Autobiography: science, technology and medicine Books

Book Synopsis"A compulsively readable, totally unforgettable memoir that recounts a sensitive college student's experience working on an emergency ambulance in hell, aka New York City." -- James Patterson

Read more less

Book Synopsis_Stone Breaker_ is an in-depth, accessible biography of a true American polymath, James Gates Percival. A poet, linguist, and unstable savant, Percival was also a brilliant geologist who walked thousands of miles crisscrossing first Connecticut and then Wisconsin to lay the foundation for the work of generations of Earth scientists. Exploring the confluences of literature, art, and geology, Kathleen L. Housley reveals how one of most famous poets of the 1820''s became a renowned geologist with his groundbreaking 1843 work _Report on the Geology of the State of Connecticut._ 35 color images include historic photographs and paintings of the Connecticut landscape.A wonderful, carefully researched biography of this deeply impressive, multidisciplinary intellectual._~John Hay, associate professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas_Housley''s insightful and readable biography illuminates the potent combination of poetry and science that defined Percival''s undeservedly neglected life and works

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe powerful and moving memoir by a scientist and mother of three of how she learned to live again, after a sudden severe infection caused her to die and then revive, but locked in - completely paralysed, and only able to blink an eye. With a foreword by Bill Bryson.Trade ReviewIt's a wonderful meditation on the human condition and a testament to the power of love. It was heartbreaking and life-affirming in equal measure. An extraordinary story and a joy to read. -- Max Pemberton, columnist and author of TRUST ME, I'M A (JUNIOR) DOCTORAs gripping as a thriller * Sunday Express *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe powerful and moving memoir by a scientist and mother of three of how she learned to live again after a sudden severe infection caused her to die but then revive with 'locked-in syndrome' - only able to blink an eye. With a foreword by Bill Bryson.Trade ReviewIt's a wonderful meditation on the human condition and a testament to the power of love. It was heartbreaking and life-affirming in equal measure. An extraordinary story and a joy to read. -- Max Pemberton, columnist and author of TRUST ME, I'M A (JUNIOR) DOCTORAs gripping as a thriller * SUNDAY EXPRESS *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA brutally honest, darkly funny and profoundly moving memoir about the author's global search for a cure to chronic painTrade ReviewA timely, worrying and extremely important book * OBSERVER *Truly fascinating . . . a searingly honest first-hand account of Buckley's journey, both spiritual and physical, and an insightful, deeply researched story of pain from the multiple perspectives of medical science, psychology and faith. An absolute must-read on the subject, what's laid bare here about our understanding of and attitudes to chronic pain is alternatively sobering and inflammatory * INDEPENDENT *An inspiring story about living with pain, and not being believed and never giving up -- Natasha Harding * SUN *Buckley's account of her illness is elegant, with apposite literary references. As a welcome bonus, she is bitingly funny in her descriptions of the shortcomings of the medical profession, as well as her unnerving encounters with alternative therapists. Most importantly, she highlights the alarming extent of chronic pain in the UK and the medical establishment's failure to tackle it head on; according to the British Medical Journal, it affects a third of us. Nevertheless, the message from her story is uplifting: however awful your circumstances, there's always hope -- Peter Carty * i paper *A raw and unflinching exploration of chronic pain and the human body, Heal Me documents the desperate psychological and physical journey of chasing a cure for an invisible illness. From leading NHS professionals to faith healers in Haiti, Buckley puts her body on the line all over the world in an attempt to live a 'normal' life again, documenting all in honest and often disarmingly witty prose that creates a moving, compelling and timely reflection on medicine, religion and the business of health -- ROB COWEN, author of Common GroundJulia Buckley applies all her considerable journalistic skill to telling the story of her own quest for a miracle - freedom from the chronic pain that she knows is real but so few doctors believe in. It's painfully honest but far from painful reading -- DAMIAN BARRGripped me from start to finish. At times hilarious, at times heartbreaking and always relatable -- HOLLY BAXTERHeal Me is a wonderful book, vibrant, lively and searching. Julia Buckley weighs the price of hope against desperation, exploring with humour, research and compassion the need that pain patients have for healing. Her quest will take you around the world and through the ether as she crosses light and darkness for a cure -- SONYA HUBERAs her pained and broken body is pushed, poked, prodded, measured, X-rayed, medicated, massaged and, more often than not, declared fine, Julia Buckley takes us on a worldwide journey in search of a cure for the devastating pain which rages through her, the legacy of an assortment of ailments and diagnoses and misdiagnoses and guesswork. In prose which glitters with anger, Buckley frequently invokes The Yellow Wallpaper, an important predecessor to her book and one which sets up the theme: women's illness, women's pain, is frequently disparaged, disbelieved and belittled, with deadly results. In the age of rape culture and #metoo, Buckley's memoir is an important and devastating reminder that the oppression and objectification of women exists in many other insidious forms, with just as profound impacts -- RUTH FOWLERThis book shouldn't be entertaining and yet, as Buckley recounts her global odyssey in search of a miracle, her rollercoaster journey turns out to be as compulsive as any thriller ... her brave book is a reminder to never give up hope -- Stephanie Cross * THE LADY *Buckley's eloquently angry Heal Me: In Search of a Cure homes in on the insidious gender politics that often determine the treatment of female patients -- Anna Katharina Schaffner * TLS *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe revealing, compelling memoir of one of Australia's foremost cardiothoracic surgeons, Dr Nikki Stamp.Raw, honest and compelling, Scrubbed is Dr Nikki Stamp's account of her life as one of Australia's leading cardiothoracic surgeons. A life lived at the very edge of modern medicine, where heart surgeons walk the thinnest of lines between life and death, and yet where the greatest challenge can be the medical system itself.From childhood Nikki Stamp wanted to be a doctor. It was a calling, not a career. Her love for her vocation only grew as a medical student, and as a young registrar going through training rotations she fell, totally and utterly, for the hugely demanding specialty of cardiothoracic surgery. But alongside the excitement and enormous challenges of trying to make it in one of the toughest and most competitive fields of surgery came warning signs. Even in the operating theatre, where she felt most alive, she battled with sexism, enormous egos and at times outright bullying. And within the hospital system she lived with inhuman hours, chronic sleep deprivation and bureaucratic mismanagement that had a profoundly damaging effect on her life outside of work.From the drama of the operating theatre, filled with both triumph and tragedy, to the brutal realities of surgical training and the sacrifices needed to make it to the top, to entrenched misogyny and the grinding nature of hospital politics, Scrubbed is one of the most revealing books yet written about the real life and experiences of a surgeon.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe engrossing memoir of a plastic and reconstructive surgeon involved in groundbreaking and life-changing procedures.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLeprosy has tormented mankind since records began. For much of its long history it was without cure—a disfiguring disease that stigmatised those it affected, isolating them from society. Today there is an effective treatment, but the last mile to achieve a leprosy-free world is the hardest. Now approaching eighty years old, one Japanese philanthropic activist has played a key role in global efforts against leprosy, both as head of a private foundation and as the World Health Organization's 'Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination'. In this book, he lays out his personal mission and philosophy, and explains how his father, the politician and philanthropist Ryoichi Sasakawa, influenced his decision to make leprosy elimination his life's work. Yohei Sasakawa has visited more than 100 countries, motivating political leaders, raising awareness via the media, encouraging frontline health workers, and helping to empower persons affected by leprosy and their families to speak out for their rights. His book is a validation of the path taken by a father and son to change the course of leprosy history, and to transform the circumstances of those affected by the disease for the better.Trade Review‘Moving . . . the book is a rallying cry for a world free of this disease . . . [a] powerful account.’‘Yohei Sasakawa’s journey and message is clear and important, even at present, and hopefully will inspire other people to take to heart the plea of individuals with leprosy who are still experiencing stigma in their countries.’ -- The Lancet'East Timor achieved the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem in 2010. We owe much to Mr Yohei Sasakawa, who visited the country repeatedly to encourage our health services to focus on the disease and convince us it was possible. He is an extraordinary person in the way that he has devoted himself to this humanitarian cause. This book gives you a real idea of who he is and what motivates him. I admire his commitment and dedication to improving the situation of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.' -- José Ramos-Horta, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 1996, and former President of East Timor'"No Matter Where the Journey Takes Me" is the story of a man who has selflessly dedicated his life to bettering the life of others by contributing to the elimination of leprosy, and advocating for the end of the social discrimination it causes. It is the story of disfiguring disease that has afflicted humankind since before history was written, and of a man with a destiny and a mission that are making a difference.' -- David L. Heymann * London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine *'Yohei Sasakawa's "No Matter Where the Journey Takes Me" is a moving account of efforts over almost sixty years to fight both disease and discrimination. Despite significant work, an estimated 3 million people around the world are living with disability from leprosy. The book is a rallying cry for a world free of this disease.' -- Ann Aerts * Nature, The International Journal of Science *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor the last twenty years, Dr Hawa Abdi and her daughters have run a refugee camp on their family farm not far from Mogadishu which has grown to shelter 90,000 displaced Somalis: men, women, and children in urgent need of medical attention. As Islamist militia groups have been battling for control of the country creating one of the most dire human rights crises in the world, Dr. Abdi's camp is a beacon of hope for the Somalis, most of whom have no proper access to health care. She was recently held hostage by a militant groups who threatened her life and told her that because she's a woman she has no right to run the camp. She refused to leave.This is not just the story of a woman doctor in a war torn Islamic country risking her life daily to minister to thousands of desperate people, it's also an inspiring story of a divorced woman and her two daughters, bound together on a mission to rehabilitate a country.Trade ReviewA remarkable story of tenacity in dire circumstances. - The Bookseller

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisNever did I think that I would ever write a book, until my life's journey brought me to this point. When I came home from hospital after my transplant and started to settle back into normal life, I began to think and remember different things about my transplant journey, and so as not to forget any memories I started writing notes, which from there I felt the need to carry on writing and then this turned into my book. Writing my story was so important for my mental health because it meant I no longer have to worry about forgetting memories of my transplant.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year""An inspiring anthology of writings by trailblazing female astronomers from 1960 to today."---Simon Ings, New Scientist"The particulars of each woman’s experience are unique, which is part of what makes their stories compelling. . . . As I read through the book, no single essay stood out to me. Instead, I was affected (sometimes deeply) by each woman’s story in a different way, and I often felt compelled to take note of some phrase or piece of sage advice."---Nicolle Zellner, American Scientist"Trimble and Weintraub bring together essays by women who reached for the stars in this uplifting anthology. . . . Filled with moving testimonies and awe-inspiring discoveries, this is a wonderful tribute to the joys of science and the tough road many women had on the way to forging their careers." * Publishers Weekly *"The essays in The Sky Is for Everyone illustrate the progress women have made in the field, although that push to equality is not complete."---Jeff Foust, Space Review"This anthology of 37 short autobiographies covers more than six decades of astronomy and shows the varied paths of female astronomers and the roadblocks that can slow or sideline their success."---Ashley Yeager, Science News"These stories will absolutely inspire our next generation of female scientists. . . . [The Sky Is for Everyone] is an absolute must-read for any young lady who is thinking of starting a career in astronomy. The same applies to anybody who is interested in the history of women in astronomy."---​​​​​​​Mary McIntyre, Journal of the British Astronomical Association"[These autobiographical essays] provide a rich portrait of the experiences, ranging from triumphs to heartbreaks, that constitute the lives of women in contemporary astronomy. . . .They demonstrate that a rewarding career in astronomy is possible for anyone who gives it a try and succeeds at overcoming the many hurdles that confront us all regardless of gender."---David H. DeVorkin, Quest"A communal love letter to astronomy and the broader sciences. . . . The Sky Is for Everyone is a valuable read for astronomers and those interested in the status of women in science, but also for department heads and policymakers who should take note of how institutional barriers can be broken down and accommodations made to improve the astronomy community."---Joanna Behrman, Physics Today"[The] essays are universally well written."---H.D. Wong, Choice

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year""An inspiring anthology of writings by trailblazing female astronomers from 1960 to today."---Simon Ings, New Scientist"The particulars of each woman’s experience are unique, which is part of what makes their stories compelling. . . . As I read through the book, no single essay stood out to me. Instead, I was affected (sometimes deeply) by each woman’s story in a different way, and I often felt compelled to take note of some phrase or piece of sage advice."---Nicolle Zellner, American Scientist"Trimble and Weintraub bring together essays by women who reached for the stars in this uplifting anthology. . . . Filled with moving testimonies and awe-inspiring discoveries, this is a wonderful tribute to the joys of science and the tough road many women had on the way to forging their careers." * Publishers Weekly *"The essays in The Sky Is for Everyone illustrate the progress women have made in the field, although that push to equality is not complete."---Jeff Foust, Space Review"This anthology of 37 short autobiographies covers more than six decades of astronomy and shows the varied paths of female astronomers and the roadblocks that can slow or sideline their success."---Ashley Yeager, Science News"These stories will absolutely inspire our next generation of female scientists. . . . [The Sky Is for Everyone] is an absolute must-read for any young lady who is thinking of starting a career in astronomy. The same applies to anybody who is interested in the history of women in astronomy."---​​​​​​​Mary McIntyre, Journal of the British Astronomical Association"[These autobiographical essays] provide a rich portrait of the experiences, ranging from triumphs to heartbreaks, that constitute the lives of women in contemporary astronomy. . . .They demonstrate that a rewarding career in astronomy is possible for anyone who gives it a try and succeeds at overcoming the many hurdles that confront us all regardless of gender."---David H. DeVorkin, Quest"A communal love letter to astronomy and the broader sciences. . . . The Sky Is for Everyone is a valuable read for astronomers and those interested in the status of women in science, but also for department heads and policymakers who should take note of how institutional barriers can be broken down and accommodations made to improve the astronomy community."---Joanna Behrman, Physics Today"[The] essays are universally well written."---H.D. Wong, Choice

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn example of highly efficient, warm, human communication, achieved in times of stress, emerges in the remarkable series of letters that constitutes the bulk of this book. Dr C.J. Mackenzie was acting president of the National Research Council from 1939 to 1943 while General A.G.L. McNaughton, the president, was on leave of absence as commander of Canada’s field forces. During this time Mackenzie wrote regular secret letters to the General reporting on the progress being made in the council’s laboratories. These letters cover exciting and stimulating years of scientific discovery and development. The council’s programs, most of which paid off, included uses of radar for land, sea and air, the first Canadian optical glass industry, a new process for producing metallic magnesium (ending dependence on imports), the pressure suit and other advances in aviation medicine, degaussing and other defences against ingenious varieties of destructive German mines, the

Read more less

Book SynopsisChristopher A. Roosa grew up the eldest son of Apollo 14 astronaut and command module pilot Stuart A. Roosa. As a child of the space program, Christopher had a ringside seat at the dinner table of one of twenty-four Americans who had either entered lunar orbit or landed on the moon. The first book written by an offspring of an Apollo astronaut to focus on growing up in that era, Son of Apollo tells the inside story of the life of his father, a man who had a remarkable career despite always believing his air force career was off-track, from his initial application to the service to his removal from the prime crew of Apollo 13 and his subsequent assignment to Apollo 14. During the Apollo 13 mission and recovery, Stuart played an integral role in developing the procedures to return the crew to Earth safely. The focus-and the pressure-of the entire Apollo program then shifted to the Apollo 14 mission. If the Apollo program was to continue, Stuart and the Apollo 14 crew would need to get safely to the moon, land, and return. In writing about his father's career, Christopher Roosa also shows us a familial side of the Apollo experience, from the daily struggles of growing up in the shadow of a father who was necessarily away in training most of the year to the expectations involved in being an astronaut's son. Roosa's story shows the Apollo era was the result not only of thousands of scientists and engineers working steadfastly toward achieving an assassinated president's national goal but also the families who supported them and lived the missions in their own way. For more information about the book visit roosa.comTrade Review"Readers will appreciate Christopher Roosa’s memories and walk away from the book with admiration both for him and his father."—Tyler Peterson, H-Sci-Med-Tech"Oklahoman Stuart Roosa would be proud that his son took time to let the world know what it was like in those exciting years to be the son of Apollo."—Bill Moore, Chronicles of Oklahoma“U.S. Marine Corps Reserve colonel Christopher Roosa provides a unique view of the Apollo program from the perspective of an astronaut’s child. This book belongs on the shelf of everyone who revered the space program, as well as the values we seek to emulate from it within our families.”—Stephen M. Ryan, general counsel to Sen. John Glenn, who flew on Friendship 7 and space shuttle Discovery (STS-95)“Australia has played a role in NASA’s programs since Apollo 14, with Phil Chapman on the support team. But space has always been about not only the astronauts but their families. Now a pilot’s son reflects on those heady days from the perspective of the children and the families. A great read.”—Paul Scully-Power, Australia’s first astronaut, who flew on space shuttle Challenger (STS-41-G)“Having had my own children witness what it was like in those days of the Apollo program, it’s great that Christopher Roosa has written a story from the viewpoint of those who had a seat at the table. He shares family stories that only someone growing up during the Apollo program would know. An interesting read for space enthusiasts and those with gun and outdoor interests.”—Maj. Gen. Bill Anders, U.S. Air Force Reserve, lunar module pilot on Apollo 8“Apollo 14 astronaut Stuart Roosa was an accomplished test pilot and smoke jumper whose career took him to the moon, where he spent a day and a half completely alone in lunar orbit. He observed and photographed the moon with a detail no human had ever before captured. His early death in the last century robbed us of many firsthand insights. Yet only a family member can tell us what it was truly like to be around a lunar explorer—not only during their NASA glory years but also when faced with the question every moon voyager faced when returning to Earth: what do they do next?”—Francis French, space historian and editor of Apollo Pilot: The Memoir of Astronaut Donn EiseleTable of ContentsList of Illustrations Foreword Preface Prologue 1. The Launch of Apollo 14 2. The Roosa Family 3. Growing Up in Claremore 4. Life after Claremore 5. Flight Training 6. The Barrett Family 7. Meeting My Mother 8. Early Family Life 9. Houston, Texas 10. Getting on a Flight 11. Apollo Casualties 12. Pastimes 13. Apollo 11 14. Apollo 13 15. Apollo 14 16. Moon Trees 17. The Country Western Tapes 18. Postflight 19. Tales from the Road 20. Apollo Launches 21. Astronaut Downtime 22. Growing Up after Apollo 14 23. The Apollo Groupie Scene 24. Apollo 17 25. Reflections of an Apollo Command Module Pilot 26. The Last Flight of Apollo 27. Leaving NASA 28. My Father’s Passing Epilogue

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the age of ten, looking up at the stars, Jerry Ross knew that he wanted to journey into space. This autobiography tells the story of how he came not only to achieve that goal, but to become the most-launched astronaut in history, as well as a NASA veteran whose career spanned the entire US Space Shuttle program. From his childhood in rural Indiana, through education at Purdue University, and a career in the US Air Force, Ross charted a path to NASA after overcoming many setbacks—from failing to qualify for Air Force pilot training because of “bad” eyesight, to an initial failure to be selected into the astronaut program.The majority of the book is an insider’s account of the US Space Shuttle program, including the unforgettable experience of launch, the delights of weightless living, and the challenges of constructing the International Space Station. Ross is a uniquely qualified narrator. During seven spaceflights, he spent 1,393 hours in space, including 58 hours and 18 minutes on nine space walks. Life on the ground is also described, including the devastating experiences of the Challenger and Columbia disasters.For readers who have followed the space program from Mercury through the International Space Station and wonder what comes next, this book provides fascination; for young people interested in space exploration and reaching for their dreams, whatever they might be, this book provides inspiration. Full of stories of spaceflight that few humans have ever experienced, told with humor and honesty, Spacewalker presents a unique perspective on the hard work, determination, and faith necessary to travel beyond this world.Key Points: An insider’s account of the US Space Shuttle program, from before its first launch through the final landing, and the building of the International Space Station. A firsthand account of life in space from the first human to fly seven missions. An inspirational story of a personal journey from rural Indiana to outer space, powered by a deep Christian faith. Trade ReviewSpacewalker is the book for anyone who ever dreamed of flying in space." —Neil Armstrong"This book is the story of a common man from the Midwest who became an American hero . . . a model for the youth of our nation and for those who will accept the challenge to follow in his footsteps.” —Gene Kranz, NASA Flight Director for Gemini and Apollo

Read more less

Book SynopsisA poignant story that covers life, education, and career of leading biomedical scientist, John A. Wiliams, whose research focused on the exocrine pancreas

Read more less

Book SynopsisA vibrant graphic adaptation of the classic science memoir Regarded as one of the world's preeminent biologists, Edward O. Wilson spent his boyhood exploring the forests and swamps of south Alabama and the Florida panhandle, collecting snakes, butterflies, and ants--the latter to become his lifelong specialty. His memoir Naturalist, called "one of the finest scientific memoirs ever written" by the Los Angeles Times, is an inspiring account of Wilson's growth as a scientist and the evolution of the fields he helped define. This graphic edition, adapted by Jim Ottaviani and illustrated by C.M.Butzer, brings Wilson's childhood and celebrated career to life through dynamic full-color illustrations and Wilson's own lyric writing. In this adaptation of Naturalist, vivid illustrations draw readers in to Wilson's lifelong quest to explore and protect the natural world. His success began not with an elite education but an insatiable curiosity about Earth's wild creatures, and this new edition of Naturalist makes Wilson's work accessible for anyone who shares his passion. On every page, striking art adds immediacy and highlights the warmth and sense of humor that sets Wilson's writing apart. Naturalist was written as an invitation--a reminder that curiosity is vital and scientific exploration is open to all of us. Each dynamic frame of this graphic adaptation deepens Wilson's message, renewing his call to discover and celebrate the little things of the world.

Read more less

Book Synopsis Looking up at the stars at the age of ten, John Casper dreamed of being a space explorer. The Sky Above tells how persistence and determination led to flying in space, after serving the nation as a combat fighter pilot and test pilot. Despite life-threatening experiences and failures, his spiritual faith was pivotal in overcoming life's challenges. Through vivid storytelling, the reader rides alongside the author in the cockpit, feeling the fear of enemy antiaircraft fire and the pressure of high g-forces during combat maneuvering. His insider accounts of four Space Shuttle missions vividly describe exhilarating launches, the magical experience of weightlessness, and the magnificent beauty of Earth from hundreds of miles above. A central theme running throughout Casper's life is his faith, as he struggles with the loss of fellow pilots and confronts life's inconsistencies and disappointments. This is a story about his growth and trust in his Creator, whose tenacious spirit never left him, even during the devastating Challenger and Columbia disasters. Readers interested in stories of true adventure or overcoming adversity will discover unique drama and insight. Those trying to reach their dreams, whatever they are, will find inspiration; those unsure or challenged in their faith will find encouragement. Table of Contents Part I 1. A Lesson in Courage 2. My Crazy Dream 3. First Adventures 4. Ramblin' Wrecks, Falcons, and Boilermakers Part II 5. Tweets, Talons, and Super Sabres 6. Combat with the Lucky Devils 7. Cold War Fighter Pilot 8. Experimental Test Pilot 9. Life in the Puzzle Palace Part III 10. Challenger and Return to Flight 11. Space Shuttle Rookie 12. Space Shuttle Commander 13. Microgravity Lab 14. Saving the Space Station 15. A Four-Rendezvous Flight Part IV 16. Safety Director 17. The Unthinkable Happens 18. Return to Flight . . . Again 19. First Test Flight of Orion Acknowledgments Appendix: Aircraft and Spacecraft Flown Glossary Notes Bibliography About the Author

Read more less

Book SynopsisCharles K. Kao was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for "groundbreaking achievements concerning the transmission of light in fibers for optical communication." This memoir chronicles his personal and scientific odyssey from his an unfathomable childhood in war-torn Shanghai and Hong Kong to his seminal work with glass fibers. Kao shares his experiences as vice-chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and muses on his legacy as the "father of fiber optics." His groundbreaking research (based in part on the discovery that signal loss in fiber cables was a direct result of glass impurities rather than technology flaws) laid the groundwork for our present day communication infrastructure.

Read more less