I first was aware of Jess Phoenix because of her interview on Ologies. Her life (and memoir) is certainly packed full with many different moments that make this a fascinating read.
I was however a bit put off by the narration , normally I prefer when non-fiction authors read their work but this time it felt like I was listening to a pre rehearsed speech. Not that is horrible but it took away from the immersive aspect of an audiobook, I was always aware that I was listening to a book.

This was a perfectly fine book. The events were all over the place giving it a strange tone (and to be honest I'm not really sure what the Cartel, reality TV, and politics sections added to the book), but I really enjoyed the story of her discovery of a love for science, a love for geology and volcanos, and the insight into what fieldwork is actually like. And the overarching theme of "science is really interesting and you should be excited about it and excited to do it right" was great.

I found a hard time getting into this one. I tried to listen to it a few times and the narrator is great, but I 'm just not compelled to pick it back up after I put it down.

On a non-fiction binge of sorts (for me), I listened to this book on audio. First, I must mention that my enjoyment of the experience was because of the author's narration. Her enthusiasm and love for the subject in question and her gradual improvement in scientific standing was evident. To be frank, I may not have enjoyed the entire thing as much if I had read it. This is because each chapter focuses on a different place, time and situation for Jess. She graduates through different stages in her life, and her thoughts jump around a little even within a chapter. It was good to hear as if someone sitting across from me and is following a train of thought to give me maximum entertainment (as my friends have sometimes accused me of- the random train of thought jumping, not the entertaining part). To read it would have been another matter.
We have someone who began her journey with volcanoes as a fortuitous one by happening to stumble on it. Then she goes on to trace the various ways she worked on the little that luck gave her to progress in the field. The science is fascinating, as is the wonder Jess feels for what any of that implies. Given her background in English, the turns of phrases for some of the descriptions do throw up a very vivid picture. I was listening to it while nursing a cold and still enjoyed it (and that is definitely an endorsement, as many would attest), my husband caught snippets of it during the narrative, and he found even those random bits quite entertaining.
I took a geology boat tour two years ago in Hong Kong. In the middle, the guide happened to mention that it was estimated that the place where we were was part of the mouth of where a volcano would have been. Given the breadth of what we could see, I felt awed by the concept. The same awe was once again simulated during the time I was listening to this. I would have liked a little more continuity in the narrative, even if it meant another chapter or two tying the different times together. This is probably my only tiny suggestion with this work.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

Jess Phoenix's adventure memoir is an inspiring tale of science and feminism. Jess goes from a college student wondering what path to take in life to a successful volcanologist and member of The Explorer's Club. I would love to see more from Jess Phoenix, whether it be another book or tv show or another Congressional run. It was such a joy to read about this inspiring woman.

Jess Phoenix is a vulcanologist who narrates this story of her career. Also being very interested in volcanoes, I wanted to listen to this, and it did not disappoint. She describes the geology of volcanoes in a way that's easily understood by the lay person. The stories she tells are interesting, especially her experience with a science TV production when she struggles to remain authentic despite the need for "reality TV" to attract audiences. I found myself admiring her tenacity and her courage in a male-dominated field. This would be a great book for young girls to learn about the career, as well as to stimulate interest in science.

The narrator did an excellent job. She had some hard names and words to pronounce.

The book itself was a bit disjointed to me. She starts in New York at the Explorers Club, but then jumps back and forth in time to college, various field sites and even mentions of childhood.

I liked the bits of science that were covered, and some of the anecdotes were funny or, in the case of the sea cruise, poignant.

It seemed to me from the beginning that Jess was searching for her place in the universe and the meaning of her life. Unfortunately, she placed her trust in the god of Science instead of the actual Godot the universe.

I would have given the book 3.5 stars. I actually would still rate the majority of the book at that. It is her political rant in the final chapter, (that I couldn't even bring myself to finish) that drops this book to 2 stars for me.

In this autobiographical adventure about entering and excelling in the field of volcanology, Phoenix takes readers on a journey centered around discovery. Jess Phoenix originally started her educational career with the hopes of becoming a historian. Soon, however, she is introduced to and falls in love with geology. This book follows Phoenix's journey as she studies the volcanoes of Hawai'i, becomes an expert in her field, and touches on the connections she makes with others and the general public along the way. As someone with a STEM background also, I found myself resonating strongly with Phoenix's opinions about the importance of interdisciplinary learning and general public education. This story was inclusive and intersectional, even though it was an autobiography, which was a pleasant surprise.

At times, this book races through Phoenix's life and the ending did not feel as though it ended as strong as Ms. Adventure began. Despite this, this book would be a great read for a young scientist hopeful to become inspired with the sciences without disparaging other career opportunities or painting the scientific community in an overdramatized light.

This is a very well narrated journey into the life of a volcanologist. She has some fascinating stories and over all the whole book was well put together and interesting to read.

Ms. Adventure is a super fun account from an awesome female volcanologist who shares her work, adventures, passions, and obstacles she faced as a woman in science. She narrates the audiobook and does a great job! She was easy to listen to, and of course, it's always extra neat when authors narrate their own stories.

Much like Scott Kelly's Endurance, Field Notes from an Unintentional Birder by Julie Zarankin, Packing for Mars by Mary Roach, this book is as inspiring as it is informational. Her descriptions of nature and descriptions of her passion to discover were so awe inspiring, but there are also a handful of moments that got a laugh out of me. Like those other stories, this book spurred me to google so many things! It stoked my curiosity in the best way! Jess Phoenix is absolutely an inspiration, and I'm thankful for all she's done not just in her actual explorations but to share publicly her story. And I discovered she's got a neat podcast!!

I find that scientific/adventure nonfiction like this pairs so well with the fiction that I read so much of. After recently reading sci-fi thriller duo, Earth Core and Mount Fitz Roy from Scott Sigler, that feature mountain exploration, geology, science tech, etc,--those stories are brought so much more to life by reading a real account of a geologist. Ms. Adventure is a great nonfic for someone who doesn't frequently turn to nonfic, it's so fun and easy to listen to especially.

Thank you NetGalley and Workman Audio for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Audiobook provided by NetGalley and Workman Audio in exchange for an honest review.

We need more books about badass lady scientists! Jess Phoenix does a great job telling readers the story about how she became a volcanologist along with some crazy experiences she's had along the way.

I was fascinated from the start and loved that Phoenix told us her story herself. I don't read much nonfiction, let alone science based books but when I saw this audiobook on NetGalley I figured I'd give it a shot and I'm so glad I did!

This is a super fun read. Jess Phoenix is a geologist who's spent her career investigating rocks, lava, and other minerals the planet has to offer us in some of the coolest places on earth, from the flowing lava fields of Mauna Kea to glaciers in the Andes to the scorching hot basins of Death Valley. She's also the founder of Blueprint Earth, an organization dedicated to meticulously "blueprinting" some of our most complex ecosystems to uncover how they function.

Her book doesn't just detail the scientific purpose and method of each of these fantastic expeditions, but some of the wacky adventures she's gotten into, from falling into a sewer drain in Peru to - yes, actually - chasing Mexican cartel members to reclaim her favorite rock hammer that they stole from her.

On top of that, she discusses some of the personal challenges throughout her career, likely in the hopes of encouraging others to follow in her footsteps and overcome whatever obstacles they might find. On an open-ocean expedition with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and their famous ROVs Jason and Medea, one of the research leaders passed away. Making your way in a male-dominated industry, particularly one in the STEM field, is not easy. Like many women, she suffers from imposter syndrome, not helped by the fact that she started off as a history/liberal arts major in college and transitioned to geology later in her academic career. On some of these trips, she's experienced serious injuries, some mysterious and unnamed still, that prevented her from doing her best work - yet she often powered through those struggles in the name of science. She's seen the barriers that prevent so many people who don't "fit the mold" from entering scientific fields, and she's passionate about making science more accessible and inclusive to all.

This book reminded me a lot of one of my other favorite science memoirs, Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver by Jill Heinerth. Heinerth, like Phoenix, is a pioneer in her industry, and has led a career full of truly book-worthy adventures. Although geology/volcanology is not quite as interesting to me as underwater cave diving, this memoir was similarly engaging and accessible, with stories that will keep you fascinated all the way through. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley!

This memoir of a woman in Science sounded great, but didn’t quite deliver for me. I found some of the narrative cringe worthy (she blithely describes cultural appropriation by the mostly white make Explorer’s club dress up party on the same page that she proclaims her wokeness for having BIPOC interns). Her narrative was factual but not particularly engaging for me (or at least for the first several chapters). Ultimately, I didn’t finish this one.

A very inspirational book about a female scientists’ adventures in volcanology. This book was not what I had expected, especially the last couple of chapters. I appreciated the knowledge she shared about the processes of studying geology – collecting and documenting samples, a community of scientists working together to solve a problem and answer scientific inquiries, and the dangers presented.

The audiobook was done well. I like that the author narrated it so scientific vocabulary and concepts were pronounced correctly. There were a few parts in chapters (I think it was in 4 and 6) where the sound changed for a little bit. It wasn’t often, but the few times it happened were noticeable.

Overall, I really enjoyed the novel. I think the author did a good job explaining geological concepts and processes to readers who may not be as knowledgeable about the topic. I wasn’t fond of the political tirade at the end because I was interested in this book from a scientific perspective. I am glad the author has decided to act to make changes, but I felt like she could have expressed herself with more decorum during that chapter.

Thank you Netgalley and Workman Audio for this ARC. I enjoyed it and look forward to adding the book it to my library upon its release – probably not the audiobook just for accessibility to students and that they are not as popular.

Jess Phoenix seems to thrive on danger, full on excitement when a volcano is erupting.

This book contains snippets in her life with not much detail on how it all came to be. The beginning held more on the decision-making process, of how she got into geology, and I enjoyed the first few chapters, for the most part. Although if you’ve camped before you may wonder about all that detail if it’s necessary.

Once Phoenix started in the field and working on field assignments, there was detail of what happened, but it felt like a large part of the narration was missing. It felt a little too much like she was skipping around to these moments and didn’t provide much in the bigger picture. How did the work she was doing contribute to the overall science? What is the meaning, what did she make of it? Why is this particular moment being told in this book other than saying well, I did this, and this happened? I wanted a little more in cohesion of her life and science.

My hope was the book would be aimed towards young women to encourage them to enter the science field that is typically dominated by men. I’m not sure this book does this. Perhaps I will be in the minority and others will find this memoir more satisfying and inspiring.

I listened to the audio book narrated by the author herself. She does a decent job of narrating and enunciating. You can hear her enthusiasm on her adventures. I’ve heard several author narrations leave me wishing they hired a professional, but not in this case. If you want to read this book, the audio version is a good way to go. 4.5 stars on the narration. Book overall 3.5 stars.

Initially, I wasn't too hooked on this book - it starts in quite a boring way, with Phoenix describing her arrival at the Explorer's Club headquarters in NY in plodding, mundane detail; we then get a tour of her academic meandering through college before she finally hit on geology. But, dear readers, please persevere - 'Ms. Adventure' is a great addition to the bookshelf already bearing titles by women in science and exploration like 'Lab Girl' and 'Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver'.

Phoenix's enthusiasm for science is infectious, and she is frank about all aspects of scientific fieldwork, from personal hygiene to the harsh financial realities and the career barriers to many people. When she isn't describing an intense geologic scene (say, nearly stepping on fresh lava), she has a light and jovial style, and she conveys a vivid sense of place in describing her expeditions to places like Hawaii, Mexico and Peru.

The dramatic scenes are the best, though, and they're where the book really shines. I almost dropped my mouth in amazement or horror a few times as I walked along listening, and I can't help but admire Phoenix's (perhaps occasionally foolhardy) courage.

A great read for anyone who enjoys vicariously exploring the wonders of the world through words.

(With thanks to Workman Audio and NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review)

Amazing description. When author talked around picking lava for the first time I closed my eyes and watched it play out like a movie in my mind.

It would be fantastic if when you purchase this book a PDF could be downloaded with it of picture from Jess's life of her trips and volcanos