If you told High School me (who got a C in Chemistry because I refused to write lab reports) that adult me would one day read a book with an entire chapter that details the process of seed rooting, I’d have flat out laughed in your face. Science is not my thing. Plants are not my thing; except to look at, point, and say, “ahhhh look, pretty”. But, clever writing is my thing. And, when said chapter on seed rooting is really a long metaphor for the way in which women in science are systematically shut out, I’m on board.
In “Lab Girl”, world-renowned geobiologist, Hope Jahren intertwines stories from her childhood, college years, and life as a scientist with an in-depth description of plant life and growth that tell a, sometimes, even more poignant story.
The book is broken into three sections that reflect three unique times in Jahren’s life: “Roots and Leaves”, “Wood and Knots”, and “Flowers and Fruit”. Each section contains alternating chapters. One chapter, a personal narrative, the next a technical description of a plant system. Though it might not be obvious initially, the alternating chapters mirror each other cleverly. Just as a plant struggles to take root, grows, remains steadfast through winter, and eventually flowers; so does Jahren. And, so do each of us.
Jahren had me hooked in the first chapter. When using the story of her nightly chilly walk home from her father’s lab at a community college in rural Minnesota to describe her chilly relationship with her own mother. Her mother’s cold, distant, Scandinavian parenting is a theme revisited throughout the book.
Another particularly riveting chapter details her struggle with mental illness. Through her words, Jahren paints the most brilliantly real picture of her struggle through a manic episode. The insight offered in this chapter is something of unique value to anyone who has ever loved a manic-depressive person. I wish I’d had it to read years ago.
But, the most noteworthy chapter to me, as a mother, comes towards the end of the book. Here, she shares her initial struggle to connect with pregnancy and bond with her son; followed by her realization of her intense love for him. A love, of the magnitude which, she questions whether he will ever truly understand. Heart wrenching, honest, and utterly relatable for so many moms.
It can be hard to jump into such an intimidating and technical book; but, it is made easy when the author is someone you want to get behind. And trust me, you want to get behind Hope Jahren. You want your daughter to look up to Hope Jahren.
Do a quick google search of Hope Jahren and you will see she is not simply an author; she is a mother, an award-winning scientist, a professor, an advocate for raising public awareness of science, and most importantly, an outspoken proponent of women in the sciences and defender of women who’ve been subjected to sexual harassment.
I encourage you to read “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren, it is clever, moving, entertaining, and challenging; everything a good book should be. I also encourage you to follow Hope on twitter, she’s beyond witty and you won’t regret it!
Who are some of your favorite authors? What books have you read that would make your high school self roll her eyes?
1 thought on “Lab Girl by Hope Jahren {Book Review}”