Take a photo of a barcode or cover
sarakomo 's review for:
2021: the best book about a eugenicist I've ever read.
This book is many elements weaved together expertly into a unique non-fiction narrative. Part Miller's own memoir, part scientific research paper, and part obsessive discussion about David Starr Jordan, the not-quite-stream-of-consciousness journey that we go on with Miller will stick with me for a while.
It's the only way a book should be written about eugenics - that the subject is unequivocally incorrect in all its assumptions about "back-sliding devolution" and that OBVIOUSLY sterilizing women without their consent is BONKERS WRONG AND EVIL AND would you believe that we actually still have a federal law on the books saying that it's technically legal? Of course you would.
One of the more fascinating elements of this book is the idea of "giving up the fish" and what you actually stand to gain by letting go when you learn new information. Essential for scientists, and a great lesson for the rest of us!
Bonus: the audiobook ends in the cutest little treat featuring Miller's son learning how to say the word "fish" 10/10 would highly recommend listening to the book, read by Miller herself!
This book is many elements weaved together expertly into a unique non-fiction narrative. Part Miller's own memoir, part scientific research paper, and part obsessive discussion about David Starr Jordan, the not-quite-stream-of-consciousness journey that we go on with Miller will stick with me for a while.
It's the only way a book should be written about eugenics - that the subject is unequivocally incorrect in all its assumptions about "back-sliding devolution" and that OBVIOUSLY sterilizing women without their consent is BONKERS WRONG AND EVIL AND would you believe that we actually still have a federal law on the books saying that it's technically legal? Of course you would.
One of the more fascinating elements of this book is the idea of "giving up the fish" and what you actually stand to gain by letting go when you learn new information. Essential for scientists, and a great lesson for the rest of us!
Bonus: the audiobook ends in the cutest little treat featuring Miller's son learning how to say the word "fish" 10/10 would highly recommend listening to the book, read by Miller herself!