Girls Of Atomic City, The: The Untold Story Of The Women Who Helped Win World War II (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
This book was a powerful read for me. I wonder if I had some of the same reactions as some of the employees of the Manhattan Project. A powerful sense of pride and accomplishment and the absolute horror of what was created. The stories of young women enduring struggles and triumphs of being out own their own ,in an era that still held true to the idea of being barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen was best, made me feel proud for the accomplishments we have made. The culture surrounding the Manhattan Project during WWII is fascinating. There is a fair amount written about Los Alamos, but much fewer about Hanford, WA or Oak Ridge, TN. This book focuses on the women who went to Oak Ridge to work - and peripherally, on the community that evolved. The author explains the methods and building of the atomic bomb in easily understood, and brief, terms. You'll have a basic knowledge of the process in order to appreciate what was accomplished.The women highlighted are not just scientists, or just secretarial help, or outstanding in any particular way. They are a cross section of society although a fair number are from the south.The Charleston, SC Post and Courier newspaper commented: "'The Girls of Atomic City' which often reads like a novel, shares an underappreciated dimension of the World War II era."The San Antonio Express News said: "...It's a definite must-read for any military history buff and a powerful reminder that the 'Greatest Generation' encompassed both sexes."There is not a plot to this book, simply a fascinating unfolding of one of America's great secrets.
What do You think about Girls Of Atomic City, The: The Untold Story Of The Women Who Helped Win World War II (2014)?
The stories were good and so inspiring. It was a little hard to follow all the woman.
—Fred
Disappointing!Well researched, great subject, poorly conveyed.
—ravines
It was too long, and hard to follow the characters.
—Sarah
