Lab Girl

Synopsis

"...a beautifully written memoir about the life of a woman in science, a brilliant friendship, and the profundity of trees. Terrific." Barack Obama

Lab Girl is a book about work and about love, and the mountains that can be moved when those two things come together. It is told through Jahren's remarkable stories: about the discoveries she has made in her lab, as well as her struggle to get there; about her childhood playing in her father's laboratory; about how lab work became a sanctuary for both her heart and her hands; about Bill, the brilliant, wounded man who became her loyal colleague and best friend; about their field trips - sometimes authorised, sometimes very much not - that took them from the Midwest across the USA, to Norway and to Ireland, from the pale skies of North Pole to tropical Hawaii; and about her constant striving to do and be her best, and her unswerving dedication to her life's work.

Visceral, intimate, gloriously candid and sometimes extremely funny, Jahren's descriptions of her work, her intense relationship with the plants, seeds and soil she studies, and her insights on nature enliven every page of this thrilling book. In Lab Girl, we see anew the complicated power of the natural world, and the power that can come from facing with bravery and conviction the challenge of discovering who you are.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Lab

Hope Jahren describes her lab as a "second home," a place where she feels comfortable and in control. She admits to being a perfectionist, and her lab reflects this trait, with everything in its place and organized efficiently.

Example: "My lab is my second home. I know where everything is, and I have a place for everything. I like to keep my work area clean and organized, because it helps me to stay focused."

Chapter 2: The Scientist

Jahren explains that she always felt different from other children, and she found solace in science. She discovered her passion for geology at an early age and went on to pursue her education in the field.

Example: "I always felt like an outsider. I didn't fit in with the other kids, and I didn't understand why. But when I found science, I finally found something that made sense to me."

Chapter 3: The Field

Jahren describes her experiences doing fieldwork in remote and challenging locations. She relishes the opportunity to collect data and observe natural phenomena firsthand.

Example: "I love fieldwork. It's an adventure, and it's a chance to see the world in a way that most people never do. I've collected data in the Arctic, the Amazon, and the Sahara Desert."

Chapter 4: The Teacher

Jahren shares her experiences teaching geology to students. She finds it rewarding to pass on her knowledge and inspire future scientists.

Example: "I love teaching. It's a way to share my passion for science with others and to help them to understand the world around them."

Chapter 5: The Writer

Jahren explains how she became a writer and the challenges and rewards of writing about science. She believes that storytelling is a powerful tool for communicating complex scientific concepts.

Example: "I started writing because I wanted to share my stories about science with a wider audience. I want people to understand that science is not just a bunch of facts and figures, but it's also about discovery, adventure, and human connection."

Chapter 6: The Mother

Jahren discusses the challenges and joys of being a working mother. She credits her husband, Bill, and her daughter, Abigail, with providing her with the support and love she needs to balance her work and family life.

Example: "Being a working mother is tough, but it's also the most rewarding thing I've ever done. I love my daughter more than anything in the world, and I'm grateful for the support that my husband and family give me."

Chapter 7: The End

Jahren reflects on her life and career, and she expresses her gratitude for the many opportunities she has been given. She believes that science has the power to change the world, and she encourages others to pursue their passions and make a difference.

Example: "I've lived a full and happy life, and I'm grateful for everything that I've been given. I believe that science has the power to change the world, and I hope that my work will continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams."