Book Review:
"Uncovering the Untold Heroes of History: The Inspiring Story of Hidden Figures!"
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly is a compelling and eye-opening account of the untold stories of African American women who played crucial roles in NASA's space program. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Shetterly brings to light the contributions of these remarkable women, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in history, science, or social justice.
What Is the Book About?
The book Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly tells the little-known story of the African American women who played a crucial role in NASA's space program during the 1960s. These women, known as "human computers," used their mathematical skills to calculate complex equations and trajectories that were essential for launching astronauts into space. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, these brilliant women made significant contributions to America's space race against the Soviet Union.
Through their determination and perseverance, these hidden figures broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of female mathematicians, engineers, and scientists. The core message of this book is not only about celebrating these unsung heroes but also shedding light on the importance of diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields. It serves as an inspiring reminder that anyone can achieve greatness regardless of their race or gender if given equal opportunities.
What Makes This Book Different?
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly stands out in the category of non-fiction books about African American history for several reasons. First and foremost, it sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of American history – the contributions of African American women to the space race and NASA's success. While many books have been written about the space race and NASA, very few have focused specifically on these women and their crucial role in achieving America's goals in space.
Secondly, Hidden Figures is unique because it tells the story through personal narratives rather than just presenting facts and figures. The author interviewed many of the surviving "hidden figures," as well as their families and colleagues, to provide a more intimate look at their experiences. This approach allows readers to connect with these remarkable women on a deeper level and understand not only their achievements but also the challenges they faced as black women working in a predominantly white male field.
Lastly, Hidden Figures stands out due to its powerful message about perseverance, determination, and resilience. Despite facing discrimination based on both race and gender, these women refused to let those barriers hold them back from pursuing their dreams. Their unwavering dedication to their work ultimately led them to make significant contributions that helped shape America's space program. By highlighting this inspiring story of triumph over adversity, Hidden Figures serves as an important reminder that anyone can achieve greatness regardless of societal limitations or obstacles they may face.
Writing Style & Pacing
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly is a well-researched and informative book that tells the inspiring true story of the African American women who played pivotal roles in NASA's space program during the 1960s. The tone of the book is both celebratory and critical, as it highlights the extraordinary achievements of these women while also shedding light on the discrimination and challenges they faced in a deeply segregated society.
The structure of Hidden Figures follows a chronological timeline, starting with World War II and leading up to the Space Race between Russia and America. Each chapter focuses on different individuals or events, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these women contributed to NASA's success. Shetterly includes extensive research and interviews with surviving members of this hidden group, making for an engaging read that blends historical facts with personal anecdotes. While there are moments where technical details about mathematics or engineering may slow down some readers, overall Hidden Figures is a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engrossed until its triumphant conclusion.
About the Author
Margot Lee Shetterly is an American non-fiction writer, researcher and entrepreneur who gained recognition for her book Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race. Born in Hampton, Virginia, Shetterly grew up surrounded by NASA Langley Research Center where both of her parents worked as scientists. This upbringing sparked her interest in science and technology which she later pursued at the University of Virginia. After graduation, Shetterly worked on Wall Street before returning to her hometown to start a magazine focused on African-American issues.
Shetterly's personal connection to NASA Langley Research Center serves as a strong foundation for writing about its history and the women who played crucial roles in it. Her father was one of the first African-American engineers hired at NASA while growing up with friends whose mothers also worked there gave her insight into their contributions that were often overlooked or unknown. With this unique perspective, Shetterly conducted extensive research using oral histories, government documents and interviews with former employees to bring attention to these hidden figures and their significant impact on space exploration.
In addition to being personally connected to this topic, Shetterly has proven herself as a credible writer through her previous work experience in journalism and entrepreneurship. She co-founded The Human Computer Project which aims to document stories from black female mathematicians during World War II era until present day. Her background as a journalist allowed her access to sources such as archives from universities like MIT that helped uncover more hidden figures' stories. Furthermore, starting a successful magazine shows she has excellent research skills necessary for writing historical non-fiction books like Hidden Figures.
Moreover, Hidden Figures received critical acclaim upon its release in 2016 including becoming a New York Times bestseller and being adapted into an award-winning film starring Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe. This success further solidifies Shetterly's credibility as an author, proving her ability to write a captivating and well-researched book that resonated with readers. In addition, the book has sparked important conversations about race, gender and representation in science and technology industries, further showcasing Shetterly's expertise on these topics.
In conclusion, Margot Lee Shetterly is a highly credible author to write Hidden Figures due to her personal connection to the topic, extensive research skills and successful track record as a writer. Her unique perspective and thorough research have shed light on the untold stories of black female mathematicians who played significant roles in shaping America's space program. Through this book, she has not only brought attention to their contributions but also opened up discussions about diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
Historical or Topical Context
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly takes place during the 1960s in the United States, a time of great social and political change. This was a period of intense racial segregation and discrimination, known as the Jim Crow era, when African Americans were denied equal rights and opportunities. The book is set primarily in Hampton, Virginia at NASA's Langley Research Center, which was a hub for research and development during the Space Race between the US and Soviet Union.
At this time, women were also facing significant challenges in terms of gender equality. Despite making up nearly half of the workforce in America, women were often relegated to lower-paying jobs with limited career prospects. However, against these societal barriers emerged a group of brilliant female mathematicians who broke through both racial and gender barriers to become integral members of NASA's space program. Hidden Figures tells their inspiring story within this complex historical context filled with both triumphs and struggles for civil rights and human progress.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
1. The Introduction: In the very beginning of the book, Shetterly sets the stage for the incredible story that is about to unfold by highlighting the fact that black women played a crucial role in America's space program during a time of segregation and discrimination. This immediately grabs readers' attention and sets up the powerful message of Hidden Figures.
2. Chapter 7: "The Double V": This chapter focuses on World War II and how it provided opportunities for African American women to break into technical fields previously reserved for white men. It highlights how these women were able to prove their intelligence and capabilities despite facing racism at every turn.
3. Chapter 15: "A Door Opens": This chapter delves into Dorothy Vaughan's journey as she becomes NASA's first black supervisor after years of being denied promotions due to her race. Her determination, resilience, and leadership skills are truly inspiring, making this one of the standout chapters in the book.
4. The Story of Mary Jackson: Throughout various chapters in the book, Shetterly shares Mary Jackson's story - from her early interest in science and engineering to becoming NASA's first black female engineer - with such detail and emotion that it leaves a lasting impact on readers.
5. Epilogue: In this final section, Shetterly brings everything full circle by discussing how these remarkable women paved the way for future generations of African Americans in STEM fields. She also emphasizes how important it is to recognize their contributions and give them proper credit for their groundbreaking work.
Lessons or Takeaways
After reading Hidden Figures, readers can learn about the incredible contributions of African American women in the field of mathematics and science. The book sheds light on the untold stories of these brilliant women who played a crucial role in NASA's success during the space race. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these women due to racial and gender discrimination, and how they overcame them through determination and perseverance.
Moreover, after reading this book, readers may feel inspired and empowered by the resilience and intelligence of these hidden figures. They may reflect on their own biases towards certain groups or individuals based on race or gender, as well as recognize the importance of diversity in fields such as STEM. This book serves as a reminder that anyone can achieve greatness regardless of their background or societal barriers they may face. It also highlights the need for more recognition and representation for marginalized groups in history books to inspire future generations to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
The general sentiment from reader reviews of Hidden Figures is overwhelmingly positive. Many readers praise the book for its engaging storytelling and inspiring portrayal of the untold story of African American women's contributions to NASA's space program. Some reviewers also commend the author, Margot Lee Shetterly, for her thorough research and attention to detail in bringing this important piece of history to light.
In addition to receiving widespread critical acclaim, Hidden Figures has also been recognized with several awards and honors. These include being named a New York Times bestseller and winning the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Nonfiction in 2017. The book was also adapted into a successful film in 2016, further solidifying its impact on popular culture. Overall, Hidden Figures has earned both critical and commercial success, cementing its status as an important historical work that sheds light on often overlooked figures in American history.
Who Is This Book For?
1. History enthusiasts: This book would most appeal to readers who have a keen interest in learning about lesser-known historical events and figures, particularly those related to the space race and NASA's early days.
2. Science fiction fans: With its focus on the pioneering women of color who played crucial roles in America's space program, this book would also be enjoyed by readers who appreciate science fiction and futuristic themes.
3. Feminists or advocates for social justice: The story of how these female mathematicians overcame societal barriers and discrimination to make their mark in a male-dominated field will resonate with readers who are passionate about gender equality and social justice issues.
4. Educators or students studying STEM fields: As the book delves into the technical aspects of mathematics, engineering, and computing that were integral to NASA's success, it would be an engaging read for educators looking for diverse examples to incorporate into their lessons or students pursuing STEM-related studies.
5. Biography lovers: Shetterly skillfully weaves together personal stories and historical facts to bring these remarkable women to life on the pages of her book. Readers who enjoy biographies that shed light on important yet overlooked individuals will find Hidden Figures highly compelling.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
1. Inspiring story of perseverance and triumph: The book tells the true story of four black women who overcame racial and gender barriers to become integral members of NASA's space program during a time of segregation and discrimination. Their determination, intelligence, and hard work serve as an inspiration for readers.
2. Insight into lesser-known history: Many people are familiar with the Apollo missions and the first moon landing, but few know about the contributions of these remarkable women who played a crucial role in making those achievements possible. This book sheds light on an often overlooked part of history.
3. Well-researched and informative: Author Margot Lee Shetterly conducted extensive research for this book, including interviews with some of the women featured in it. As a result, Hidden Figures is a well-documented account that provides valuable insights into both NASA's early days and the broader social context in which these events took place.
4. Engaging storytelling: Despite being non-fiction, Hidden Figures reads like a compelling novel thanks to Shetterly's engaging writing style. She skillfully weaves together personal anecdotes from the women themselves with historical facts to create an immersive narrative that keeps readers hooked until the end.
5. Relevant themes: While telling a specific story about four remarkable individuals, Hidden Figures also touches on broader themes such as race relations, gender equality, education opportunities for minorities, and more - all of which are still relevant today.
Cons:
1. Focused on a Narrow Perspective
One of the main criticisms of Hidden Figures is that it presents a narrow perspective of the contributions made by African American women in NASA during the space race. While the book highlights the significant accomplishments and struggles of these women, it fails to acknowledge or give credit to other marginalized groups who also played important roles in this historical event.
2. Lack of In-Depth Analysis
Some readers have found that Shetterly's writing lacks depth and analysis, making it feel more like a collection of facts rather than an engaging narrative. This can make it difficult for readers to fully understand and appreciate the significance of these women's achievements.
3. Slow Pacing
The pacing in Hidden Figures has been criticized as slow, with some readers finding it difficult to stay engaged throughout the entire book. This may be due to Shetterly's detailed descriptions and focus on technical aspects, which can be overwhelming for those not well-versed in mathematics or engineering.
4. Technical Jargon
As mentioned before, Hidden Figures delves into technical details about NASA's projects and procedures, which may be challenging for some readers without prior knowledge or interest in these subjects. This can make understanding certain parts of the book tedious or confusing.
5. Limited Personal Narratives
While Hidden Figures does include personal stories from some of its main characters, such as Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan, there are many other figures whose perspectives are not explored in depth. Some critics argue that this limits our understanding of their experiences and impacts their representation within the larger narrative.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of women, African Americans, and science. This book sheds light on the untold stories of the brilliant and talented black female mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA's success during the Space Race era. It is an inspiring and empowering read that showcases the determination, resilience, and intelligence of these women despite facing discrimination and segregation.
Shetterly's writing style is engaging and captivating as she weaves together personal narratives with historical facts to create a compelling narrative. The reader gets an inside look at the struggles these women faced both professionally and personally while also learning about their significant contributions to NASA's missions. This book not only educates but also celebrates these hidden figures who have been overlooked in history for far too long.
In conclusion, Hidden Figures is a must-read for everyone. It offers valuable insights into important historical events from a different perspective while highlighting the achievements of remarkable individuals whose stories deserve to be told. This book will leave you feeling inspired by these incredible women who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations. So if you want to learn more about this fascinating piece of American history, pick up Hidden Figures today!
Where to Buy?
Buy "Hidden Figures" on Amazon
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