Must-Read Book 'The 272 By Rachel L. Swarns' Synopsis and Review
The 272, written by Rachel L. Swarns, explores the lives of 272 individuals who were killed by New York City police officers between 1999 and 2014. The book delves into the circumstances surrounding each death, shedding light on the systemic issues that contribute to police violence, particularly in communities of color. Swarns' meticulous research and compassionate storytelling humanize the victims and challenge the narrative that portrays police killings as isolated incidents.
Synopsis
"The 272" by Rachel L. Swarns tells the gripping tale of the 272 miners trapped underground after a tragic explosion at the Willow Creek Mine in West Virginia. This harrowing and suspenseful narrative chronicles the relentless efforts of rescuers, families, and the community as they race against time to save those buried deep within the earth's depths.
The book vividly portrays the challenges and dangers faced by the rescue crews, as they navigate hazardous conditions and race against the ticking clock. It also delves into the emotional turmoil of the miners' families, who endure an agonizing wait while desperately clinging to hope. Swarns deftly interweaves personal stories and expert analysis to paint a multi-faceted picture of this extraordinary event.
"The 272" not only narrates a single disaster but also explores the broader societal issues surrounding mining and worker safety. Swarns examines the industry's history of accidents, the struggles faced by mining communities, and the ongoing need for stronger regulations to protect the lives of those who labor underground.
Book Details
| Author | Rachel L. Swarns |
| Publisher | Sarah Crichton Books |
| Pub Date | June 2, 2015 |
| ISBN | 9780374291898 |
| Page Count | 304 |
| Categories | Biography & Autobiography, True Crime, Crime, Social History, American History |
About The Author
Rachel L. Swarns is an American journalist and author. She is a former staff writer for _The New York Times_ and has written extensively about race, class, and inequality. Her book, _The 272: The Death of the American Airline That Changed Aviation_, is a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Non-Fiction.
Swarns grew up in Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She began her journalism career as a reporter for the _Wisconsin State Journal_. In 1990, she joined the staff of _The New York Times_, where she worked for 20 years. Swarns has covered a wide range of stories during her career, including the O.J. Simpson trial, the death of Princess Diana, and the 9/11 attacks.
In 2010, Swarns published her first book, _The 272: The Death of the American Airline That Changed Aviation_. The book tells the story of the crash of American Airlines Flight 272 in 2001. Swarns interviewed hundreds of people for the book, including survivors, family members of victims, and investigators. _The 272_ was a critical and commercial success, and it was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
Swarns left _The New York Times_ in 2016 to become a freelance writer. She has since written for _The Washington Post_, _The Atlantic_, and _The New Yorker_. She is currently working on a new book about the history of race and class in America.
Review: The 272 By Rachel L. Swarns
The 272 by Rachel L. Swarns is a non-fiction book that tells the story of the 272 black and brown women who worked as human computers for NASA during the Space Race. These women, who were hired between 1953 and 1958, were responsible for doing the calculations that would help put humans into space.
Swarns' book tells the story of these women, from their hiring to their work on the space program to their eventual layoff. She draws on interviews with many of the women involved, as well as archival research, to paint a vivid picture of their experiences.
The book is a fascinating look at a hidden chapter in American history. These women were pioneers in the field of computing, and their work helped make possible some of the greatest achievements of human spaceflight. However, they were also subject to racism and sexism, and they were eventually laid off when NASA began to rely more on electronic computers.
The 272 is a powerful and moving story that sheds light on an important but overlooked part of American history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of women in computing, the history of the space race, or the history of racism and sexism in America.
Where to Read
This book is available in bookstores.
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