Last week-end, I started reading Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly. It’s a non-fiction book about the African American women who, as the cover states, “helped win the space race”. I’m only a couple of chapters in, but I’m already fascinated by what I’ve learnt so far.
To be fair, I know very little about space exploration, engineering or physics, so it probably seems extra insightful to me, but it is thought-provoking in other ways too.
At the start, Shetterly writes about what it was like for her to grow up in Hampton, Virginia, with a father who was a NASA research scientist. There were a lot of African American women who worked there as “computers” — essentially mathematical geniuses — and to her, it was always normal to see African American women in this role. It was only later that it occurred to her how significant and under-acknowledged they were.
It really goes to show how one’s view of the world and the future can be shaped by the environment in which one grows up. It made me think of all the uproar many years ago about how girls’ toys were very limiting in their scope — always about fashion and beauty and cute things — but boys’ toys were more about action and adventure. It is easier to aspire to something greater if you are shown what is possible.
Early on, Shetterly introduces Dorothy Vaughan, one of the mathematical geniuses. Dorothy was originally a high school teacher, but applied for other jobs over the summer break to help provide for her family. One summer, in the midst of WWII, she applied for two jobs: one to launder uniforms for the military (a job that would, surprisingly, pay better than what she was getting as a teacher (African American teachers were paid much lower than their white counterparts)), and the other to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
The book is written really well, in a conversational way, and I’m quite keen to keep reading, so this is all for this week’s post. I will almost certainly write more about this book as I read it.
pistachio conspiracy #63 
I know of the movie, but not the book. It sounds like an interesting read about something we all should know more about. Enjoy your book time.
I didn’t know there was a book either. Such a startling film. Had no idea before it.
I have been told the movie is really well done. I’ll have to watch it after I finish the book!
It is good. Period films sometimes miss their mark but this one feels right.
It’s probably still too early for me to go around recommending it to everyone, but it is interesting, and it’s one of those parts of history that doesn’t get taught in schools, so I think that makes it worth a read
We read this for book club; I had never seen the movie. I enjoyed the book, and it was very much like someone just telling you the story in a conversational way. I did miss having dialogue in the book, since it wasn’t fictionalized at all, with very few direct quotes. I should watch the movie, too, and get that type of look at the story, where we “hear” the characters talk to each other. Amazing women!
I was thinking of suggesting this for book club! I suppose it’s a good one for group discussions.
Yes, it is!
Woah, spooky coincidence. I just started reading this book too! I’m only a few chapters in, but finding it really interesting so far.
That is quite a coincidence! It certainly is a fascinating book!
I really enjoyed the book. I need to see the movie. I’m all about Taraji P. Henson. I’ve been a fan of hers since Boston Legal.
I’ve been told the whole cast are excellent, so I will definitely watch the movie too!
This is a great book I guarantee you will enjoy the rest as well
Stay well and Laugh when you can
You’re quite right – I’ve been reading more, and it has really captivated me