Life
"Lab Girl" chronicles prize-winning paleobiologist Hope Jahren’s coming-of-age experience as a female scientist and juxtaposes this with beautifully-rendered meditations on the life of plants.
The UCSB Library and the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor are pleased to announce the selection of a book for UCSB Reads 2018: Lab Girl by prize-winning paleobiologist Hope Jahren. Lab Girl chronicles Jahren's coming-of-age experience as a female scientist and juxtaposes this with beautifully-rendered meditations on the life of plants. Jahren courageously describes the difficult passages of her life, from her struggles with mental illness to the financial hardships of starting a research lab, while celebrating the joys of scientific discovery and friendship. The winner of both the National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography and American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Film Prize for Excellence in Science Books, Lab Girl is a compelling memoir that brings science to life and cultivates compassion for the environment.
Since the program's start in 2007, UCSB Readsâ has been bringing the campus and Santa Barbara communities together each year for dialogue about important topical issues while reading a common book. An advisory committee made up of faculty, staff, students, and community representatives selected Lab Girl for its wide appeal to scientists, humanities scholars, and readers across the disciplines.
UCSB Reads 2018 will begin in January when the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor, and University Librarian distribute free copies of the book to UCSB students in the UCSB Library. During the winter and spring quarters, UCSB Library will sponsor faculty talks, book discussions, exhibitions and other programs on campus and in the community. Jahren will deliver a free public lecture in Campbell Hall on April 3, 2018.
Stay tuned for more information in the coming months!