I've seen and read Hidden Figures and was more than excited to read this book. Absolutely loved it. Highly, highly recommend.

Katherine Johnson shot to fame with the moving Hidden Figures. This is her story in her own words. Growing up in West Virginia she was taught to value education and sacrifice for family. A gifted student, she excelled at mathematics and found a job at NASA as a human computer. She worked on the calculations for many spaceflights and was universally trusted by the astronauts.

Although this book was slow at times, Mrs. Johnson led a fascinating life. It was wonderful to read about her accomplishments in such an elite field. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

I really enjoyed reading about Katherine Johnson’s life. It as indeed remarkable!

Having been encouraged by loving and supportive parents, Katherine was a precocious child who loved learning, especially mathematics, and graduated at younger than traditional ages from both high school and college and went on to obtain a Ph.D. She worked at NASA for over 30 years as a mathematician and her calculations were invaluable to Apollo missions particularly. She did this while raising three girls who were successful in their own right. If you saw the movie or read the book, “Hidden Figures,” you know about the remarkable black women who contributed so much to the space program behind the scenes.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

This incredibly accessible book chronicles the extraordinary life of Katherine Johnson, most notable to the public for her time doing calculations for NASA and various parts of the space program. This book beautifully illustrates that while an exciting time of her life, it was hardly the whole story. She shares her upbringing in West Virginia, the tales of the people who supported her along the way, the many jobs that came before the Space Race, and what it meant to be a working mom at the time, and later a single working mom. I could absolutely imagine my middle school students picking this up and having no problem with the reading level or language used - she's frank and honest, and she truly was a national treasure who deserved the recognition that alluded her until her late 90s.

Extremely well-written, thoughtful reflection on the life of an amazing woman! I loved learning more about Katherine Johnson and her life, and especially about the people that helped make her who she was. She was extremely humble about her accomplishments and yet was able to provide so much context about the history and backdrop of what was going on at the time she grew up and worked and lived. It truly was a “remarkable journey” to read about! Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!!!

Since Margot Lee Shetterly's book and the resulting movie, interest in Katharine Johnson and the other NASA human computers has resulted in many other books for all ages. This memoir written by Katharine Johnson and her daughters is enlightening while still entirely readable and enjoyable. Mrs. Johnson manages to weave her personal experiences into a story that captures the reader's interest in the way that a dynamic and captivating speaker can do. She balances the incidents from her own life with explanations of what was going on in the wider social setting, pointing out when the two intersected and when she was aware of events but was not an active participant.

Reminiscences of her parents and their determination to provide a better life and education for Katharine and her siblings show how she came by her drive and work ethic. The descriptions of pay disparities and the limited choices for careers that were available only serve to emphasize how stifling the social and work environment were and how truly outstanding an individual's contributions had to be in order to rise above all the drawbacks. But Mrs. Johnson does not dwell excessively on these points; instead. she mentions the negatives in a matter of fact way and continues with her narrative - her approach to writing imitates her approach to the situations she describes.

This is an uplifting book due to the positive outlook of the author and the recognition that has come her way in recent years, but it is also a story that will cause some discomfort as readers encounter again and again the roadblocks set in the way of Katharine Johnson and other women like her. It would be a good book club pick for those looking at intersectional feminism, historical examples of racism and sexism, or simply fans of memoir and autobiography.

My Remarkable Journey is the perfect title for this memoir, as the story of Katherine Johnson’s life is truly remarkable. Best known for her role in NASA’s space program, Johnson was blazing a trail long before NASA. Katherine Johnson was a pioneer on so many levels and crossed barriers due to her skin color and the fact that she was a woman as well as helping to launch the US into space.

Since seeing the film, Hidden Figures, I have been fascinated with Katherine Johnson’s story and was so excited to hear her memoir was being published. For years, she worked diligently behind the scenes, not receiving the well-deserved praise she gets today until winning the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the release of Hidden Figures.

This memoir was filled with so much more than we have learned before. Yes, she talks about her time at NASA (which is extraordinary), but she also provides a thoughtful recollection of growing up, how her parents raised her (to be positive, as theme that runs throughout the pages), and the teachers who invested so much in her, believing in her.

While I have admired Katherine Johnson for years, this book left me speechless and in further awe of everything she accomplished. It should be on everyone’s must-read list. I’m so grateful to Harper and Net Galley for the e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Despite decades of phenomenal mathematical achievements, Katherine Johnson remained a relative unknown until her 90s. She begins her autobiography with the accolades that were heaped on her late in life before circling back to her earlier years. The book is ¾ over before she reaches her pivotal role in getting John Glenn into orbit, but there is plenty else going on: fierce familial love, devotion to her community, her joy in education, and the racism and sexism she had to push through. She also includes the social and political context of the century of American life she experienced. Her poise and humility shine throughout this absorbing book.

My thanks to NetGalley and HarperLuxe for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review.
I became familiar with Katherine Johnson while watching the film ‘Hidden Figures’. This memoir written by Katherine and her daughter shines a brilliant light on her life. She came from an encouraging family where education was paramount. She survived in a world of uneasiness, race relations, civil rights and segregation. With a strong will and determination she became a woman of many accomplishments yet remained humble in nature. A multi-faceted gem, she is not only a scientific treasure but a star in the very early days of NASA and space exploration, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. Her honesty, candor, determination and perseverance are the strengths of this outstanding memoir.
This is a must read and highly recommended.

Katherine Johnson, who recently passed on at age 101. has written an amazing memoir with the help of her daughters. She worked for NASA as a mathematician for over 30 years, and is a central character in the film Hidden Figures. This memoir not only discusses her contribution to the space program, but also offers her insights on what was happening in the United States, and especially in the South where she grew up. Her parents raised her to be positive, she says, and that comes across clearly in the narrative. She is so humble about her accomplishments, and discusses how racial unrest, discrimination, and other disturbing situations affected her, but she never presents herself as a victim. Recommended for anyone who is interested in the space program, American history, or who just wants to read an uplifting memoir by a strong woman. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the privilege of reviewing this ARC.

A remarkable book about a remarkable lady. Katherine Johnson not only shared about her distinguished career at Nasa but about her family life and the times in which she lived. It is truly a wonderful book. Ms. Johnson lived through a time of segregation and extreme racism but succeeded with her own strength and a supportive family.. Highly recommend.

I first learned about Katherine Johnson from reading the book Hidden FIgures. This memoir by Ms. Johnson herself is an in-depth look into an amazing life. From growing up in White Sulphur Springs, WV to her educational journey and her career path to NASA, we get to chart the trajectory of a truly wonderful life. Highly recommended.

More than just a “remarkable journey”, this is the memoir of a “remarkable woman” who lived a “remarkable life.” Known in scientific circles for her advanced mathematical knowledge and her immense contributions to the NASA space program, Katherine Johnson became beloved by all of America following the release of her story in the acclaimed movie, “Hidden Figures.” Katherine tells her story in a clear and friendly style. The trajectory of her long life, paired with the history of America for better and worse, makes for a meaningful and important story. (Ms. Johnson died recently, after her memoir was published.)

Born in 1918, in West Virginia, and living much of her adult life in Virginia, Ms. Johnson experienced segregation and racist attitudes. But Katherine Johnson came from a strong family which gave her a secure foundation for her life, filled with love,, pride, confidence and an excellent education. She passed these gifts on to her own children. Family, faith, friendship a passion for mathematics and a love for NASA guided her life even when the sad history of race in America pained her.

Katharine Johnson received awards and academic accolades. Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented by President Barack Obama in 2015 was a profound moment for her and a proud time for all us. I am so grateful to NetGalley and Amistad for the opportunity to read the inspiring story of Katherine Johnson. This is my honest review.

*3.5 stars
Katherine Johnson is a figure that I look up to so much. I really enjoyed the movie Hidden Figures, though I know it took quite a few liberties with her life. It was fascinating to read more about how Johnson got to NASA and what was going on in her mind as she was unknowingly making history. One thing that surprised me was that the book barely talked about the moon landing, which is perhaps what she was most well known for. I understand why she chose to highlight other major events in her life, however, and it was fascinating to learn about parts of NASA history I hadn't known about before.

I absolutely love reading about Katherine Johnson and her work with NASA so I was thrilled when I saw that she had written a memoir that I had the chance to review!  If you're not aware of Katherina Johnson - she was a black woman who is most well known for her role at NASA as a "human computer" and doing the math equations to help with their launches.  Since she was black, no one really knew about her and her work until the film Hidden Figures came out which tells the story about her and a few of her colleagues. (I especially liked in the book where Katherine talked about who were composite characters and what was added to the movie for dramatic purposes and what really happened.)  But beyond being a human computer, Katherine led a fascinating life and just recently passed away (February 2020 at the age of 101!)

Katherine was always very smart, especially with Math, and skipped some grades.  She was growing up in a time where blacks didn't have as many opportunities as whites with schooling, but her parents found schooling to be very important and would move the family around when needed to make sure that the children could be enrolled in school. She also lived through a lot of changes in racial rights and one could only have wished that things weren't better after her 101 years.

This was an absolutely amazing read and definitely recommended by me.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

4.5 stars My Remarkable Journey is the perfect title for this memoir, as the story of Katherine Johnson’s life is truly remarkable. Best known for her role in NASA’s space program, Johnson was blazing a trail long before NASA. From childhood, Katherine was made to understand the value of education-a world in which she excelled, finishing 8th grade at v the age of 10. Katherine’s parents and teachers showed her the importance of meeting her human potential, and that neither her race nor her sex need prevent her from meeting that potential.
The book follows Katherine through marriage, motherhood, and groundbreaking career. It seemed that the last few chapters strayed from the focus on Katharine’s journey to a more generalized view of Civil Rights and Space Race events in general, but it did refocus on Katherine at the end, describing her post-retirement life.

My Remarkable Journey is a fascinating lesson in the power of strength and perseverance in the life of a woman certainly deserving of acknowledgment.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My Remarkable Journey: A Memoir by Katherine Johnson with Joylette Hylick and Katherine G. Moore is a wonderful and stunning memoir about a woman that I have admired and looked up to for many years.

I have known quite a bit about Ms. Johnson for a while now. I have been fascinated about her involvement with NASA, and as a fellow female WV native that majored in the sciences (ok so my degrees are in Biology, not Physics or Mathematics, but by golly I love Physics and Chemistry) myself, I almost felt a kindred spirit and role model in Ms. Johnson.

I truly enjoyed by journey with Ms. Johnson learning even more about her eventful and pivotal life then I ever knew before. Not only did I feel like I was along side her as she pushed through boundaries and ceilings, but also as she navigated the waters of society in regards to civil rights, segregation, being a woman in a "man's field" and solidifying her rightful position.

I loved reading about her youth, and also some of the more personal aspects and relationships. This book has made me admire and respect Ms. Johnson even more then I ever thought possible and is truly a must-read for everyone. It should honestly be added to the portfolio of books suggested to high school/college age youth. A fresh perspective on life and what one can achieve with perseverance, strength, determination, and a honest and grateful soul is just some of what can be learned.

A stunning and memorable read.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Amistad for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, and Instagram accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/25/21

First sentence: The serious look in Daddy’s eyes told me his words were important: “You’re as good as anyone in this town,” he said, peering down at my curious little face. “But you’re no better.”

Premise/plot: My Remarkable Journey is Katherine Johnson's autobiography. Katherine Johnson is a name you've likely become familiar with over the past six to seven years. Hidden Figures, the book, was published circa 2016 and the movie, Hidden Figures, followed. But this is her story in her own words--I believe the coauthors are her daughters. (Her daughters are named Joylette and Katherine, so I'm inferring here, for better or worse.)

While the memoir covers her career at NASA, it covers so much more than that. She was a daughter, sister, student, friend, teacher, volunteer, mathematician, career woman, wife, mother, and grandmother. The memoir highlights relationships--not just events.

Another thing worth mentioning is the focus on context, context, context. Her memoir is rooted in the times in which she lived. She goes out of her way to share deeper contexts and elaborate on the times. For example, she provides great detail about race relations, segregation, desegregation, the civil rights movement, the cold war, the space race, etc. If there's a theme of the memoir it would be education, education, education.

My thoughts: I loved this memoir. I found it fascinating, informative, and well crafted. I loved her writing style. I loved learning more about her family--her parents, siblings, husbands, children--and her private life. It was just an absorbing read.

Journey is a good fit for the title. The book isn't so much about the destination--though, of course, her years at NASA are a fascinating destination--but about the journey. It is about the people who helped her along every step of the way, who helped shape her into the amazing woman she was.

Katherine Johnson is one of the women of color who provided the calculations that enabled the astronauts to make it to the moon. Her work went largely unnoticed and unrecognized until the last few decades when she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Hidden Figures book and subsequent movie came out. In this book, she tells her story in her own words, and it is quite an amazing story.

Even though her time at NASA is extraordinary and boundary breaking in many ways, I was most fascinated by reading about her education and the people who poured into her. She goes into detail about her many teachers who saw her potential and pushed her to learn and achieve as much as she could. She talks specifically about one teacher whose own dream to be a research mathematician inspired her dream, and while he would never achieve that dream due to racism, he created groundbreaking classes that would be exactly what Johnson would need to work on the projects at NASA. I was also inspired by the one teacher who mentored Johnson and would ask her each day, "what do you know today that you didn't know yesterday?"

All in all, this was an absolute treat to read. It was hard to put down, and I loved every second of reading it. Yesterday, I knew very little about Katherine Johnson, but today I know how her drive for knowledge allowed her to help a country reach the moon. She is certainly an inspiration!

A big thank you to Katherine Johnson, Joylette Hylick, Katherine Moore, Amistad, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this book!