The Disordered Cosmos

Don't let the deep particle physics fool you, this book is about so much more. Chanda draws a great parallel that knocks down two firm beliefs at once: the beliefs that we know a lot about the cosmos, and that science/academia is the pristine world of objectiveness we think it is. It's well written, sadly inspired by a lot of pain but by no means uncomfortable to read. If you have any interest at all in our universe, science or the people around you, please read this book.

Like no book I've read or imagined reading; the same probably goes for you. The first essay deep-dives straight into hard physics; from there it's a gradual (and effective) progression to Prescod-Weinstein's vision of a more perfect world. She takes us through racism in the sciences and in academia; through misogyny, colonialism, white supremacy, rape, tyranny, language. Each essay is both complete in itself and inextricably tied into the rest of the book; there's doubtless a Quantum metaphor in there somewhere.

This is a challenging book, and not in a consistent way. Prescod-Weinstein does not talk down to the reader – and few readers will have the background necessary to fully understand every topic she covers. I struggled. You will struggle. Does that deter you? Good: you're not the target audience. Does it encourage you? Make you want to learn more? Even better! Ask me for my (hardcover) copy!

DNF because it was due back at the library and the author really lost me when she started drawing parallels between melanin science and the continued exploitation of coloured folk. The Shuri reference was spot on but Chandra admitted the arguments were not well-formed and I was like, “why didn't you rewrite it then?!” I have no patience for authors who don't put in the work of editing elements that need it.