Hidden Figures

The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race

By: Margot Lee Shetterly

Narrated by: Robin Miles

The phenomenal true story of the Black female mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped fuel some of America's greatest achievements in space. Now a major motion picture starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst, and Kevin Costner.

Before John Glenn orbited the Earth or Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of dedicated female mathematicians known as "human computers" used pencils, slide rules, and adding machines to calculate the numbers that would launch rockets and astronauts into space.

Among these problem solvers were a group of exceptionally talented African American women, some of the brightest minds of their generation. Originally relegated to teaching math in the South's segregated public schools, they were called into service during the labor shortages of World War II, when America's aeronautics industry was in dire need of anyone who had the right stuff. Suddenly these overlooked math whizzes had shots at jobs worthy of their skills, and they answered Uncle Sam's call, moving to Hampton, Virginia, and the fascinating, high-energy world of the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory.

Even as Virginia's Jim Crow laws required them to be segregated from their white counterparts, the women of Langley's all-Black West Computing group helped America achieve one of the things it desired most: a decisive victory over the Soviet Union in the Cold War and complete domination of the heavens.

Starting in World War II and moving through to the Cold War, the civil rights movement, and the space race, Hidden Figures follows the interwoven accounts of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, four African American women who participated in some of NASA's greatest successes. It chronicles their careers over nearly three decades as they faced challenges, forged alliances, and used their intellects to change their own lives - and their country's future.

©2016 Margot Lee Shetterly (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Robin Miles narrates the true story of four Black women whose work as mathematicians helped break the sound barrier, and set the stage for space exploration.... Miles warmly profiles these hard-working women and their significant contributions to a field still dominated by white men.... Miles's inflections, rhythm, and pace move the story forward in a fascinating timeline of events." ( AudioFile)

Terrible, author missed opportunity to be great

The writer should have told a story that made us embrace the women and want to champion their cause. instead the author chose to write a history book and retell what we already know. I'm on chapter 6 and all I know is they were effected by segration. Anyone over 35 knows about the secregation and if those under don't that is the fault of their education. Because of the format it is extremely boring and i found myself zoning out. I really want to hear this story. As a woman I should be standing tall and proud for these women and their struggle in a man's world instead I am wishing for a refund.

Moving

Great book really moving
The woman in this book are amazing.. this book opens the eyes to ones thoughts of the brains of woman of all colors!
Thanks very

Surprisingly dull

This book produced a very good movie and has importantly highlighted the unexpected role of African American women in the space race. Unfortunately it's just not a very good read, or listen. Here's the structure: Ms. A is a very bright African American woman with a nice family who stuggles against race and gender prejudice to get a good education and fine career doing hard math stuff for the US aerospace effort. But wait! - Ms. B is a very bright African American woman with a nice family who stuggles against race and gender prejudice to get a good education and fine career doing hard math stuff for the US aerospace effort. On the other hand, Ms. C is a very bright African American woman with a nice family who stuggles against race and gender prejudice to get a good education and fine career doing hard math stuff for the US aerospace effort. AT least that's about how the first half went, before I gave up.

amazing

given the material the book is presented well since there is SO much to cover with race and gender biases. having exposure to so much of it and having a mother who was a professional computer programmer I saw first hand the differences in industry when I entered the field a degreed male. my entry level was twice my mother's income and within three years professional title. yet a whole corporate accounting system depended on one woman. the truth of the technology field is addressed and I may not be on color having a Hispanic married name held my mother back also. a wonderful book that could have been twice as long not addressed all the issues of race and gender despite level of education.

Superb view of history.

Very sad to learn about this important part of American History as I approach my 62nd birthday. Why was this not a part of our space history?

Forces the question of what important inventions, discoveries, scientific knowledge, and medical advances, have been thwarted and never materialized because of the attitudes of White folks.

Our world would and could have been a better place TODAY if, African Americans had been treated with respect and their contributions fully acknowledged, appreciated, and accepted.

I enjoyed the book and went to see the movie this week. In light of John Glenn's recent passing, it is good to know that at least he honored the people who helped him get back to earth.

I am proud of my people, and disappointed at what many were forced to endure in an effort to simply contribute. America needs to acknowledge this miscarriage of history, and show the world what actually happened, and give credit where credit is due.....even if it hurts.

Surprising engaging story of invisible NASA staff

I grew up in Newport News, with a Langley NACA/NASA mother. Plus, I worked there during college summers. So I thought I knew the NASA Langley story, but I had only a superficial understanding of what my own mother must've faced. Now I begin to better appreciate Mom's determination during her 25+ working years and those of the many women around her. It's an intriguing history, with or without the reader having a personal connection.

interesting content, not well written

great subject, well researched, and interesting stories of these women. not a great flow to the book from first time author

Enlightening

Being from NJ and then Ca I wasn't aware so much of segregation. Also being math adverse I find the wealth of women especially black women math majors amazing. Being a white girl from humble beginnings I focused on climbing out of the hand to mouth existence I led. A wonderful account of admirable lives.

Incredible

What a treasure of history, perserverance, and achievement. We can all learn something from these women.

Fantastic

Great detail and wonderful vignettes make this a tale of US history that is not to be missed.