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rick_k's review against another edition
2.0
Two interesting, complicated and important conversations inexpertly jumbled together. I hope Prescod-Weinstein follows up this effort with a focused conversation about race, representation, and identity in science. The disjointed movement between modern physics survey and her thoughts on representation left both topics under-served with only surface level anecdotes and little continuity.
heckmanity's review against another edition
Essential reading for anyone going into the sciences...or I guess stepping out of them, as I am. So many ideas that as a cis white dude I hadn't ever encountered before, in my physics curriculum or elsewhere
joanna_banana's review against another edition
5.0
This book is amazing—it challenged the way I think about physics, science, scientists, and the systems and social norms that have shaped them both. It is in part Dr Prescod-Weinstein’s autobiography and in part social and scientific commentary. Part I, Just Physics, was a good refresher for me and took physics to the next level taking care to identify the origin and problem with a lot of the terminology we use like dark matter and heteronormative space time concepts that are far from how the universe actually works—we have projected white supremacy, anti-Black racism, and the gender binary onto the Cosmos. Part II was not at all surprising and yet so very enraging. The biggest takeaway for me here was how capitalism has influenced my thinking and how I commoditize Black bodies; seeing the impact of white supremacy and misuse of science as a waste of their genius and potential instead of a humanitarian crisis to address to achieve justice and liberation. Gave me a lot to think about. And then Part III hit very close to home especially Chapter 10 discussing the “Wages for Scientific Housework.” As a woman administrator in a scientific organization I could relate. We just closed our inaugural DEI summit at Fred Hutch with a discussion of who carries the burden of DEI work. Chapter 11 on rape was also an important discussion that I found incredibly powerful for any real conversation on these topics. In Part IV it all comes together. “Let’s remember what we are for and not just against.” She quotes. Dr. Prescod-Weinstein asks us to reimagine physics. This part made me wonder when we talk about inclusion it’s not enough. What are we being included in? She takes such care with language throughout and its important we have feminist physics instead of womxn in physics. Made me think about the Women in Business group I’m in. Do we even want to be a part of it as it currently is designed? No. A better world is possible.
amr316's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really interesting perspective on Black feminism and astrophysics that truly made me think. At times, it felt like more of a collection of essays than a tied-together book (the second half was much stronger than the first), with physics chapters that felt like a textbook. However, the author’s unique viewpoint and deep passion for cosmology both help overcome some of the structural speed bumps.
I’ll be thinking about this one for a while. Four stars.
I’ll be thinking about this one for a while. Four stars.
lilasbooks's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
ratvsrobot's review against another edition
4.0
This book was challenging in the beginning, even for someone who is fairly well acquainted with physics talk, it took me a few read thrus of the first few chapters to fully understand what Chanda was trying to convey, but once I understood it, it was beautiful.
I enjoyed the personal stories and experiences that are woven through out this book. It’s filled with scientific, humanistic, and reflective material. It gave me a space to reflect upon my own future intentions in physics.
I enjoyed the personal stories and experiences that are woven through out this book. It’s filled with scientific, humanistic, and reflective material. It gave me a space to reflect upon my own future intentions in physics.
mizpurplest's review against another edition
4.0
Really not what I was expecting but I loved it. Even the parts of it that made me realize just how little I understand and speak "science". Amazing perspective on the humanity of the sciences and how social issues impact not just the environment of discovery but the actual science.
readby_rach's review against another edition
5.0
I wish I could say I had a better understanding of physics after listening to this book, but my knowledge level is still zero (and that’s on me, not Dr. Prescod-Weinstein). I do, however, have a deeper appreciation for how societal and political choices affect science and those that practice it (as well as those that can benefit from it, which is all of us).
A great read (or listen) for anyone who is interested in solidarity politics, Black feminist thinking, the science/speculative fiction genre, or just learning from very smart people.
“We know almost nothing about dark matter, but we know a lot about Black people. Even white people know a lot about Black people. And more importantly, Black people are made of the same stuff as white people, resulting in the same levels of humanity. At worst you are saying that we are invisible and exotic, rather than very visible and very human. The comprehension may be poetic, but it reproduces the problem that the analogy exists to highlight. If you feel the urge to compare Black people to dark matter, resist.” (4:17:20)
“We cannot afford a politics, or a science, that lacks solidarity.”
A great read (or listen) for anyone who is interested in solidarity politics, Black feminist thinking, the science/speculative fiction genre, or just learning from very smart people.
“We know almost nothing about dark matter, but we know a lot about Black people. Even white people know a lot about Black people. And more importantly, Black people are made of the same stuff as white people, resulting in the same levels of humanity. At worst you are saying that we are invisible and exotic, rather than very visible and very human. The comprehension may be poetic, but it reproduces the problem that the analogy exists to highlight. If you feel the urge to compare Black people to dark matter, resist.” (4:17:20)
“We cannot afford a politics, or a science, that lacks solidarity.”
tracithomas's review against another edition
3.0
So I’m terrible at math and science. Absolutely dreadful. This book was really challenging for the first 4 chapters. I didn’t understand much. Then it got REALLY good. The shift from deep physics to the issues and responsibilities of Science was super interesting. I love the ways Prescod-Weinstein thinks about activism, equality, and folks who have been marginalized. I didn’t always get it when it came to science but I got it when it came to the humanity in science.
esessa's review against another edition
5.0
This wonderful memoir is so many things: partly an intro to and update on the current state of particle physics and what we know about the universe; partly a personal history of the author's journey in academic science and its challenges; partly a reflection on what it means to be dark, both in the ways this term is applied in physics and as a Black person in the world. The writing is superb and the many themes are balanced beautifully against one another. Highly recommend.