Hidden Figures, Margot Lee Shetterly (3.0)
After seeing the movie based on this book, I was surprised
by several things in this non-fiction account of many people involved in the
flight and space programs in Langley, VA. First, the book covers a larger
period of history. It starts after WWII and finishes well past the moon
landings of the late 60’s. I was also surprised by the number of people and
experiences covered in the book that were basically attributed to the three
main characters of the movie, though it understandably made for a more dramatic
film. Lastly I was somewhat disappointed in a few things left out of the film,
mainly the implication of Virginia’s blatant disregard for federal
desegregation laws. Who knew that some counties in Virginia had closed their
public schools for 5 years so that white children would not go to school with
African American children! Which is even more shocking given the number of
scientists and engineers working in Langley at the time. Overall the book had
some interesting points and the subject is an important part of history. I
liked the plot drivers in the movie, but reading the book pointed out typical Hollywood
touches (flaws?) in the movie that were added to increase the drama and increase
sympathy for the characters.
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