STEM and STEAM – Feature

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Art, design, engineering, feature, history, math, science, steam, STEM, technology, writing

Instead of a review today, I am just going to talk.  I don’t often stray from book reviews, but after reading three successive books about women in scientific careers, and noticing an unintentional theme, I was inspired to put some additional thoughts out there. And then ramble a bit…..

Perhaps you’ve noticed that the theme this week has been academia.  All the books I’ve been reviewing feature women who were, for at least a part of the story, in graduate school.  Kate Khavari’s A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons by took place in the 1920’s.  Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus took place in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Wednesday’s book, The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, is a contemporary academic romance.  All three main characters have a scientific field of study.   

While I was putting this week together, I learned a new word.  STEMinist.  The Urban Dictionary gives more than one definition, but the one I like is “A person who believes that all social groups deserve equal representation in STEM fields.”

Continuing in the STEMinist theme, tomorrow’s review will be of a book that features a female engineer.  A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett takes place in 1820 London.  The books reviewed this week cover two centuries of strong women determined to succeed in STEM careers.  

STEM is a big deal these days in schools and in libraries.  STEM activities get lots of support.  Boys and girls are encouraged to explore analytical fields.  I am all for that.  In an ever-changing technological world, we need people to pursue those fields.

However.  (Did you know that “However,” was coming?)  Without creative thought, there would be no advances in any STEM field.  While I am not hugely blessed with artistic talent, I feel the arts are just as important as science, technology, engineering and math.  Many people feel this way. That’s how STEAM came about.  Guess what the ‘A’ stands for.

STEAM recognizes that creative skills and knowledge of arts including design, writing and history are needed in order for the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math to even exist.  Without some initial creative thought, there would be no need for advances in the sciences. Encouraging creativity in kids is critical for our future. We need those original thinkers in all disciplines to solve tomorrow’s problems.

Sadly, the term STEAM is used far less often than STEM.  (The Urban Dictionary says this when I look up STEAMinist “Sorry, we couldn’t find: STEAMinist”.

As a reader of the types of books I feature on this blog, I can’t help but think you also believe that creativity is important.  To that end, I am asking you to support the arts in your community.  Whether it is in the schools, libraries, or community projects, making the arts accessible to all is good for everyone!  I believe this whole-heartedly! Support comes in many forms. At my library, my favorite form is enthusiastic thanks for the programs we offer. Donations are good. Volunteering is lovely! By tickets to concerts. Purchase art pieces from your local artists. Somehow, let the creative people around you know that you appreciate their contributions. I probably don’t need to tell you that buying and reading books also supports the arts. 🙂

I will leave you with two quotes. First from a writer:

“There are two kinds of truth: the truth that lights the way and the truth that warms the heart. The first of these is science, and the second is art. Neither is independent of the other or more important than the other. Without art science would be as useless as a pair of high forceps in the hands of a plumber. Without science art would become a crude mess of folklore and emotional quackery. The truth of art keeps science from becoming inhuman, and the truth of science keeps art from becoming ridiculous.” Raymond Chandler, writer

And because this also about STEAMinism and I like equal representation, here is what an astronaut has to say about science and art:

“Sciences provide an understanding of a universal experience, Arts are a universal understanding of a personal experience… they are both a part of us and a manifestation of the same thing… the arts and sciences are avatars of human creativity” Mae Jemison, astronaut

‘Tis the Season – Thursday

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artic, Coreene Callahan, dragons, fairy tales, historical romance, ice, Kathleen O'Neal Gear, Lindsey Pogue, paranormal romance, post-apocalypse, romance, scifi, snow, Susanna Kearsley

Welcome to day 4 of recommendations of books with seasonal themes. Monday, I started with reviews of books with a Christmas theme. Tuesday was a list of Christmas-themed books I had not reviewed, but read and enjoyed (and therefore recommend). Yesterday’s post included reviews of books with a winter theme. Today, I will share some winter-themed books I have not reviewed (mostly) but I did enjoy. Maybe you will like them too!

So far, all the books in these posts are older books, released one or more years ago. Friday, I will have a review of a brand new book that will be released in January. In keeping with this week’s theme, a cold, icy place is the setting for at book. Come back tomorrow to see what I am talking about!

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I’ve included the Amazon link for each book here – click on the book cover. Note: Use of these links supports this blog and is very much appreciated.

The Darkest Winter by Lindsey Pogue

A group of orphaned misfits.
The wild lands of the last frontier.
Superhuman abilities, harrowing adventures, and heartbreaking secrets.

This a post-apocalyptic story that takes place in an artic environment where the world has been shattered by a virus. Part of The Savage North Chronicles.

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

Settling herself in the shadow of Slains Castle in Scotland, Carrie McClelland creates a heroine named for one of her own ancestors and starts to write.

But when she discovers her novel is more fact than fiction, Carrie wonders if she might be dealing with ancestral memory, making her the only living person who knows the truth-the ultimate betrayal-that happened all those years ago, and that knowledge comes very close to destroying her…

The story takes place over a long period of time, so it’s not always winter. But yes, there is a part that takes place in winter near the sea. This book was my introduction to Susanna Kearsley and I am very happy I found it!

Fury of Ice by Coreene Callahan

Homicide detective Angela Keen thrives on the city’s rough streets. But when she becomes the prize of all prizes in the dragon-shifter world due to her “high-energy” status, she gets more than she bargained for. Kidnapped by Lothair of the Razorback clan, Angela barely survives captivity before managing to escape. Hurt and alone with nowhere to hide, she faces certain death when Lothair uses the trace energy she leaves in her wake to hunt her down. But before he can reach her, a mystery dragon shifter intervenes and saves Angela’s life.

Now a guest of the Nightfury clan, Angela regains her strength as her rescuer, Rikar, the last living frost dragon, gradually breaks down her mistrust. Surrendering to her desire for Rikar, but still uncertain of her feelings, Angela goes against his wishes and agrees to be used as bait to lure Lothair into the open. As the battle commences, the true struggle comes from within: Will Angela return home to the life she loves, or forsake it all to be with Rikar?

Rewilding Reports by Kathleen O’Neal Gear

This cli-fi series from a notable archaeologist and anthropologist explores a frozen future where archaic species struggle to survive an apocalyptic Ice Age.

I read and reviewed the first two books, but have not yet read the last one. Book 3 is on my to-read list. Have you read it?

‘Tis the Season – Tuesday

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Christmas, Erica Ridley, fairy tales, fantasy, historical romance, Jodi Taylor, Melanie Karsak, romance, scifi, Steampunk, time travel

This week I am featuring books that reflect the season. Christmas or winter (for those in the northern hemisphere) themes in books are easy to find. Yesterday’s post was about books I have reviewed. Today I will share a list of books I have read, but did not review. I enjoyed every one of them, so I guess that is my recommendation for you.  Are there any seasonal favorites you want so share? Let me know in the comments.

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I’ve included the Amazon link for each book here – click on the book cover. Note: Use of these links supports this blog and is very much appreciated.

Peppermint and Pentacles by Melanie Karsak

Up on the housetop werewolves howl
Out jumps good old Agent Louvel
Down through the chimney chasing monsters quick
Feeling far less jolly than Old Saint Nick

Red Cape Society Agent Clemeny Louvel is used to chasing werewolves across London. But when she’s reassigned to a special case just days before Christmas, she learns that she’ll need more than a silver bullet to keep everyone on the nice list.

Peppermint and Pentacles is a retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale set in Melanie Karsak’s bestselling steampunk universe. This Christmas-themed tale can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed as book 3 in the Steampunk Red Riding Hood series. The story is also a part of Frostbitten Fairy Tales which is a great collection including several Melanie Karsak seasonal stories.

12 Dukes of Christmas by Erica Ridley

The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke! I have read 3 of the books in the series and have a couple more on my Kindle to read at my first opportunity. Erica Ridley can always be counted on for a heartwarming story filled with charming characters, humor and romance.

The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley

Alternately titled The Viscount’s Tempting Minx. Another Christmas story from Erica Ridley that is just as charming as the 12 Dukes of Christmas.

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn’t time for silly soirees. He doesn’t need time—he needs her!

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family’s annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia’s guerrilla tactics, he’s up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s Christmas Shorts – by Jodi Taylor

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s is one of my all-time favorite series. In between the most of the annual additions to this series, the author has put out a short tale that typically takes place around Christmas. If you are a fan of this series, I’m sure you will love these shorter tales of the time travelling disaster magnet crew from St. Mary’s. What could possibly go wrong? If you have not read the series, one of these shorter (and less pricey) stories might be a great way to jump in. Hidden among these stories is the only St. Mary’s adventure that took place off-world.

This year the author is turning to her latest time travel series The Time Police to enhance with a Christmas story. Santa Grint will be released on Christmas day.