The Radium Girls

Books | History / Women

4.3

(1.8K)

Kate Moore

A New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts Bestseller!"The glowing ghosts of the radium girls haunt us still." —NPR Books Discover the gripping and inspiring true story of The Radium Girls, a groundbreaking work by acclaimed author Kate Moore. Immerse yourself in this compelling narrative that unravels the extraordinary lives of these fearless women who fought against all odds.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. With meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, Kate Moore delves into the lives of these remarkable individuals, capturing their resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. Through their stories, she exposes the shocking negligence and corporate cover-ups that plagued the radium industry, ultimately sparking a revolution in workplace safety.The Radium Girls is a masterful blend of historical account and heartfelt tribute. Moore's vivid prose brings these forgotten heroines back to life, ensuring that their sacrifices and triumphs are forever etched in our collective memory. As you turn each page, you'll be captivated by their indelible legacy and inspired by their enduring spirit.The Radium Girls is a must-read for history enthusiasts, feminists, and anyone seeking a remarkable story of resilience and empowerment.

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More Details:

Author

Kate Moore

Pages

504

Publisher

Sourcebooks, Inc.

Published Date

2017-04-18

ISBN

1492649368 9781492649366

Ratings

Google: 3.5

Community ReviewsSee all

"A difficult but an incredible read. Watching these girls and women find the strength to keep fighting against overwhelming odds while enduring horrific health issues is powerful. They are truly American heroes and deserve more recognition. For those sensitive or squeamish please be advised that this may not be the book for you. I agree with other commentators that this should be taught in schools."

DaRo reads

"So wonderfully written. <br/>Kate captured these girls amazingly, she made them feel like real people. She takes you beautifully through their lives from their first days in the factories to their fights for justice and how they spent their last breaths. Cannot recommend enough."

Emily

"This is a book that really stuck with me and made me feel so many things. These women were incredible "

Tashan Kehoe

"Compelling storytelling, heartbreaking but so interesting "

Adelina Prentice

"It's one of the most difficult, but necessary books I've ever read. The unflinching hope and determination of these women is awe-inspiring. Moore's dedication to telling the story through their eyes instead of through the lens of the larger forces of science and industry around them makes this book a rare gem. It highlights the most important thing they had: their voice. "

Marissa Lausen

"I absolutely loved this book. Page turner for sure. Of course SO much better than the movie. My favorite book of all time is Stiff by Mary Roach. I find it very interesting with the right amount of humor to lighten it up. Worth looking into I think!"

L L

Lindsey LaRue

"An extremely rough read. It’s important (and I’m sure great) but I’m dreading picking it back up. I don’t think reading about real life atrocities in this long of a format is for me."

Isa

"It may be a format issue, but this book became a slog at times. So much that I had to step away and return months later. Of course, the decades-long struggles these women faced was also a different kind of slog. I just wanted a bit more narrative tension."