Books Like...

'The Woman Who Smashed Codes' by Jason Fagone tells the captivating story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman and her husband, William, who were pioneers in the field of codebreaking in the USA. The narrative follows their journey from founding modern codebreaking in the U.S. to their crucial role in capturing smugglers and Nazis during wartime. delves into their groundbreaking work in deciphering complex codes, including the Enigma machine used by the Germans, and sheds light on how their contributions helped establish agencies like the NSA.

'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.

"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.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy is a sprawling novel that weaves together the stories of disparate characters trying to navigate the atrocities of Kashmir's troubled history. The book delves into the lives of marginalized individuals, including hermaphrodites, transvestites, and Kashmir freedom fighters, against the backdrop of India's complex political landscape. Roy's writing style is described as vivid and poetic, capturing the essence of war, power, and human struggles in a realistic yet lyrical manner.

'What Belongs to You' by Garth Greenwell follows the story of an unnamed American expat living in Sofia, Bulgaria, who forms a complex relationship with a hustler named Mitko. The novel delves into themes of desire, unrequited love, shame, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of a claustrophobic and introspective narrative. Through flashbacks and reflections, the narrator grapples with his past, his identity as a gay man, and the impact of his relationships on his sense of self.

Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan is a thought-provoking exploration of humanity's place in the universe, blending history of astronomical discovery with a compelling case for space exploration. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the challenges of space travel to the future of human civilization beyond Earth. Sagan's writing style is described as eloquent, impassioned, and poetic, capturing the awe and wonder of the cosmos while also addressing important issues like climate change and the need for interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges.

One, No One and One Hundred Thousand is a novel that delves into the existential crisis of the protagonist, Vitangelo Moscarda, who starts questioning his identity after a seemingly insignificant comment about his nose from his wife. The book explores the themes of self-perception, societal expectations, and the construction of identity in a humorous and thought-provoking manner. Luigi Pirandello's writing style blends humor with deep philosophical insights, creating a narrative that keeps the reader engaged and reflective about the nature of existence.

'Underland: A Deep Time Journey' by Robert Macfarlane is a lyrical exploration of the depths of the Earth through deep time. The book delves into the hidden world beneath our feet, uncovering the relationship between humans and the underland. Macfarlane takes readers on a journey through caves, mines, and underground spaces, revealing the impact of civilization on the natural world, exploring themes of climate change, politics, and resistance to destructive cultural practices. His writing style is described as evocative, poetic, and informative, painting vivid pictures of the underground landscapes he encounters.

'Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind' by V.S. Ramachandran is a captivating exploration of the complexities of the human brain. Ramachandran's writing style is conversational and engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with his thoughts. The book delves into the mysteries of perception, hallucination, and self-deception, showcasing how the brain processes information and constructs our reality. Through a blend of humor and deeper philosophical views, Ramachandran navigates through a maze of information, pushing readers to ponder the questions he poses about the inner workings of the mind.

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor is a captivating exploration of the science and history behind breathing, shedding light on its impact on health and wellbeing. Nestor delves into various breathing techniques from different cultures and time periods, highlighting the connection between breathing and overall health. Through personal anecdotes and scientific research, the author emphasizes the importance of proper breathing techniques and their potential to improve various health conditions. Nestor's writing style is engaging, combining storytelling with factual information to create an informative and thought-provoking narrative.