11/1/05 Science Books & Films
As one volume in the Women's Adventures in Science series devoted to the lives of contemporary women scientists, this short biography of a Hispanic sociologist aims to inspire and encourage young people (especially minority youths) to undertake a scientific career. Born to an illegal Mexican immigrant and migrant laborers, Dr. Tienda was able to overcome the hardships of poverty, the death of her mother when she was seven years old, an abusive stepmother (this is a true Cinderella story!), some bad teachers, and a failed marriage. She is currently a professor working in academia and on Hispanic issues in a number of national organizations. The book is lavishly illustrated with many family photographs. It is also very readable. The book's message is that hard work and high motivation can overcome personal and societal obstacles if one values and pursues an education. What isn't adequately described is how determination is not enough without adequate opportunities and the support, both financial and psychological, of people in and out of academia who encourage, mentor, and foster talent. Unfortunately, without those supports, many young people with promise (most in minority groups) go unrecognized, and examples like Dr. Tienda are seen as rare and unique cases of little relevance to one's own personal life.