Figuring explores the complexities of love and the human search for truth and meaning through the interconnected lives of several historical figures across four centuries — beginning with the astronomer Johannes Kepler, who discovered the laws of planetary motion, and ending with the marine biologist and author Rachel Carson, who catalyzed the environmental movement. 

The author of this book, Maria Popova, is a well known curator of the excellent website brainpickings.org. 

Christine Kenneally said in a review published in The New York Times: “Though the general structure of Figuring is chronological, it’s anything but linear. Generally it proceeds through a series of surprising links, fascinating diversions and sometimes dizzying associative drift. When the connections cohere, it’s like carefully constructed fiction.”

A reviewer said in goodreads.com: “It is very affecting and beautiful writing and the author artfully weaves together many figures from the past, predominantly women.”