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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
Everyone who has read this book should also read Ron Lacks book https://www.amazon.com/Henrietta-Lacks-Untold-Story-Ron/dp/1098307429/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZZMMDPHNI9GO&keywords=ron+lacks&qid=1640732364&sprefix=ron+lacks+%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-1
emotional
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
I don't know how to feel about this. I was outraged by the indiscriminate use, distribution and sale of the cancer cells of Henrietta Lacks without consent or compensation or acknowledgment.
The story should have focused on Henrietta and her story, and the use of her cancer cells, and it does, but but a large part of this book included the author herself doing research and nearly harassing the family to get what she wanted. The book would have been much shorter if she'd stuck to the family and the story, not documenting everything she did to dig for information.
I would have liked more info about how He-La cells changed medicine, and skip anything to do with the author being part of this.
I also felt really uncomfortable reading what I feel was private interactions of the family that reflected them poorly; it's embarrassing. Were we meant to understand that Day was responsible for the illnesses of Henrietta and the difficulties the children were born with because of his STI's? maybe that was pertinent because of her HPV.
Could this have been handled in a more respectful way? Focusing on more science, less family drama and zero author inserting herself?
This feels important and interesting, but I'm sure the family's fears of intrusion were realized with the publication of this book.
The story should have focused on Henrietta and her story, and the use of her cancer cells, and it does, but but a large part of this book included the author herself doing research and nearly harassing the family to get what she wanted. The book would have been much shorter if she'd stuck to the family and the story, not documenting everything she did to dig for information.
I would have liked more info about how He-La cells changed medicine, and skip anything to do with the author being part of this.
I also felt really uncomfortable reading what I feel was private interactions of the family that reflected them poorly; it's embarrassing. Were we meant to understand that Day was responsible for the illnesses of Henrietta and the difficulties the children were born with because of his STI's? maybe that was pertinent because of her HPV.
Could this have been handled in a more respectful way? Focusing on more science, less family drama and zero author inserting herself?
This feels important and interesting, but I'm sure the family's fears of intrusion were realized with the publication of this book.
Great information. Writing a bit repetitive and not as descriptive as I prefer. Worthwhile overall though.
I can't recommend this book enough. The author went to such great lengths to thoroughly research the huge history behind the Hela cells. Not only did she explain the scientific contribution, but she went into detail of Henrietta's history as well as her legacy. Everything was explained on a basic level so that anyone could understand and be intrigued. Medical practices before our generation could be described as questionable at best so obviously some parts were disturbing but I think it's important to learn and remember this part of history.
challenging
sad
medium-paced
The first half of the book was okay. The second half was just sad. Overall, the author did not speak much about the science. Would not recommend to anyone. I almost did not finish the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Cancer, Racism, Terminal illness
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Pedophilia, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Pregnancy, Classism
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I really enjoyed the skilfully woven narrative within this book, and the importance of empathy in ethical decision making
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
challenging
informative
sad
medium-paced
This was honestly such a feat in both reporting and storytelling, I am super impressed and was enthralled by the story of Henrietta Lacks and her family.