Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Book Review: The Girls of Atomic City

The Untold Story of The Women who Helped Win World War II, by Denise Kiernan.

The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II

Here is what Bas Bleu writes about this book. 

World War II was raging in Europe when, in a remote valley in East Tennessee, the U.S. government began construction on a secret military complex. The compound at Oak Ridge was built for a single purpose: to enrich enough uranium to fuel an atomic bomb. Yet with so many men fighting overseas, it fell to America's women to staff the sprawling complex as janitors, secretaries, machine operators, instructors, nurses, mathematicians, and scientists. This fascinating biography finally brings their stories -- and their history-making service -- to light.
 
It had never crossed my mind who built the atomic bomb much less how they did it.  This book was absolutely fascinating to me!  Denise tells the story of these remarkable young women and their day to day lives as they are working to enrich uranium and racing to build the first atomic bomb.  Chapters alternate between the perspective of each of the characters who played very different roles.  They tell why they want this terrible war to end and the impact it has had on their family.  From world renowned scientists to nurses to janitors, the individual stories come to light.
 
I loved this book and definitely recommend it!
 
What are you reading?
 
;-)  -Marci

8 comments:

  1. Sounds like a very interesting book! I love to read and need to make more time to do so.

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  2. Thanks for sharing this! So much of what is out there is just "fluff". I'm always on the look out for quality reading! Adding this to my list.

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  3. this sounds like a very interesting read! thanks for sharing!

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  4. Wow I never knew...thanks for the review! I found you through Snickerdoodle Sunday party...I love your blog! I am your newest follower, and would love for you to visit my little blog, LifeSimply at http://paulaboudreaux.blogspot.com

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  5. I recently read this book and thought it was excellent. Would recommend as well. Great to see you on DIY Sunday Showcase.

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  6. I remember hearing about this book some time ago. Thanks for the reminder to check it out. Visiting from Fluster Muster.

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  7. I am going to have to read this it sounds fascinating and I had no idea! Thanks for sharing and joining us each week on the Four Seasons Blog Hop! I always look forward to your posts.

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