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Hello Readers!!! Here we are again.

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As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8th, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible contributions of women in various fields. While we often hear about the trailblazers in politics, the arts, and business, one area where women have historically been underrepresented but are now making major strides is in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). And thanks to an increasing number of books showcasing these brilliant women, we are finally seeing their stories being told more and more.

The Growing Trend: Women in STEM in Books

Over the last few years, there has been a significant surge in books highlighting the achievements of women in STEM. From fiction to non-fiction, readers are discovering the inspiring tales of women scientists, engineers, and mathematicians who’ve defied the odds to change the world. In fact, many of these books are not just about showcasing success—they also shed light on the challenges these women faced, from bias and discrimination to the complexities of balancing personal lives with demanding careers.

This trend is not only inspiring but also necessary. STEM fields have long been dominated by men, and by amplifying women’s voices in literature, we provide young girls and women with role models they can look up to. It also helps to correct the historical erasure of women’s contributions to these vital fields.

But as with any literary trend, the execution of these stories matters. While it’s wonderful to see more books being published about women in STEM, there are a few pitfalls that some authors might fall into. If the characters are portrayed as one-dimensional or the struggles they face are oversimplified, the story can end up feeling less authentic. It’s crucial that these books accurately represent the challenges that women in STEM experience, while also celebrating their achievements in a nuanced, respectful way.

As I reflect on the growing number of books featuring women in STEM, it’s heartening to see so many incredible stories that celebrate the contributions of women in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, as I look at my own TBR (To Be Read) list, I realize that there’s nothing on it that features women in STEM—yet! It’s a glaring oversight on my part, and I’m excited to rectify that.

There’s a whole world of inspiring books out there that highlight the achievements, struggles, and triumphs of women in these often male-dominated fields. From historical biographies to contemporary fiction and children’s books, there’s something for every reader.

Here are just a few suggestions I’ll be adding to my TBR to celebrate the amazing women in STEM:

1. “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly
   This non-fiction masterpiece tells the incredible story of the African American women mathematicians at NASA whose work was crucial to the success of early space missions. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were pioneers who overcame racial and gender barriers to help propel the United States into the space race. The book is a powerful reminder of how often the contributions of women in science and technology go unrecognized, and it’s a celebration of their resilience and brilliance.
2. “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion
   This charming novel centers around Don Tillman, a geneticist who embarks on a quest to find the perfect wife. While Don is the main character, the book also introduces Rosie, a woman with her own brilliant mind working in a different field. The book explores the intersection of love, science, and relationships with humor and heart, while also showing that women in STEM are multifaceted individuals with passions and quirks.
3. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
   This gripping biography chronicles the life of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells (the HeLa cells) became one of the most important tools in medical research. While Lacks was a woman of color who did not have access to formal education, her cells helped scientists make countless medical advancements. The story is as much about the ethical implications of scientific research as it is about a woman’s legacy in the field of biology.
4. “The Mars Room” by Rachel Kushner
   While not directly a STEM book, this novel includes a fascinating portrayal of the scientific world through the character of a female scientist in a prison. It is a unique blend of sociology, psychology, and science, and highlights the intersection of gender, race, and the often overlooked fields that women contribute to.
5. “The Stargazer’s Sister” by Carrie Brown
   This novel tells the story of Caroline Herschel, an astronomer and sister of William Herschel, the famous scientist. Caroline made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, but her story has often been overshadowed by her brother’s fame.
6. “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren
   This memoir by the geobiologist Hope Jahren is a beautiful exploration of her life in science, her passion for plants, and her journey navigating a male-dominated field. It has received rave reviews for its candid and poetic storytelling.
7. “The Code Breaker” by Walter Isaacson
   This biography of Jennifer Doudna, the biochemist who co-invented CRISPR gene-editing technology, is one I’ve been dying to read. Her groundbreaking work has revolutionized genetics, and Isaacson’s exploration of her life is sure to be both inspiring and informative.
8. “Women in Science” by Rachel Ignotofsky
   This illustrated book is a celebration of 50 remarkable women who have made lasting contributions to science. It’s visually stunning and packed with inspiring stories. I’ve heard great things about it, and I’m eager to get my hands on it.
9. “The Woman Who Smashed Codes” by Jason Fagone
   This non-fiction book tells the story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a pioneering cryptanalyst whose work in code-breaking helped shape the outcome of both World Wars. Her story is largely unknown, and I can’t wait to read more about her groundbreaking contributions to both cryptography and history.

Women in STEM have always been around, but for too long, their contributions were overlooked or minimized. Books about women in STEM not only provide much-needed representation but also help to inspire the next generation of girls and women to believe in their potential, no matter the field. Whether it’s historical biographies, contemporary fiction, or cutting-edge science, books have the power to bring these incredible women’s stories to life. On this International Women’s Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate not just the women in our lives but also the literary works that highlight their talents and accomplishments.

If you’re looking for inspiration this March 8th, pick up one of these books or add them to your TBR. And if you haven’t yet, perhaps consider writing your own story or sharing the experiences of the women who’ve inspired you. After all, stories shape our understanding of the world, and the world of STEM deserves more women’s voices in it.

If you enjoyed this post and found it useful, I’d love to hear from you! Do you have any favorite books about women in STEM that should be added to the list? Or maybe you’re planning to check out one of these titles? Feel free to drop a like—it really helps! Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss out on bookish topics, recommendations, and fun literary chats. Your support means so much, and I’m looking forward to sharing more great content with you soon! 😊📚