Skip to main content

Hidden Figures

 "Once you took the first step, anything was possible." (Katherine Johnson) That is the last line of the book, Hidden Figures, and it's so true. 

I'm working through the Goodreads list of Books That Everyone Should Read At least Once. There's like 31,000 books on that list, so it's going to be a while. Luckily, I already read a good chunk of them. 

So, I came across Hidden Figures and was surprised to find out the film was based on this book. Now, this book is non-fiction, so it's not written in the storyline like the movie. This suits me just fine, it just took a few minutes to change the narrative in my head, lol. 

In case you don't know, Hidden Figures follows three brilliant mathematicians: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. These women have to overcome not only sexism but also racism (they are all black) in the 1950s and 60s as they grow in their NASA careers. Throughout their personal and professional lives, they maintain their resilience and determination.

It is very clear that the author, Margot Lee Shetterly, loves and admires these women a lot. She does a great job of helping the reader share in that love and admiration. I am so glad she brought these stories into the light. These three women's contributions are still used by pilots and NASA today. 

Having watched the movie, I was a little worried. As I do with all books that were turned into movies, I went in thinking of it as a separate story. But that wasn't necessarily needed. The story wasn't changed much when it was turned into a film, the book just adds a lot more context which makes you feel how big their accomplishments really were.

The themes of this book of overcoming adversity and breaking barriers resonate deeply with me right now, making it a powerful and uplifting read. Hidden Figures is a must-read for anyone interested in history, science, and/or the ongoing fight for equality.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Ego System The Awakening by Rene Zografos

I'll never look at a steak the same way again. René Zografos' The Ego System: The Awakening , is a compelling and urgent call to action that discusses the devastating impact of the meat industry on the planet. The author provides many facts, case studies, and other references to prove their point.  As someone who is already practicing no-meat days to live sustainably, I thought this would be a light read. I was wrong. Zografos provides eye-opening insights into the hidden suffering of animals and the political inaction that allows these practices to continue. It definitely has me considering a fully vegan lifestyle.  Trigger warning: René Zografos provides explicit descriptions of their research into animal cruelty cases. The Positives The book is filled with compelling anecdotes and case studies that illustrate the real-world consequences of our dietary choices. The argument is clear and persuasive. There is an emotional appeal that really triggers the desire ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mate Hunt Series by Lola Glass

While most paranormal series often fall into the same predictable formula, each Mate Hunt story somehow stands out on their own. I have a few theories on how Lola Glass was able to pull this off. Dive into a world where the supernatural isn't just a backdrop, but an integral and enthralling part of the story, setting the series apart from the rest. Lola Glass's Mate Hunt series is a captivating and imaginative dive into the realm of fantasy, romance, and self-discovery. With each book featuring a unique plot and a diverse cast of female protagonists, this series stands out not only for its enthralling storytelling but also for its celebration of different backgrounds. Glass weaves together romance, humor, and adventure in a way that keeps readers hooked while also fostering a sense of representation and inclusivity. Unique Story We are introduced to the concept of the Mate Hunt. In this series, when a Werewolf looks at his fated mate, he turns and is stuck in wolf form until hi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Muse: The Magnetism of Women Who Stop Abandoning Themselves by Dr Amanda Hanson

Dr. Amanda Hanson's Muse: The Magnetism of Women Who Stop Abandoning Themselves  is supposed to be a transformative and inspiring book that encourages women to reclaim their true selves and embrace their inherent power.  Unfortunately, that does not line up with the book I just read. The book does dive into the historical and societal structures that have kept women confined to roles defined by patriarchal norms. Dr. Hanson challenges these norms and offers practical rituals and practices to help women reconnect with their inner Muse and build authentic and fulfilling lives.  Where I would have really dissected how to overcome the limitations the patriarchy has placed on women and how to combat it for future women, Dr. Hanson goes on tangents about not putting poisons in our body and how Western medicine was created by men, therefore it's harmful to women. I understand her sentiment that "our bodies know best". However, from personal experience, that is not always the...
Post a Comment
Read more