We found it interesting to learn more about what goes on 'inside the walls,' but found some of the author's younger memories a bit difficult to fathom. Overall, we do recommended it as an intriguing read.

When I originally needed to make a book selection for my book club host month, I had just finished watching a segment on CBS Sunday Morning titled, "Unraveling the Disappearance of Michael Rockefeller." The segment highlighted a book by Carl Hoffman, titled "Savage Harvest - A tale of cannibals, colonialism, and Michael Rockefeller's tragic quest for primitive art." Feeling a little uneasy about this title, but thinking the story sounded intriguing, I came to BookMovement to do some research. An advertisement for "The Girls of Atomic City" popped up, and knowing my book club consisted of all women, thought the latter might be a better choice, based on the ratings and reviews. It seemed to be a Rosie the Riveter, patriotic type of story upon first glance. Therefore, this was literally a last second choice for me.

Personally, I enjoyed this book. I have a technical mind and a technical degree, so I found the chemistry and physics lessons rolled into the history lesson and life stories to be fascinating. However, it didn't seem to go over as well with my other club members. Some couldn't get through it for the technicalities, one said it made her fall asleep, some said they agreed with reviews they'd read stating there were too many characters to follow. It certainly felt like a flop in my circle, although we did agree on our empathy for the lives of these women.

I felt it was important to know about the history and lives of these true, female heroines. I feel they're heroines because, while I don't necessarily approve of the outcome of their efforts, they sacrificed much during a time of need and uncertainty. After finding out what their efforts went towards, then having to suffer the consequences for it, they are, to me, to be commended, just as much as our military veterans. Although they weren't military enlistees, they took a call to duty for the sake of our country.

I would recommend this book, but beware the audience. And next time, I'll choose some lighter reading for my group..... ;}