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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
Absolutely incredible, so poignant and well-written… emotionally eviscerated me
slow-paced
I enjoyed the parts about her family, but believe the particulars about the science could have been reduced.
One of the books that gets my designation of "every single person should read this book,"
and as a writer makes me think, "that is the kind of book I want to write."
and as a writer makes me think, "that is the kind of book I want to write."
Eye opening truth to science - behind every experimentation/medicine is a story. Stories of human beings, of persons, and of a somebody. There is a dark history of experimentation on African Americans. This is the story of Henrietta Lacks. A story about injustice, lack of consent, human rights and so much more.
I read this for school. It's great, super well-researched but accessible. Everything has a place and an impact, and it was wonderful to accompany Skloot on her journalistic journey.
As I was purchasing this book at B&N, the cashier wished me luck and referred to it as boring. If anything, this pushed me to move it to the top of my reading list and work through it. Little did I know, it would become one of my favorite books before I even reached the middle.
I studied English Literature in college. In other words, I read many books. I’d be lying if I said I remembered each of them. This one, however, will stick with me forever. Science is not typically easy for me to read because I don’t particularly enjoy it; however, the language in this book makes it easy to understand and EXCITING. (Never have I ever been excited to read about cells - well, before now.)
I felt instantly connected to the Lacks family and I extend full sympathy. I was completely unaware of just how secretive medical research could be and now, I am appalled. I want to learn more. The only thing I’d change about this book is the length. I could read about Mrs. Henrietta Lacks (Don’t call her Helen Lane!!) forever.
I studied English Literature in college. In other words, I read many books. I’d be lying if I said I remembered each of them. This one, however, will stick with me forever. Science is not typically easy for me to read because I don’t particularly enjoy it; however, the language in this book makes it easy to understand and EXCITING. (Never have I ever been excited to read about cells - well, before now.)
I felt instantly connected to the Lacks family and I extend full sympathy. I was completely unaware of just how secretive medical research could be and now, I am appalled. I want to learn more. The only thing I’d change about this book is the length. I could read about Mrs. Henrietta Lacks (Don’t call her Helen Lane!!) forever.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
Her cells might be immortal but the story of Henrietta Lacks didn't come to light until much recently. With those tumorous cells, science has advanced by leaps and bounds and yet she never consented to their use in her life nor was she hailed for her contribution. The author describes how she reached out to Lacks' family and told the story as they'd have wanted it told.
P.S. Anything you leave at a hospital, skin cells, nails, blood, etc. is technically no longer your property. Scary thought huh?