QUAKE CHASERS

Each of the women feted here for her trailblazing work in earthquake science has her own profile that interweaves personal history, advice on coping with natural disasters, experiences with gender and racial bias, and related scientific information.

From the introduction onward, the text has a chirpy tone and is prone to overusing such words as amazing and cool. It is an ambitious task to try to inspire young women to pursue STEM studies and careers while also warning them of persistent negative attitudes toward women and people of color in these fields that are dominated by White men. However, this book will succeed in that goal if readers choose to read the biographies in random order rather than straight through from the beginning. By listing her subjects in alphabetical order by surname, the text happens to begin with three women from privileged, supportive families who were precocious young people, acquired advanced degrees and pursued significant careers while confronting misogyny, and who are lauded for their remarkable achievements as mothers as well. This might prove discouraging rather than inspiring to many readers; fortunately, later biographies include women whose backgrounds bring more diversity. The numerous sidebars are the best part of the text, supplementing the cursory details of each individual’s career with scientific terminology and explanations plus historical background. Readers will enjoy each scientist’s top three tips for earthquake preparedness.

Informative but not seismic.