Figuring

By: Maria Popova

Narrated by: Natascha McElhone

Figuring explores the complexities of love and the human search for truth and meaning through the interconnected lives of several historical figures across four centuries—beginning with the astronomer Johannes Kepler, who discovered the laws of planetary motion, and ending with the marine biologist and author Rachel Carson, who catalyzed the environmental movement.

Stretching between these figures is a cast of artists, writers, and scientists—mostly women, mostly queer—whose public contribution have risen out of their unclassifiable and often heartbreaking private relationships to change the way we understand, experience, and appreciate the universe. Among them are the astronomer Maria Mitchell, who paved the way for women in science; the sculptor Harriet Hosmer, who did the same in art; the journalist and literary critic Margaret Fuller, who sparked the feminist movement; and the poet Emily Dickinson.

Emanating from these lives are larger questions about the measure of a good life and what it means to leave a lasting mark of betterment on an imperfect world: Are achievement and acclaim enough for happiness? Is genius? Is love? Weaving through the narrative is a set of peripheral figures—Ralph Waldo Emerson, Charles Darwin, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Herman Melville, Frederick Douglass, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Walt Whitman—and a tapestry of themes spanning music, feminism, the history of science, the rise and decline of religion, and how the intersection of astronomy, poetry, and Transcendentalist philosophy fomented the environmental movement.

Insights into notable American women

The detail of the lives, conversations and accomplishments by and between notable women in American history. Thanks Maria!

Stunning

This is now one of my favorite books of all time. Having no idea what to expect, I followed the recommendation of the Patti Smith who praised Figuring on Instagram in such a reverent tone, I put it at the top of my reading list. I am so happy I followed my intuition.

Also, I would like somehow to have Natascha McElhone read every book to me from now on - her reading was perfectly wonderful.

Popova is like no one else

Poignant and with purpose, her blog and books are a true delight. Eye opening, heart searching, and mind blowing. Loved every minute.

A wonderful piece of art/science

The only drawback I can think of. Is the fact that I know have heard it and can’t listen to it as an unknown.

An Amazing work

This is a truly inspired and beautiful book. Popova does a masterful job of weaving together the complex themes of science, art, genius and creativity amide the back drop of women’s and gender equality life and love.