nonfiction
What a fascinating story. Who knew that the NACA (predecessor of NASA) was so ahead of its time and forward-thinking as to accept African American women as mathematicians (with the job title of Computers) during WWII in order to boost the American warplane efforts to make safe, faster, and more efficient planes? How wonderful that Margot Lee Shetterly discovered the stories of these amazing women, researched the details behind their lives and careers, and published Hidden Figures. Not only were the Computers critical to the success of the industry and its technological advancement but they helped blaze a trail for future African Americans and women in technology. NACA gave these women much better salaries than they were able to make elsewhere and they even eventually gave them a sort of maternity leave--holding their jobs for their return to the workforce. I'm just shocked and thrilled to learn of the opportunities that were given in the 1940s and 1950s in Hampton, VA, despite the segregation and multiple civil rights crimes of the times. These women were valued and included as part of the team. That's not to say it was a cakewalk. But, the women highlighted in this novel were extraordinary, intelligent, and unafraid to advocate for themselves. What role models and heroes! I'm so glad to have learned about their successes and efforts.
I really enjoyed the narrator of the audio book, Robin Miles. Her voice is smooth and clear and kept me interested, even during the textbook-y parts (which usually wear me down during nonfiction books). I give her an A for striking the right tone.
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