Hidden FiguresHidden Figures
Score Modern
What it's about
Before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of mathematicians known as 'human computers' calculated the flight paths that made it possible. Among them were brilliant African American women, segregated from their white colleagues, whose work helped America win the space race. Margot Lee Shetterly tells their story.
Why it's worth reading
It spent 6 weeks at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. It brought a hidden chapter of history to light and inspired an Oscar-nominated film.
You'll love it if you liked
The Right Stuff
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
The Wright BrothersGood to know
It's more detailed and historical than the film, covering several decades.
By the numbers
- Readers43 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller73 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #153 of the 198 history books we rank
- #183 of the 290 memoirs and biographies we rank
- #663 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #1255 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
True story, Thought-provoking
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Quick answers
Is Hidden Figures worth reading?
Yes. It spent 6 weeks at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. It ranks #1,255 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 70.4 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Hidden Figures about?
Before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of mathematicians known as 'human computers' calculated the flight paths that made it possible. Among them were brilliant African American women, segregated from their white colleagues, whose work helped America win the space race. Margot Lee Shetterly tells their story.
How long does it take to read Hidden Figures?
About 10 hours (384 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Hidden Figures?
If you liked it, try The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot or The Wright Brothers by David McCullough.