The Radium Girls The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate Moore

:

The Radium Girls The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate Moore

Author: Kate Moore

The incredible true story of the women who fought America’s Undark danger

The Curies’ newly discovered element of radium makes gleaming headlines across the nation as the fresh face of beauty, and wonder drug of the medical community. From body lotion to tonic water, the popular new element shines bright in the otherwise dark years of the First World War.

Meanwhile, hundreds of girls toil amidst the glowing dust of the radium-dial factories. The glittering chemical covers their bodies from head to toe; they light up the night like industrious fireflies. With such a coveted job, these “shining girls” are the luckiest alive — until they begin to fall mysteriously ill.

But the factories that once offered golden opportunities are now ignoring all claims of the gruesome side effects, and the women’s cries of corruption. And as the fatal poison of the radium takes hold, the brave shining girls find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest scandals of America’s early 20th century, and in a groundbreaking battle for workers’ rights that will echo for centuries to come.

Written with a sparkling voice and breakneck pace,The Radium Girlsfully illuminates the inspiring young women exposed to the “wonder” substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Their courage and tenacity led to life-changing regulations, research into nuclear bombing, and ultimately saved hundreds of thousands of lives…

[highlight color=”green”]Goodreads users review :[/highlight]

Completely fascinating and also depressing story about how we ignored women and their health that’s still oh so resonate today. The writing could get a little too imaginative sometimes (in my nonfiction I don’t like the writer to seem like she’s inside the heads of people involved unless it came from a primary source, and I don’t think this was the case) but I forgave that for the level of detail involved and how well she gets you into the lives and deaths of so many of these women. The lies from the companies made me so angry!!! I really felt for these women and their families. Jasmine Guillory                                                                                      rated it: 5.0 from 5.0

What a way to end Women’s History Month. Saddest history lesson ever. If you’ve never heard of the The Radium Girls, you need to read this book. The Radium Girls is a thorough examination of a rarely heard about piece of history. Moore tells the story of corporate greed and dishonesty, showcasing the injustice done when the businesses refused to protect these hardworking women. It’s a very emotional text about a fascinating history, a long fought battle, and a too-late recognition. Mrs. Europaea                                                                                         rated it: 5.0 from 5.0

This is a very interesting account of the “radium girls” and their heroic tribulations as well as contributions. I learned a lot about radium poisoning and its terrible effects on people. I remember the radium-dialed wristwatches, but I hadn’t heard about the workers who produced them. Great stuff. Ed                                                                                                          rated it: 5.0 from 5.0