
Margot Lee Shetterly's 'Hidden Figures' sheds light on the remarkable true story of African American female mathematicians who played pivotal roles at NASA during the Space Race. Through the experiences of women like Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, the book highlights themes of racial and gender equality, perseverance, and the power of intellect. Shetterly intricately weaves together their struggles and triumphs, showcasing their indispensable contributions to history despite facing discrimination. This inspiring narrative not only educates readers on a lesser-known aspect of American history but also celebrates the ingenuity and resilience of these unsung heroes.
Margot Lee Shetterly is an American non-fiction writer known for her meticulous research and compelling storytelling. Born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, Shetterly's work often focuses on highlighting the untold stories of African Americans in history. Her most notable work, 'Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race,' brought recognition to the brilliant African American women mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the Space Race. This groundbreaking book was adapted into a successful film, further amplifying the importance of these remarkable women. Shetterly's work has had a significant impact on literature by shedding light on the contributions of marginalized communities to major historical events.

Kuhn’s seminal work revolutionized how we understand science. He argues that scientific progress doesn’t occur gradually, but through paradigm shifts—periods of radical change in fundamental frameworks. Normal science operates within accepted paradigms until anomalies accumulate, prompting a crisis and eventual revolution. Kuhn uses historical case studies to illustrate this cycle, challenging the belief in linear scientific advancement. First published in 1962, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions has had a lasting impact on the philosophy of science, influencing fields from sociology to history. It remains essential reading for anyone seeking to understand how scientific knowledge evolves.

The Spy and the Traitor is a gripping true story of Oleg Gordievsky, a high-ranking KGB officer who became a double agent for Britain during the Cold War. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Macintyre traces Gordievsky’s espionage, his moral struggles, and his daring escape from Soviet Russia. The book reads like a thriller, filled with tense meetings, coded signals, and near-misses. It reveals the shadowy chess match between East and West and the individual courage it demanded. A masterwork of narrative nonfiction, it’s both historically illuminating and impossible to put down.

Richard Feynman, Nobel laureate and icon, was a genius with an insatiable appetite for adventure and a remarkable talent for storytelling. This collection of short pieces and reminiscences reveals his diverse passions, from his appreciation of beauty to his college antics and the unique lessons imparted by his father. Feynman takes us behind the scenes of the Challenger investigation, vividly recounting his pivotal experiment that exposed the disaster's cause. He also shares the poignant story of meeting his beloved first wife, Arlene, and their brief, cherished time together. Infused with Feynman's characteristic curiosity and zest for life, these writings are both deeply moving and wonderfully humorous.

by Ilyon Woo
This powerful nonfiction narrative recounts the daring 1848 escape of Ellen and William Craft from slavery in Georgia. Ellen, light-skinned, disguised herself as a disabled white man; William acted as her servant. Their journey to freedom through the North and eventually to England is one of ingenuity, courage, and love. Ilyon Woo’s detailed and gripping account draws on archival research to illuminate not only their story but the broader resistance to slavery and racism. Master Slave Husband Wife is both a suspenseful escape narrative and a testament to the resilience of those who dared to break the chains of bondage.