academic pursuits, ultimately leading her to reevaluate her priorities and desires. The writing style is described as spare, introspective, and humorous, with elements of science scattered throughout the narrative.
Diamond is no longer the hardest mineral known to man. New Scientist reports that lonsdaleite is. Lonsdaleite is 58 percent harder than diamond and forms only when meteorites smash themselves into Ear...May 2017•224 pages - #7
Save:The Yellow Wallpaper is a short, haunting, and thought-provoking read blending psychological horror and social commentary. Not for everyone, but unforgettable if you love layered, meaningful fiction.
'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a short story that delves into a woman's descent into madness as she stays confined in a room with yellow wallpaper, growing obsessed with it. The book explores themes of women's mental health issues in the late 19th century, particularly postpartum depression, and the mistreatment of women by society and the medical profession. The narrative is a powerful commentary on women's lack of power in a male-dominated world, showcasing the consequences of isolation and confinement on one's mental state.
The writing style in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is often described as gothic, haunting, and psychological. It effectively portrays the slow deterioration of the main character's mental state, capturing the reader's attention with vivid descriptions and a sense of impending madness. The story is lauded for its thought-provoking exploration of societal norms and the repression of women, offering a chilling and impactful read in just a few pages.
If a physician of high standing, and one's own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression—a slight hysterical tendency—wha... - #8
Save:Creepy, atmospheric, and haunting, but a bit rough around the edges - "Penpal" will thrill horror fans eager for slow-burn dread, but may leave detail-oriented readers with more questions than answers.
'Penpal' by Dathan Auerbach is a chilling and suspenseful novel that follows a man reflecting on the haunting events of his childhood. The story delves into themes of stalking, predatory behavior, and the twisted darkness of human nature. The narrative is a slow burn, filled with eerie and foreboding moments that keep readers on edge. The writing style is described as descriptive yet not overly done, allowing readers to vividly imagine the unsettling events unfolding within the pages of the book.
The plot of 'Penpal' unfolds through a non-linear narrative, with a structure that keeps readers engaged and guessing. The story gradually pieces together a tragedy from the protagonist's past, revealing disturbing events and hidden secrets that culminate in a shocking and unsettling conclusion. The book explores the blurred lines between reality and horror, offering a dark and twisted tale that lingers in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned.
When I was younger, I took a job at a deli that had what the owner called an “ice cream buffet.” On Thursdays, children would get a free ice cream cone with their meals, and they could pick any one of...July 2012•254 pages - #9
Save:A riveting memoir about surviving - and thriving - in a dysfunctional family. Both painful and uplifting, 'The Glass Castle' is a modern classic of resilience that’s hard to put down and even harder to forget.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a memoir that delves into Walls' tumultuous childhood growing up in poverty with two unstable and neglectful parents. Walls details astounding anecdotes of her unconventional upbringing, showcasing a family that lived an offbeat, nonconformist lifestyle. The book portrays the struggles of the author and her siblings as they navigate through a challenging and unusual childhood, fending for themselves and raising each other while their parents prioritize their own desires over responsibilities.
Walls' writing style is described as compelling, emotional, and honest, drawing readers into her story with vivid descriptions and a witty voice. The book offers a window into a world that many readers may never experience, shedding light on themes of resilience, forgiveness, and love in the face of adversity. The narrative unfolds through a series of shocking and heart-wrenching events, leaving readers both saddened and inspired by the author's journey from a difficult past to an uncertain future.
I WAS SITTING IN a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster. It was just after dark. A blustery March wind whipped the...2005•349 pages - #10
Save:A fun, passionate, and enlightening read that shines a light on a remarkable but forgotten woman, even if it sometimes feels as much about the author’s journey as its subject.
'The Lady from the Black Lagoon' by Mallory O'Meara delves into the untold story of Milicent Patrick, the pioneering woman behind the iconic Creature from the Black Lagoon. The book intertwines Patrick's biography with the author's personal journey of researching this forgotten Hollywood figure, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in the film industry during the mid-twentieth century. O'Meara's writing style blends playful anecdotes with important insights into the state of filmmaking in the past and present, making this biography both informative and engaging.
Getting one isn’t a total picnic either, unless you’re into being stabbed repeatedly with ink-covered needles. Hey, I’m not one to judge. But I’ve always found the aftermath to be the toughest part. O...March 2019•352 pages
