Ms. Adventure: My Wild Explorations in Science, Lava, and Life

by Jess Phoenix

"Jess Phoenix's work encompasses science and representation in such a delightful melding that it could only come from as spry and playful a soul as hers! Open this book and jump into the volcano!" —Patton Oswalt

Volcanologist and natural hazards expert Jess Phoenix has dedicated her life to scientific exploration. Her career path—hard earned in the still male-dominated world of science—has shoved her headlong into deep-sea submersibles, congressional races, glittering cocktail parties at Manhattan’s elite Explorers Club, and numerous pairs of Caterpillar work boots. It has also inspired her to devote her life to making science more inclusive and accessible.
 
Ms. Adventure follows Jess’s travels and escapades through jungles, glaciers, undersea lava flows, and the summit of the world’s largest volcano. We’re with her as she gathers flowing lava by hand in Hawai’i, tangles with horse thieves in Peru, confronts Mexican drug cartel members over a favorite rock hammer, and camps on an active volcano in Ecuador. This riveting, rollicking journey across oceans and continents is a blend of personal memoir, daring adventure, and scientific exploration. It is a testament to Phoenix’s belief that curiosity is everyone’s birthright, and that with tenacity and intrepidness, we can all be explorers of the natural world.



 

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Memoir, Travel, Biography, Adventure, Nature

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 2021

About the author

Jess Phoenix is executive director and co-founder of the environmental scientific research organization Blueprint Earth. Since 2008, she has been a volcanologist, an extreme explorer, and a professional field scientist. She works with universities and major research institutions to study lava flows and natural hazards, perform climate research on glaciers, and more. Jess is a fellow in the Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Society; a featured scientist on the Discovery and Science channels; and her writing has appeared on websites such as BBC Online, DailyKos, and Medium, as well as in Face the Current magazine and local print publications.

Reviews

[Petra X · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this book. It wasn't what I was expecting from the title and the writing was tediously detailed. The author is a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and of the Explorers Society, these are very illustrious position for a scientist and explorer. So I expected more science - she is a geologist, a volcanologist and I'm very interested in volcanos, especially since Soufriere Hills on Monserrat is 'just up the road' (or island) from me. But there was very little. Not enough to write a review of. It was mostly about her and her explorations in Hawai'i, Peru, Ecuador, and undersea. And her adventures with the Cartel which read like fiction.

I found the whole book overwritten. This is the lead-up to where she falls into an open sewer where there should have been a lid, hurts her leg and gets covered in shit.

The route toward the heart of the city featured a schoolyard and school building to the left and the photo-worthy view I had admired to the right. I set out toward the city, gripping the camera in my left hand and walking faster. I had spent about half an hour sightseeing and taking photos, and I felt guilty that I was not offering Joe a hand despite his insistence that he had it all under control.

Calle Resbalosa ended in a small plaza with a large fountain in the middle. The plaza was the entrance to the school I was walking next to, and I could see excited kids emerging into the open space. They yelled and darted, impromptu games of tag beginning and ending too fast to determine a winner. A couple in their twenties lingered by the fountain, immersed in each other’s gazes, struggling mightily to ignore the shrieks of liberated ten-year-olds. I walked closer, crossing from the small boulder field of Resbalosa street onto the smooth stone of the plaza. A particularly zealous group of tag players brushed past me and I looked around for more, not wanting to be kneecapped by tiny bodies.

I never saw the sewer.

Even if I had been looking down, I probably would have stepped on it anyway. Over the years, I have set foot on countless sewers, manhole covers, and other small subterranean entrances typically capped with solid metal or grates. We all do, since common practice in most places with enough infrastructure to warrant underground plumbing dictates that all grates and covers are securely fastened closed or barricaded from contact with the public. Somewhere, a Peruvian utility worker sits oblivious to the havoc their carelessness wrought on both my body and research expedition, before I had even begun the risky part of the journey.

My white Nike Air Max cross-trainer hit the rectangular steel sewer cover and kept on going, forcing the cover down into the stuff it was supposed to keep out of sight—and far, far out of mind. One side of my body plunged down, the ground beneath my right foot suddenly exchanged for foul brown soup. My upper body heaved forward, still driven by the momentum of that last fateful step.

The author after the, these days, almost obligatory anti-Trump rant, "had spent the 14 months battling a U.S. political system she said rewards candidates who raise the most money over those who propose creative solutions to the country’s myriad problems." But, "Phoenix finished a distant fourth in 2018's Democratic primary for the 25th congressional district in Southern California".

I don't think politics or general writing is quite her thing. I can guess why she wrote this though, people told her she had a fascinating, adventurous life doing things other people don't and it would make such a great book. It didn't, or not to me. But I fell for the hype saying it was fabulous. However, if she wrote a science book about volcanos, I would definitely read it.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

Ok, I liked the title and the cover and I liked the idea of reading about an adventurous woman in STEM. I got that she was SUPER enthusiastic about what she did, but none of that enthusiasm seemed to reach me on the level she was feeling it. Honestly, of the 122 pages of this book that I read, there were only two parts that got my attention. The first was when she explained the dating of the rocks that she was working on and how that testing worked (cosmic radiation bombardment, along those lines.) and when she had a medical emergency in the literal back of beyond in the middle of an active volcano flow area.

However, despite the interest, the explanation of the dating didn't stick and there was no conclusive diagnosis or reason for her medical issue, so no resolution, it just kind of was like, extreme pain, peed blood, doctors at the hospital didn't seem to care enough to find a reason for it. Which makes me not want to go to that area and need that hospital any-time soon.

I appreciate that she is trying to raise awareness of the sciences for the next generation and to enable those who are less well-to-do the ability to access the sciences, but the book just fell flat for me. It committed one of the worst sins during the Pandemic that anything can be. It was boring.

To me. I see from many positive reviews that I am in the minority here and that is ok. I want (mostly) every book to be read and loved by many people. I don't have to love all the books and neither does anyone else. The great beauty, and difficulty, of this wonderful world of ours is that we are all different with different tastes, likes and dislikes. I didn't hate the book and I know others will enjoy reading of her adventures. I will not hesitate to recommend this book to customers who will enjoy it.

2, it wasn't for me but I'm not that adventurous, stars.

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a perfectly fine book. The events were all over the place giving it a strange tone (and to be honest I'm not really sure what the Cartel, reality TV, and politics sections added to the book), but I really enjoyed the story of her discovery of a love for science, a love for geology and volcanos, and the insight into what fieldwork is actually like. And the overarching theme of "science is really interesting and you should be excited about it and excited to do it right" was great.

**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

In terms of the writing, the book is all over the place and overexaggerated in many parts. For any aspiring young scientist (that I assume the book is aimed for), the author gives little information about how her opportunities came about which would be useful to younger readers. The author has obviously had many opportunities to volunteer as a field assistant to other scientists around the world, but how do others from low socio-economic backgrounds become volunteer scientists when they can't afford to? I was also hoping for some more science - e.g. what exciting science discoveries did the author make? What were the findings from the volcano research she was helping with? I really wanted to learn more about volcanoes.

The first chapter starts off with the author describing her literal "desperation" to join the Explorers Club. This was both confusing and awkward. Explorers Club is an exclusive, annual fee-paying society, so to me, that was really odd why she wanted to join it so badly. A good scientist doesn't devote their life to winning awards and gaining accolades.

Overall, I was attracted to this book because it sounded like the author had a very interesting career, but I came out of it confused and with no idea of what the author's occupation is. The author is supposed to be a "geologist specializing in natural hazards and lava flows" but they seem to be leaving out significant details in their career trajectory. As far as I can tell, all these "wild adventures" are volunteer positions. She is neither a professor, nor a research scientist, doesn't work for a company, or even a government agency. I have no problem in hearing the adventures of say, someone in search and rescue or an outdoor guide helping scientists access remote locations, but the author is 100% trying to give the readers an impression that she is some sort of esteemed academic researcher. For this reason, I don't recommend the book as one to inspire the young scientist in your life, unless of course, you want the younger generation to believe that success in science = being accepted in some elite society and taking on as many unpaid volunteer positions. 0/10 for accessibility.

[Lauren D'Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super fun read. Jess Phoenix is a geologist who's spent her career investigating rocks, lava, and other minerals the planet has to offer us in some of the coolest places on earth, from the flowing lava fields of Mauna Kea to glaciers in the Andes to the scorching hot basins of Death Valley. She's also the founder of Blueprint Earth, an organization dedicated to meticulously "blueprinting" some of our most complex ecosystems to uncover how they function.

Her book doesn't just detail the scientific purpose and method of each of these fantastic expeditions, but some of the wacky adventures she's gotten into, from falling into a sewer drain in Peru to - yes, actually - chasing Mexican cartel members to reclaim her favorite rock hammer that they stole from her.

On top of that, she discusses some of the personal challenges throughout her career, likely in the hopes of encouraging others to follow in her footsteps and overcome whatever obstacles they might find. On an open-ocean expedition with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and their famous ROVs Jason and Medea, one of the research leaders passed away unexpectedly, and sent Jess into a tailspin around the purpose of her work and the danger of some of the activities she was engaging in. Making your way in a male-dominated industry, particularly one in the STEM field, is not easy. Like many women, she suffers from imposter syndrome, not helped by the fact that she started off as a history/liberal arts major in college and transitioned to geology later in her academic career. On some of these trips, she's experienced serious injuries, some mysterious and unnamed still, that prevented her from doing her best work - yet she often powered through those struggles in the name of science. She's seen the barriers that prevent so many people who don't "fit the mold" from entering scientific fields, and she's passionate about making science more accessible and inclusive to all.

This book reminded me a lot of one of my other favorite science memoirs, Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver by Jill Heinerth. Heinerth, like Phoenix, is a pioneer in her industry, and has led a career full of truly book-worthy adventures. Although geology/volcanology is not quite as interesting to me as underwater cave diving, this memoir was similarly engaging and accessible, with stories that will keep you fascinated all the way through. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley!

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

From the book's description, I was expecting a science memoir -- the author writing about her life mixed with a lot of fun geology history and facts. In that case, I was expecting a little more outside of field journal stuff which is how it ultimately read.

The personal moments about her education and marriage feel brought up only in convenience of the narrative. She becomes seriously ill on a volcano but we know nothing of it after the fact. She hurts her leg in Peru, goes on an expedition, but nothing about the outcome. Did she need surgery? Did she come back to town just in time where it wasn't damaged?

The last half of the book was more entertaining than the first half. I was more engaged while reading about the Peruvian expedition. The TV shoot in Ecuador was the type of information I was expecting as a behind the scenes in geology. But I agree that I would watch a whole show about the behind the scenes with the cast and crew. The Mexico chapter was just... I don't even know what.

The congressional race is mentioned on the jacket like it's a prominent part of the book. However, the last chapter in which it's mentioned feels more like a throwaway. I understand she was trying to make a connection between the congressional race and the urge for exploration, but it would have been better as two different chapters.

I REALLY wanted to like this book. I love reading about the paths that lead scientists to their field of study. Ultimately, I think I was expecting something else from the way the description reads. But putting that aside, the book is disjointed and is unsure of what it wants to be.

[Helen Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I love reading about things I know nothing about and I enjoyed this book from Jess Phoenix (who I follow on Twitter) but something was missing here but I'm not quite sure what. Did I want a little more science? Maybe Did I just want more photos? Maybe?

I mean there were encounters with bad guys, lava flows, eruptions, wacky stunts done for crazy TV people, a visit to The Explorer's Club to name a few so I'm not sure what I needed. I think part of her message is science is important but it also involves a lot of boring minutia and hours and hours of data analysis and it's NOT all exploding lava bombs.

So anyway, it's good and quite interesting but I don't find myself gushing about it and trying to convince everybody to read it in the way I was hoping to feel after finishing.

[Tasmin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The enthusiasm about geology & volcanoes: 5 stars
The personality on show: 1 star

Okay, let me clarify because I know this is a hard statement to make.
I started this book months ago and had to put it down at about 30% because I got so angry every time I read it. Then the eruption in La Palma happened and I craved a book about volcanoes and decided to pick it back up again. I read the remaining 70% in two days and enjoyed myself (for the most part).

So, what happened?
Jess Phoenix is an absolute badass. She is intelligent, adventurous, courageous and has been achieving things most of us don't even dare to dream of. She is unafraid and takes up space in a field that has been dominated by white old men. According to her Twitter bio she is non-binary (pronouns she/they) and there is a rainbow flag there too (not 100% sure if that is just for the NB or something else but she is def. a part of the queer community). She went to a very formal event in a suit and with a massive mohawk. AWESOME. And she tried to get into politics to protect the climate. Amaaaaziiiing!

So, why do I criticize her personality when she is clearly an all-around incredible person?

Because we do not get to see much of that in the book.
She spent the first 30% trying to make herself seem important. She goes on and on about her achievements and how she got invited to the "Explorers Club" (a big deal she can be proud of but if I don't know anything else about you first, I do not care) and repeats multiple times how her parents are both FBI agents and list names and more names of famous people she knows or met and.... damn, it was just EXHAUSTING and boring. She came across as super cocky, which is really sad because she is such a badass. But not because of her parents or some white dude that signed some paper for her. She is dancing with volcanoes, ffs. Why does she need all these people to validate herself? And why the heck should I, as the reader, care about this? She did not give any information about herself and her personality, she just threw her achievements at the reader. It made her seem equally arrogant and insecure.

There were also a bunch of statements that made me cringe. For example:
"My parents were FBI agents, and my sheltered mind firmly held that people with PhDs never, ever did drugs, and certainly would never condone drug use in any way."
That is such a problematic statement to make. Drugs are not only used by the "poor and uneducated". Especially because she just leaves that sentence like that. No reflection, nothing. Like... damn.

Her privilege showed in so many ways throughout the book. Like when she casually mentions at some point that she has a horse (while doing a PhD, after YEARS of studying and unpaid expedition jobs). There is no problem with someone being financially well of, but I would like to see that addressed at some point.
There were also multiple instances where she showed ignorance to native people and local issues. She only uses those things to make her own story more interesting without reflecting on the bigger picture.
Towards the end of the book, she is involved in a documentary and complains that the producers did not include the local researchers from Ecuador. But she does not mention them either. Beyond that complaint there was no example, no names, no praise.
As she is a queer femme person I would also have liked to see more support of women and queer folks in science. Besides herself, the only people she mentions in detail are men. This book could have been a great opportunity to talk about this topic, but it is not even mentioned. If I did not check out her Twitter, I would not even know that she identifies as queer herself, because it is mentioned NOWHERE. (To be fair: Maybe she only came out after publishing. But if not...)
When she got into politics a few years ago she did so in the name of climate change (yay!). But that topic is also completely ignored throughout the entire book except for a very brief mention on the last 3 pages (the opposite of yay!).
The book also drops off abruptly, like she got tired of writing and decided it was done.

Okay, but what about the volcanoes?

If you are like me you are probably asking yourself: Okay, but did she deliver on the volcano/geology part? I am happy to announce: yes! After the first 30% she finally gets into the science expeditions and dives deep. Her enthusiasm for volcanoes, lava, rocks and science is radiating through every sentence. Her writing style is also very different in these chapters, you get glued to the page and want to know more. You are there with the crew, on the edge of volcanoes. Her passion for her work is incredible and makes you happy inside.

If you do not know the slightest thing about volcanoes, however, you might not be too happy as she uses a few terms that are not explained. And if you are deep into geology it is probably to shallow and her side-trackings about her personal issues might bore you. But if you are like me, someone who is interested in the topic and almost went for a geology degree herself, you will enjoy this a lot.

Was it educational? In part, yes. I learned how scientists actually work and that many science documentaries are far off from reality. I did not learn a lot of new things about the mechanisms of volcanoes, etc. It is not very science-heavy unfortunately, it talks more about the "experience as a scientist" which is interesting, but I would have appreciated a balance between the two sides of it.

Summary
I really want to boost Jess Phoenix as she is a badass and is doing an incredible job. But I simply did not enjoy the book as much as I hoped I would.
I think Jess has a lot of potential. Parts of the book were really well written, but others were so boring and shallow that I wanted to DNF it immediately. She needs to address her privilege and dive deeper into the bigger issues surrounding her.
If she was to write another memoir I probably would not pick it up. But if she was to write a non-fiction book focussed on volcanoes/geology, hell yes, I would buy it in an instant.

[Meg · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was mostly interesting, I will give it that. It kept me engaged until about 3/4 of the way through when the completely implausible run ins with the cartel started. I call BS on all that nonsense and then it wasn’t just once it was multiple times. Then she complains for a whole chapter about the Discovery channel only to be rewarded with the last chapter about her failed run at the Presidency and she couldn’t help but bash the previous President. That was it for me. I came to read about volcanology, not about someone’s political agendas.

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Ms Adventure, geologist and volcanologist Jess Phoenix mixes her scientific work with stories of many of her mishaps as she does field work in some of the world’s literal hot spots. She recounts being hit by an acute appendicitis attack while alone on a lava flow in Hawaii, falling into a sewer in Peru, and encounters with a Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. She also talks about working on a reality show about volcanos for Discovery that did not quite match reality. And throughout, her passion and love for her work shines through. This is no dry pedantic text book accessible to only scientists in her field but a rather a compelling, even dare I say entertaining & surprisingly unputdownable book that, despite my lack of knowledge of volcanos, kept my attention throughout. And, yes, while being entertained, I did learn some fascinating facts about the different types of volcanos and lava flows along the way.

Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Timber Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Britney Levetan Shumate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the stories about the life of a geologist! I’ve always been interested in rocks and geology so it was interesting to hear actual stories and what goes down in the field. In another life I would try to be a geologist but I’m not super “science-y” so a few parts were hard for me to follow but for the most part it was explained well.

[Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know much about Geology or volcanoes so when a friend told me to read this book, I was not sure what to expect. After reading about Jess' story, I have a much deeper appreciation for the work that scientists do in the field (not the same as lab work at all, as I learned!). Her stories make it really clear why this work matters and I think volcanology is actually really cool. Reading the book, I could feel her passion and inspiration. I then looked up Jess Phoenix since she is an active voice online too. Now I'm wondering when she'll be writing part two because it looks like she has had a lot more adventures since she wrote this. Highly recommend this book. Oh and the writing is amazing with no extra fluff in a book that makes each page come to life. So happy I bought this book!

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Adventure is the best kind of non-fiction in my mind. I am obsessed with this book, her voice and writing style are amazing and take you on a journey to places I will never be brave enough to go, flying in helicopters in dangerous conditions, running across volcanoes to collect samples, camping in 107 degree heat, Jess is my personal hero doing all of this in the name of science to help future generations understand the earth. All while doing something that is traditionally considered a man’s field. One of the best memoirs I have read hands down.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about all of these incredible experiences, and learning a thing or two about volcanology! Makes me wish my own career in science involved more field work and less programming.

[Bryanna Plog · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid "I liked it" book. Phoenix spins some great stories, and I love the insight the reader gains into field science. Phoenix doesn't pull any punches. The writing really takes to you the variety of settings that Phoenix is studying. I was hoping for a bit more about the volcanoes themselves and didn't enjoy the parts where Phoenix was away from her field research as much. If you are more of a fan of memoir, you likely will love those sections more. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to see some day-to-day life of a volcanologist and be inspired by women doing great things for science.

[Ula Tardigrade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining. I love to read about adventures in exotic places and there are no better adventures than the scientific ones! Volcanoes are a fascinating topic so getting a glimpse of the research on them was very interesting. And Jess Phoenix is a perfect guide: instantly likable, unpretentious, funny, with contagious enthusiasm.

I just wished that the book would be longer, as I was curious about other stories from her work and life.

Thanks to the publisher, Timber Press, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.

[Pat Bedinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a scientist myself, and having done some field work in South America, this was a lot of fun to read. I did get quite annoyed during the chapter on the television show, where unnecessary drama was forced upon the scientists being filmed. Ugh. But I liked the enthusiasm that the author projected about their work on volcanoes and want to learn more about geology now.

[Seth Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and interesting scientific journey into volcanology with a memoir heart. Exploring the ins and outs of the life of a volcanologist and the love she has for what she does. Phoenix expresses this perfectly, “Curiosity is our birthright, our shared human heritage that connects us to every other being on Earth, and to the stars beyond.”

[Dеnnis]

Unbearable. Dropped while into the second chapter. Borderline graphomania. Plus way too many Is. Not the next 'Lab Girl' obviously.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some scientists work in nice, safe labs, with bright lights and sanitized equipment, and their greatest fear is that grant funding will fall through next year. Other scientists hike into the calderas of volcanoes, spend weeks on the open sea far from land, and occasionally fall into Peruvian sewers, covering their Intrepid Explorer pants with a not-so-attractive layer of caca de Cuzco. Jess Phoenix is that other kind of scientist, and here she recounts her global adventures in the service of geology — and her own insatiable curiosity. A mix of travel, adventure, and gritty geological labor, Ms. Adventure demonstrates how exciting and dangerous science work can still be in the 21t century. Although the science content sometimes takes a backseat to Phoenix’s memoir, her travel adventures are not without interest, either from the sheer comedy of falling into a sewer, the drama of cartel gunslingers trying to raid the scientists’ camp, or the behind-the-scenes look at Discovery nature documentaries.

I was drawn to this book immediately by the cover, which accurately captures the extreme environments geologists often work in. Phoenix draws on expeditions throughout her academic and professional career, from her student first experience on a survey (camping in Death Valley, and looking for evidence of its long-gone shallow ocean), to later travels in which she was a fully published and vetted geologist, sometimes the only one present on a given project. Phoenix worked multiple sites across Hawaii and South America, and these constitute the bulk of the book, spanning environments from lava fields, the open ocean, and the soaring heights of Peru. Phoenix and her coworkers are often in danger, particularly when operating around volcanoes: some lava fields are not as old and hardened as they appear, and active volcanoes have a startling tendency to throw car-sized blobs of lava at research teams. Not all of the dangers are from the natural world, though: in Peru the scientists are raided by members of a cartel. The science content is largely centered around volcanoes, which is understandable given how spectacular and dangerous they can be — and how long they’ve fascinated the human cultures exposed to them. Phoenix’ descriptions of lava fields and the ominous sounds coming from beneath the Earth were particularly effective at commanding the reader’s imagination. Phoenix offers a general narrative of her travel experiences that goes into the mundane details, and this can sometimes make the book feel a bit padded, but there are other non-science passage that more than make up for that, particularly her recounting of Discovery filming an episode of her and her team: the producer’s frequent attempts to stage accidents and drama frustrated Phoenix’ hope for a depiction of Real Science, and made me (a frequent viewer of science documentaries) wonder how much of what we see is a total fabrication. Phoenix is at her best when writing on the universal human heritage of curiosity, and how it enriches our lives and drives progress.

This mix of science and travel may lean a little heavier on the travel than it should at times, but takes us to breathtaking places with a guide whose passion for scientific enterprise and physical courage is inspiring.

[Tara Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually feel when I read science (especially geology) books that they’re not made for me and that they’re instead made for a layperson with no background in the subject. (For context, I am a structural geology PhD student who does extensive field work.) Luckily, I didn’t feel this way this time. Jess Phoenix’s “Miss Adventure” taught me new facts and perspectives about volcanology and field work. Moreover, most of her stories were super entertaining - I especially enjoyed the one about asking kind Narcos for her rock hammer to be returned. (It also reminded me to spray paint my own hammers bright orange before my next field season.)

The chapters at the back half of this book shine the brightest. Another notable anecdote involves falling into a sewer in Peru before needing to make a grueling hike. If you love anecdotes in field work (e.g. when my own advisor spent a week in a Russian jail) this is the book for you.

However, I do wish that Jess Phoenix was more introspective about how she got all of these opportunities for far-flung fieldwork and television opportunities. She briefly touches upon white privilege but rarely if ever applies it to her own field experiences. In a sub discipline that routinely selects against POC who are uncomfortable in remote locations or without previous camping experience, this could have been extremely useful in dispelling myths about what “kind” of person a field geologist needs to be. This is even more true for disability, as Phoenix mentions multiple times how athletic she is and in what “good shape” everyone around her is. I just think it would be an interesting and important thought to posit in the first-ever field geology popular nonfiction book I’ve ever read.

(Also. I listened to this on audiobook and there was a lot of over-enunciation in the beginning that drove me nuts. But that’s like, a personal issue.)

[Randal White · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable look into the science of volcanoes and geology. The author had me in the beginning, with her description of her invitation to the Explorer's Club in New York City. What a dream that would be! Phoenix continues with her experiences in Hawaii, Mexico, and many other places. She definitely seems to lead an exciting life. And I got the feeling that she is a very personable and interesting person to know. I wish her luck in the continuation of her career.

[Laken Bose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first chapter of this book rubbed me the wrong way. Phoenix’s drive to be accepted by the seemingly old white colonizer guy Explores Club was off putting. However, upon reading further I couldn’t put the book down. It was ad adventure, learning experience, and educational for both the author and reader. Wonderful read for all but especially women in science.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

**audiobook version**

Amazing description. When author talked around picking lava for the first time I closed my eyes and watched it play out like a movie in my mind.

Thanks to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Amy Kneeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Dr. Phoenix's humor and candor. She regales us with field expeditions that make it clear she is an explorer in every sense, and more than earned her spot in the prestigious Explorers Club.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining but also nothing AMAZING. I enjoyed her stories but wish there had been more specifics in science and volcanology.

[Joanne Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about a woman volcanologist, Jess Phoenix. The book is formatted in her adventures as a scientist on different trips. Informative, easy to understand scientific explanations about volcanoes. So important to have women in science. Would recommend for those that enjoy reading memoirs with science.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, engaging book of vignettes into the author’s life. Definitely inspiring. I’d love to grab a beer with her & listen to more stories. I absolutely would buy a geology textbook written by her. She makes science very accessible without being dumbed down.

[Maureen Caupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about how Jess became interested in geology and some of her adventures. It always interesting to learn what draws scientists to their interests and about how the research is conducted. This book is written so a wide variety of people can understand it and find it interesting. As other reviewers have commented their were a few times I questioned her judgement, but scientists do take calculated to risks to learn more to protect.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I also did not enjoy this book. I have to admit that the volcano-lure marketing for the book really fooled me into reading this (and some others I see). All the positive reviews here are along the lines of "this was the best book ever..." - but no detailed explanation why. Come on?

Like others, this was not what I was expecting from the title (um...where was the volcano science?) and parts of it read like fiction. I feel like a book on volcanoes has SO MUCH potential, but this was just disappointing. All the "scientific" expeditions were really for TV shows, volunteering, and travel. The author regularly name drops - United States Geological Survey, Wood Hole Oceanographic Institute, and National Geographic Society - none of which the author works at except for merely being an unpaid volunteer. The choice of words is super sneaky I admit! Using sayings like - "an expedition funded by..." etc. etc. gets around the fact that the author was not at all the funded researcher. Using this tactic of truth-bending does not surprise me that they ran for politics. The author's fellowship status at the Explorers Club also means nothing - it's a just fancy pants club of people who climb Everest!

The author has a BA in history, an MS in geoscience, and is a self-proclaimed academic research scientist in all things lava and natural hazards etc. I say self-proclaimed because I cannot find a single damn thing on the internet supporting their expertise or proof they hold any position as a research scientist! All I can find is that they ran for congress, have a non-project for getting students into science (OK that's cool), but is also on one of these whack pseudoscience shows about Atlantis...umm what the...hello Ancient Aliens?!

Long story short, I was expecting a journey through the thought processes of an academic research scientist, and fascinating stories about volcanoes that I didn't already know. I didn't get either. If the author wrote a travel guide I'd read it, but I would prefer to read a volcano book written by a scientist who does research on volcanoes because I'm sure that story would be fascinating.