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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
This book fascinated and enthralled me. I couldn't put it down. Henrietta Lacks was by no means a lucky person, nor did she lead a glamorous life. Rather, her life was one of hardships and disappointments. Her cells were taken without her knowledge (or her consent, or that of her family) and became one of the most helpful medical advancements of our time. The book raises issues of ethics, and who/what is right and wrong. Have Henrietta's cells helped to cure disease, answer medical questions, and save others? Absolutely. Does Henrietta's family deserve monetary compensation because of the widespread use of her cells throughout the world? This is where opinions differ. I found the book to be quite interesting, especially with the lives of Henrietta's children and extended family woven throughout. While I wish it could have been more focused on Henrietta, the lack of information available is obvious and as such, Skloot does a great job of detailing her family's history. Must read!
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This is not a book I would normally read. It was recommended to me by multiple people. I loved it!!!!!!!!! I loved the science, family drama, legal issues and the race/poverty angle. Tremendous accomplishment. I had never heard of Henrietta Lacks or the enormity of contribution to science (even though she never agreed). Amazing.
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
A must read. I learned so much about science while also being reminded of the complex and horrifying history of science discovery and human abuse.
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
People have been trying to get me to read this book for ages but I was so resistant because I was sure it wasn't for me. Glad I finally had the Read Harder challenge to compel me to "read a nonfiction book about science."
While this fits the bill, it's about so much more. I love how Skloot brings the Lacks family to life, and I found myself enamored of Henrietta's daughter Deborah. Skloot beautifully weaves the science through the family lives and made all of it very accessible. And the book brought up so many ethical questions that it gave me plenty to think about. Definitely enjoy this!
While this fits the bill, it's about so much more. I love how Skloot brings the Lacks family to life, and I found myself enamored of Henrietta's daughter Deborah. Skloot beautifully weaves the science through the family lives and made all of it very accessible. And the book brought up so many ethical questions that it gave me plenty to think about. Definitely enjoy this!