Laura L. Mays Hoopes Breaks Spiral Ceiling with New Nonfiction Book

Title: Breaking Through the Spiral Ceiling
Subtitle: An American Woman Becomes a DNA Scientist.

Author: Laura L Mays Hoopes
Author’s web site links: http://www.lauralmayshoopes.com/ ,
http://www.westcoastwriters.blogspot.com/  
http://www.scitable.com/forums/women-in-science 
Genre or category: memoirs and biographies
ISBN-10: 0557923204
ISBN-13: 978-0557923205
Publisher: Lulu.com

Reviewd by Rossana G. D’Antonio originally for Amazon
Reviewer’s rating: 5 stars


Laura L. Mays Hoopes takes us on a colorful journey through time and science as she candidly describes her courageous story of a young woman, who unbeknownst to her, sets off on a trailblazing venture. Experiencing discrimination at a tender age in an era when women were still relegated to a few token professions, her sheer determination drives her to face her obstacles head on. It is this loss of innocence that pulls us in early in her memoir and keeps us rooting for her throughout the story. Hoopes recounts her experiences with humor, sheer honesty, and courage. These are the stepping stones she sets for us to travel alongside her in a path often riddled with self-doubt, guilt and tears as she tries to live her dream of having it all.


Having attended engineering school in the late eighties, I can attest to the difficulties of venturing into a profession that is still very much male-dominated. The obstacles still exist albeit they are much more subtle than Hoopes describes. So I am inspired by her grace, poise, and determination when facing and overcoming these prejudices.


There is still so much inequity in the world of science, math and engineering. To read about someone who has succeeded in these fields is encouraging. To learn about the many obstacles Hoopes overcame to get there is inspirational. To know that she nourished her dream allowing it to grow into something deeper and now she actively impacts future generations is a powerful concept.


In the end, Hoopes succeeds in baring her soul to the reader. A soul that has undergone a transformation with each page. A soul that has experienced love, success, a few tears, and self-discovery...and survived it all! Bravo!
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