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ohemgee's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
bantwalkers's review against another edition
5.0
I've been meaning to post on this for awhile.
Basically, I was instantly drawn in. Some people may not like Skloot inserting herself in the story. However, I found it absolutely necessary, and it added a human element to a story filled with science and medical ethics that could have been pretty heavy otherwise.
READ IT!
Basically, I was instantly drawn in. Some people may not like Skloot inserting herself in the story. However, I found it absolutely necessary, and it added a human element to a story filled with science and medical ethics that could have been pretty heavy otherwise.
READ IT!
kevvy's review against another edition
1.0
I had to read this for my English class which probably added to the reason i didn’t like it. I hate having to read for an assignment it makes me not want to read and enjoy it.
tjack22's review against another edition
5.0
Rebecca Skloot's "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" masterfully combines informative medical history with a compelling narrative, making it a captivating read from start to finish.
Skloot delves into the medical procedures and treatments of the first half of the 20th century, painting a vivid picture that is both fascinating and horrifying. The story of Henrietta Lacks’ cancer treatment and her daughter Elsie's harrowing experiences in the asylum were particularly striking, resonating deeply due to my own struggles with seizures and reflecting on how treatment approaches have evolved.
Deborah Lacks' journey was equally moving. Her profound longing for the mother she never knew and her quest for understanding were heartbreakingly poignant. Despite facing constant barriers to comprehending the complex medical information about her mother, Deborah channeled her frustration into determination, aiming to improve her own life and inspire Henrietta’s great-grandchildren to do the same.
The emotional depth of this book is remarkable. Skloot presents various recollections and perspectives evenly, but her empathy for the Lacks family is evident throughout. This supportive stance enriches the narrative, making it not just a story about science and ethics, but a deeply human tale of loss, discovery, and resilience.
In sum, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" is an enlightening and emotionally powerful book that honors the legacy of Henrietta Lacks while shedding light on important issues in medical ethics and history.
book_busy's review against another edition
4.0
A moving and incredibly informative dive into the lives of Henrietta and her children. Fascinating to read but also heart rending in the injustices suffered by the Lacks family due to lack of legislation, racial discrimination and poverty.