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40 pages 1 hour read

Lab Girl

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Hope Jahren

Lab Girl

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1990s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1240L

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Super Short Summary

Lab Girl by Hope Jahren chronicles her journey as a geobiologist, from her Minnesota childhood to her professional career, reflecting on her bond with colleague Bill Hagopian. The memoir blends her life story with insights on plant biology, illustrating parallels between human and plant life. Sensitive topics include mental health struggles and experiences with sexism in the scientific community.

Inspirational

Informative

Contemplative

Emotional

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

78,822 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Hope Jahren’s Lab Girl explores the botany world through her personal journey, blending science and memoir. Reviewers appreciate her poetic prose, passion for plants, and candid insights into the struggles of female scientists. Criticisms often point to occasional narrative digressions and repetitive themes. Overall, the book is celebrated for making science accessible and emotionally resonant.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lab Girl?

Readers fascinated by the intersection of science and personal narrative will relish Lab Girl by Hope Jahren. Fans of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot or The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert will appreciate Jahren's blend of memoir and botanical exploration. Ideal for those who enjoy deep dives into science with a human touch.

4.2

78,822 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Hope Jahren

A dedicated scientist and the memoir's author who develops a deep love for plants and science while facing challenges in a male-dominated field and balancing personal struggles and professional growth.

Hope Jahren's long-time friend and lab partner, known for his eccentric personality and loyalty, who supports her through various career moves and contributes significantly to their scientific endeavors.

Hope Jahren's father, a science professor at a community college in Minnesota, who fosters her early interest in science by welcoming her into his lab.

Hope Jahren's mother, characterized by a distant and standoffish demeanor, whose relationship with her daughter is strained and lacks emotional warmth.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1990s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1240L

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