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A review by shealwaysreads
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
3.0
"Hidden Figures" is a compelling and enlightening account of the untold story of the African American women mathematicians who played pivotal roles at NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Margot Lee Shetterly shines a light on the lives of women like Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who overcame racial and gender barriers to contribute significantly to the success of America’s space missions.
The narrative is well-researched, blending historical context with personal stories that are both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Shetterly does an excellent job of situating the women’s experiences within the broader socio-political landscape of the time, illustrating how their work was not just about numbers but also about fighting for equality and recognition. The writing is engaging, and the stories of these women are powerful reminders of perseverance and intellect in the face of adversity.
However, one aspect of the book that I found a bit overwhelming was the heavy use of math and science terminology. While I appreciate the importance of accuracy in depicting the technical challenges these women faced, I felt that the extensive jargon sometimes detracted from the emotional resonance of their stories. For readers who may not have a strong background in mathematics or engineering, this could pose a barrier to fully appreciating the narrative. The technical details, while undoubtedly significant, occasionally overshadowed the personal triumphs and struggles of the women involved.
Despite this, "Hidden Figures" is an essential read that highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in STEM and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity in all fields. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and an encouragement to future generations to pursue their passions, regardless of societal limitations. Overall, while the book could benefit from a more accessible approach to its technical content, the stories of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary are undoubtedly worth exploring.
The narrative is well-researched, blending historical context with personal stories that are both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Shetterly does an excellent job of situating the women’s experiences within the broader socio-political landscape of the time, illustrating how their work was not just about numbers but also about fighting for equality and recognition. The writing is engaging, and the stories of these women are powerful reminders of perseverance and intellect in the face of adversity.
However, one aspect of the book that I found a bit overwhelming was the heavy use of math and science terminology. While I appreciate the importance of accuracy in depicting the technical challenges these women faced, I felt that the extensive jargon sometimes detracted from the emotional resonance of their stories. For readers who may not have a strong background in mathematics or engineering, this could pose a barrier to fully appreciating the narrative. The technical details, while undoubtedly significant, occasionally overshadowed the personal triumphs and struggles of the women involved.
Despite this, "Hidden Figures" is an essential read that highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in STEM and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity in all fields. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and an encouragement to future generations to pursue their passions, regardless of societal limitations. Overall, while the book could benefit from a more accessible approach to its technical content, the stories of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary are undoubtedly worth exploring.