Carbon Dreams by Susan M. Gaines

Carbon Dreams, by Susan M. Gaines is set during the 80s; the main character is an organic geochemist. A female organic geochemist. And it's about her research, and it's about climate change, and it's about the responsibilities that scientists have towards the public. Also, the joys of organic produce.

I would be hesitant in recommending it to people, mostly because of the science content. Because it talks about her research, it gets quite intense. I'm majoring in geology, so it's not so unfamiliar to me as to be offputting. In fact, it's interesting for me. But I don't know how interesting it would be to people who aren't science geeks, and it is important.

I really enjoyed it. It appealed to my geology geekiness; it appealed to my interest in woman as scientists, and how they deal with what society expects of them; my interest in the ethics of science; and of course, in climate change. As to the second, I was a bit worried that when it mentioned Tina's complete lack of desire to have children it meant she would have changed her mind by the end of it. Fortunately, that wasn't the case; although that doesn't mean it didn't cause difficulties for her.

One of the women working on her PhD did end up leaving to have a baby - mostly as her adviser wouldn't let her take a year's leave. Her brilliant female adviser who didn't believe a woman scientist could be merely competent. And who ended up being quite power-mad. In a good way, story-wise. Hopefully things are easier for female scientists now, although I wouldn't count on it.

Carbon Dreams was an engaging book, and it's given me a lot to think about. Which is probably the point. Although things like the equator-crossing initiations were also a lot of fun. You know, general drunk scientist hilarity. Because there's nothing like being stuck together on a cruise ship for five weeks, when it's for work and you're not getting any sleep. Fun times. (Not that that's ever happened to me.)