Blazing the Trail: Essays by Leading Women in Science

by Emma Ideal, Rhiannon Meharchand

Name a famous scientist. Got one? Now name a famous physicist. Ok, now name a famous female physicist. Ok, now name a famous living female physicist. Stumped? In Blazing the Essays by Leading Women in Science, 35 highly successful physicists, engineers, and chemists share their personal histories, their passion for discovery, and their secrets for success with the next generation. Essayists candidly recount their experiences – both positive and negative – with an uplifting tone, focusing on lessons learned along the way. The combination of personal stories and advice sends a powerful message to all young women considering scientific I did it, so can you. Here’s how.

Genres: Science, Feminism, Nonfiction, Essays

278 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2013

Reviews

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think my good friend/fellow female scientist, Liz, gave this book to me, but regardless of how I came about it, I am glad to have read Blazing the Trail. This book is a collection of essays, this time compiled by many authors, with a focus on women in physics. In fact, each author writes her own mini-autobiography!

I found it to be wonderful to hear from 35 different women who found their way along a path in the world of physics. As a woman biologist who grew up always loving math and science, I thought these essays to be interesting, surprising, and comforting. My path has been easier than those women who blazed their trails 50 years ago; it's good to be reminded of the struggle it took many to make this path a little easier for me. I definitely recommend this as a read for any scientist to gain perspective on the myriad ways there are to get to great and satisfying work in the sciences!

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book of "essays" is actually just wordy CV's, descriptions of titles and job hunting/hoping, and the like. I was hoping for a book of actual essays ... And for any women out there reading this to get an idea of working in academia- I have a non-tenure track teaching position that doesn't include research and I LOVE my job, wouldn't trade it for the world.

[Heidi R · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Maybe it's because I went in expecting essays from all kinds of scientists, but it was all physicists. Many of the essays were fine and some offered some good advice, but most were just ok. Also, most of the women were very old, which is disappointing if you're a scientist under 40 looking for something a little more relatable. Those stories definitely have their value, but overall I did not enjoy reading this book.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Some of the essays were good but a lot of them felt like an extended resume

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a professor at MSU while I was visiting for a Prospective Graduate Weekend. It's filled with great stories from women in many situations, from all over the world, all walks of life, and several different generations. It was great to see how many of their fears and concerns aligned with my own fears being a female in a physics program, especially when you see how very successful they have all become in academics, research, and industry. A few of the essays were probably a little more technical than was necessary for biographical writing, but it was still a great read.

[Emma J · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!!!

This book is all essays written by modern day women who are scientists. They talk about how they found their "calling" into the science field, personal struggles and triumphs, feminism, and everything in between! I really enjoyed what these ladies had to say, and most of their advice I really took to heart! I'd recommend this to anyone who is thinking about pursuing a career in S.T.E.M (especially if you're a female) or if you're just looking for a book about empowering women!