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The Girls of Atomic City

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Denise Kiernan

The Girls of Atomic City

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Oak Ridge, Tennessee • 1940s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Published in 2013, Denise Kiernan’s The Girls of Atomic City tells the stories of Oak Ridge, a secret town in Tennessee built around plutonium processing plants, and the women who worked there during World War II. The book details life in Oak Ridge, where secrecy and surveillance were paramount, and workers contributed to the development of the atomic bomb. The narrative explores the creation of community amidst challenging conditions and the mixed reactions of these women upon learning the true nature of their work after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Informative

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Mysterious

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.0

34,557 ratings

64%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan offers a vivid historical narrative that brings to life the untold stories of women working in Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project. The book is praised for its thorough research and engaging storytelling. However, some critics note that the structure can be disjointed and the depth of individual characters' stories varied. Overall, it's an enlightening read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Girls of Atomic City?

Readers who enjoy engaging historical narratives and books like Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly or The Radium Girls by Kate Moore will relish The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan. This book appeals to those fascinated by untold stories of women's contributions during WWII and the intricacies of the Manhattan Project.

4.0

34,557 ratings

64%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Celia

A young woman from a rural, economically disadvantaged background who takes a job at CEW, motivated by the desire to contribute to the war effort. Her experiences reflect her acceptance of the Project’s secrecy and her adaptation to the changes in her life.

A black woman working as a janitor at CEW, who faces racial discrimination and segregation despite Executive Order 8802. She demonstrates resilience and ingenuity by maintaining a sense of normalcy within the constraints of her segregated environment.

A local woman who excels in statistics after facing sexist barriers in engineering and chooses to work at CEW to remain near her father. Her role underscores the security measures for higher-ranking positions and her appreciation for being part of significant wartime work.

A worker at CEW who encounters issues with security clearance before starting her job and eventually works with "yellowcake" in a lab. Her position allows her to engage directly with scientific advancements and she adheres to the confidentiality required by the Project.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Oak Ridge, Tennessee • 1940s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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