LAB GIRL BY HOPE JAHREN
What an absolutely exceptional piece of literature. The authors ability to perfectly encapsulate their intended meaning in every sentence is nothing short of phenomenal. The educational content is enrapturing, perfectly integrated with a moving self-discovery presented over the course of years. The unique balance of science and literature is one I haven’t experienced with any other author’s writing, and it really intrigued me! The writing invokes real feelings about the human experience that are almost indescribable. I struggle to find the words to explain the beauty of this novel’s contents, it is so diverse and unbelievably powerful. I was drawn in by the voice and kept engaged by the unfolding narrative of this woman’s life. Her bestowal of her individual human experience, both completely unique and also shared in part by many, unto the reader was beyond any expectation I could have had.
The author’s inner thoughts and outer workings together presented a remarkable story soooo full of feeling. I did not expect the author to truly expose some of their most vulnerable moments with such strength and meaning. Each word had an immense presence and impacted me equally. It is rare to encounter a writer who can express the deepest emotions without filler or unnecessary add-ons, without losing the reader while trying to do the opposite. It is very easy to overexplain, to feel the desperation of having your words resonate with the reader, but the author made it feel like every word contributed to the feeling and energy of the book - no waste. The courage and strength of the writer to put down on paper what they did is absolutely meritorious.
I feel honoured to experience this journey and be able to add the insights to my future learning not only about botany and those related topics but also about life itself and the beauty of gratitude. I went in expecting an abundance of education on botany-related subjects but got so much more. The synopsis describes to an extent the personal journey that the author leads you on, but I can guarantee the depth of meaning in every chapter will astound you. I highly recommend this novel for anyone looking to learn more about the scientific world of botany, but also for anyone who is interested in the depth of feeling and vulnerability interwoven into the story.
PS. The author recommends a book called Trees: Their Natural History by Peter Thomas (which I will be adding to my tbr!!)