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  • Headstrong

  • 52 Women Who Changed Science-and the World
  • By: Rachel Swaby
  • Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
  • Length: 7 hrs and 1 min
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (10 ratings)

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Headstrong

By: Rachel Swaby
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
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Summary

Fifty-two inspiring and insightful profiles of history’s brightest female scientists.

“Rachel Swaby’s no-nonsense and needed Headstrong dynamically profiles historically overlooked female visionaries in science, technology, engineering, and math.”—Elle

In 2013, the New York Times published an obituary for Yvonne Brill. It began: “She made a mean beef stroganoff, followed her husband from job to job, and took eight years off from work to raise three children.” It wasn’t until the second paragraph that readers discovered why the Times had devoted several hundred words to her life: Brill was a brilliant rocket scientist who invented a propulsion system to keep communications satellites in orbit, and had recently been awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Among the questions the obituary—and consequent outcry—prompted were: Who are the role models for today’s female scientists, and where can we find the stories that cast them in their true light?

Headstrong delivers a powerful, global, and engaging response. Covering Nobel Prize winners and major innovators, as well as lesser-known but hugely significant scientists who influence our every day, Rachel Swaby’s vibrant profiles span centuries of courageous thinkers and illustrate how each one’s ideas developed, from their first moment of scientific engagement through the research and discovery for which they’re best known. This fascinating tour reveals 52 women at their best—while encouraging and inspiring a new generation of girls to put on their lab coats.

©2015 Rachel Swaby (P)2015 Random House Audio
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Critic reviews

“Swaby tells the scientists’ stories with energy and clarity. Refreshingly, spouses and children are mentioned only when relevant—and the book is recipe-free.”—New York Times Book Review

“A corrective—a spur to change… Swaby’s subjects are all worthy women who deserve more publicity.”—Wall Street Journal

“[A] collection of brisk, bright biographies.”—The Washington Post

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Inspirational

What did you like most about Headstrong?

This book is an inspiration. Any woman in science should read it. It gives that balanced perspective that difficulties are normal even for these brilliant women, but if you love what you do, you'll do it no matter the circumstances.

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Perfect Summary

Easy to understand and listen to. Perfect short summaries of amazing woman in our history.

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