A review by litcritreader
Life on Other Planets: A Memoir of Finding My Place in the Universe by Aomawa Shields

3.0

This book blends memoir with explanations of the author's scientific field, astrobiology. Both strands are compelling, but the jumps from one strand to the other are jarring as they are not well-connected. I recommend the book for those who are interested in the career trajectories of women and minorities in academic science fields - it has a lot to say about overcoming systemic roadblocks. I also recommend the book to anyone who suffers from imposter syndrome, as Shields describes how she ultimately finds ways to ameliorate her feelings of inadequacy.