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elliereads97's review
5.0
read this for my writing seminar this semester and i was blown away. this is a meticulously researched, heart-wrenching-ly told, incredibly important work of nonfiction. i don't say this often or lightly, but i think everyone should read this in their lifetime. it's inspired a new interest in nonfiction for me that i've never had before. if you're like how i used to be and have zero inspiration to read nonfiction, start here.
fien04's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
emma_1359's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
geenahnola's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
steministkendra's review against another edition
5.0
So I’m a biomedical science undergrad student and learned so much about HeLa cells in a scientific manner but Henrietta Lacks I had never heard of her which is just ridiculous really! I read this in 2 sittings in 1 day. A must read for all an interesting science story but devastating personal one.
sanakaparna's review against another edition
2.0
Main Characters: Henrietta Lacks, rebecca Skloot, David Lacks, Dr. George Gey
Central Theme: Scientific ethics, informed consent
Central Theme: Scientific ethics, informed consent
blazekcurrie's review against another edition
5.0
“Black scientists and technicians, many of them women, used cells from a black woman to help save the lives of millions of Americans, most of them white. And they did so on the same campus - and at the very same time - that state officials were conducting the infamous Tuskegee syphilis studies.” — New York Times
The black woman was Henrietta Lacks. Remember her name, and encourage others to read this book with you.
At a time when active debate was ongoing about the “equality” of African Americans, and in a society where Henrietta Lacks had to be treated in the “negro” side of the hospital, as to not contaminate that ward designated for whites, a plan was in place to cultivate her cells. Those cells would be used to create vaccines for millions of Americans.
There is something special about this story. About how human we all are. About the families we leave behind. About how we are all the same - down to our microscopic cells. About how a poor female tobacco farmer could advance medical science beyond comprehension. About how that science was founded on eugenics and had its own strange, racist history. And about how Henrietta Lacks could be so easily forgotten because of her class and position in society.
Well written and powerful, this story is worth reading and discussing. I applaud the human touch of the author, Rebecca Skloot.
The black woman was Henrietta Lacks. Remember her name, and encourage others to read this book with you.
At a time when active debate was ongoing about the “equality” of African Americans, and in a society where Henrietta Lacks had to be treated in the “negro” side of the hospital, as to not contaminate that ward designated for whites, a plan was in place to cultivate her cells. Those cells would be used to create vaccines for millions of Americans.
There is something special about this story. About how human we all are. About the families we leave behind. About how we are all the same - down to our microscopic cells. About how a poor female tobacco farmer could advance medical science beyond comprehension. About how that science was founded on eugenics and had its own strange, racist history. And about how Henrietta Lacks could be so easily forgotten because of her class and position in society.
Well written and powerful, this story is worth reading and discussing. I applaud the human touch of the author, Rebecca Skloot.
alodze94's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting book on the family that made and continues makes many medical discoveries possible, but it wanders at times. It goes from being true history of science to a book about people. It is several books in one, which can be annoying.
That being said, I did enjoy the book and I got a lot out of it. It brings questions of ethics and race into view and it really makes you think. I do recommend this book.
That being said, I did enjoy the book and I got a lot out of it. It brings questions of ethics and race into view and it really makes you think. I do recommend this book.
emilyrosegorey's review against another edition
4.0
Entertaining and educational but got sort of repetitive and tedious towards the end
mrsskoglund's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fascinating story that has important implications for patient rights, privacy issues, and the intersection of race and healthcare. At times, the chronology and scientific explanations got a little confusing, but the overall message was strong. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes science and is interested in one of the most important health discoveries of the 20th century--and it's probably one you've never even heard about.