The New Celebrity Scientists

January 1, 2015

Despite this book's title, many readers will be unfamiliar with some of the scientists profiled here, among them James Lovelock, whose work has passed out of vogue, and Brian Greene. Such inventors have not entered our culture as strongly as the theories they support (in this case, string theory). In contrast, familiar names--Bill Nye and Rachel Carson, for example--are absent. Since name recognition is a major part of celebrity, even in the absence of context, Fahy's (communications, American Univ.) choices are puzzling. Also problematic is lack of diversity: the lineup contains only one woman (Susan Greenfield) and one person of color (Neil deGrasse Tyson). Granted, the lack of prominent minority scientists is an issue, but books like this only perpetuate the problem. Selection criteria aside, what is truly missing is an uplifting tone. The reader does not come away from this book with especially positive impressions of the people described therein, which is particularly problematic if this is their first exposure to these scientists. VERDICT Perhaps Fahy's goal was not to inspire, but his approach does not work.--Cate Hirschbiel, Iwasaki Lib., Emerson Coll., Boston

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