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I loved the science aspect of this book, the discussion of trees, soils, moss, etc. I really liked the memoir chapters of this book as well, but I found a couple of the chapters a little off-putting particularly how the author and her colleague treated some of the lab assistants. I think I understand on a certain level. To be a scientist one almost has to be driven in a manic way to a good one, and to make a difference.
Mar 29, 2017
Rachel N.
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
hawaii,
nonfiction,
science,
autobiography,
memoir,
read-in-2017,
march-madness-challenege-2017,
plants,
trees,
georgia
This book is part a memoir of Hope's life and part stories of plants, especially trees and their development. I majored in plants and soils so I really enjoyed the biology parts of the book. The author skips around a lot when describing her own life. She barely touches on her childhood and graduate school. She does tell some amusing stories about her lab. It would have been nice if she spent more time covering her own life in the book.
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At first, I really felt the title of this book was aptly named, but as it continued on, then I felt more like it needed to represent the trees she is so fond of studying and a lab seems too confining and not as likely to reach the target audience she wants to compel to action. I didn't like the end of the book in which the author specifically encourages deceit and lying to get more trees planted - I feel like someone who cares enough to do something active for the environment has higher standard
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It was really interesting to read this book from the perspective of a female contemporary who chose not to continue down the science path past graduate school. The path not taken.
I enjoyed going back and forth between stories from her life and information specific to plants (that seems to parallel her life).
Read for Week 10. An author's debut book. ...more
I enjoyed going back and forth between stories from her life and information specific to plants (that seems to parallel her life).
Read for Week 10. An author's debut book. ...more
Lab Girl is about a female scientist working in a man's world and trying to navigate, life, family, mental illness, and her love of science. I was riveted to the chapters about plant life and tree growth and it was interesting to read about Hope's journey as a scientist.
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Brilliant! The nerdy bipolar paleobiologist, her amazingly loyal lab assistant, and her eventual family interspersed with more than you even thought you needed to know about plants and how discoveries are made. It's funny at times, a little sad at times, but always interesting. I regard my trees with new respect.
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It was so well written. I learned so much about trees. Willows being my favorite!! The pain, frustrations and joys she share was needed and appreciated.
Plant a tree, watch it grow and "try to see the world from its perspective."
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Jul 04, 2016
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Oct 16, 2019
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Dec 29, 2019
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May 02, 2020
Lillawa
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