The Radium Girls: the Dark Story of America's Shining Women

The Radium Girls: the Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore

As World War I raged across the globe, hundreds of young women toiled away at the radium-dial factories, where they painted clock faces with a mysterious new substance called radium. Assured by their bosses that the luminous material was safe, the women themselves shone brightly in the dark, covered from head to toe with the glowing dust. With such a coveted job, these "shining girls" were considered the luckiest alive--until they began to fall mysteriously ill. As the fatal poison of the radium took hold, they found themselves embroiled in one of America's biggest scandals and a groundbreaking battle for workers' rights. The Radium Girls explores the strength of extraordinary women in the face of almost impossible circumstances and the astonishing legacy they left behind.

A disheartening look at part of America’s history. It was aggravating to read about the CEO’s unconcerned attitude with the well being of their workers and the lack of compassion for lower class employees. It also lends to a reflection on what you would do to keep your employment in order to take care of your family. This reflection is especially suitable during this time of COVID-19. For me this book brings about a lot of skepticism for anything “new” that might be produced as a cure or benefit in the future. Regardless, this book was incredibly well written and I would highly recommend it.