I immediately identified with Elizabeth Zott, the main character, who like me, grew up in a time when women were told they had limited career options- especially in science.
Like the real women in my book, Elizabeth, with resilience and tenacity, shows how women can succeed despite the hurdles placed before them. It’s hard not to fall in love with this wonderfully quirky character and cheer her on.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • Meet Elizabeth Zott: a “formidable, unapologetic and inspiring” (PARADE) scientist in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show in this novel that is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel. It reminds you that change takes time and always requires heat” (The New York Times Book Review).
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Newsweek, GoodReads
"A unique heroine ... you'll find yourself wishing she wasn’t fictional." —Seattle Times…
Before this investigational report was published I had never heard the story about the 16 “exceptional” women scientists at MIT who in 1999 banded together to challenge the discrimination each had experienced at this prestigious institution.
As a women physician, I appreciated how the author documented their stuggle, a fight that became a model for radical change for women in many other academic institutions.
'Outstanding' Bonnie Garmus, bestselling author of Lessons in Chemistry
The remarkable untold story of how a group of sixteen determined women used the power of the collective and the tools of science to inspire ongoing radical change. This is a triumphant account of progress, whilst reminding us that further action is needed.
These women scientists entered the work force in the 1960s during a push for affirmative action. Embarking on their careers they thought that discrimination against women was a thing of the past and that science was a pure meritocracy. Women were marginalized and minimized, especially as they grew…
I first met Cecilia Aragon, PhD when I interviewed her for my book.
That’s when I discovered that this brilliant computer scientist grew up with all kinds of insecurities including fear of elevators but overcame them by combining math and logic to become an aerobatic pilot who was able to perform at air shows in front of huge crowds.
She was the first Latina pilot on the US Unlimited Aerobatic Team and represented the US at the World Aerobatic Championships which is the Olympics of Aviation. I love the fact that she didn’t give up when she was told, “girls don’t do science” or “women just don’t know how to handle machines.” Which makes her a wonderful role model for young girls who want to follow their passions (hopefully in science).
*Winner of the 2021 Nancy Pearl Award from the Pacific Northwest Writers Association *A Hip Latina Summer Books Pick *Winner of the International Latino Book Award Gold Medal for Most Inspirational Nonfiction in English
“A message of inspiration for those seeking to break free from societal norms.” --Kirkus Reviews
The daughter of a Chilean father and a Filipina mother, Cecilia Rodriguez Aragon grew up as a shy, timid child in a small midwestern town during the 1960s. Targeted by school bullies and dismissed by many of her teachers, she worried that people would find out the truth: that she was…
Winner of the Gold Medal for the Presidents Award from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, Lessons Learned: Stories from Women Leaders in STEM profiles 29 amazing women scientists who defy the odds to become leaders in STEM.
From biologists to engineers to computer scientists to pure mathematicians to astrophysicists, these women share their powerful journeys and offer invaluable advice to the next generation of female STEM leaders. Get inspired and learn from these trailblazers today!
Bonnie Garmus, author of the novel Lessons in Chemistry, and Carolyn Bertozzi, this year’s winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, are among the many readers who praised this book.
