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brandimoriarty10's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.5
I felt like I was getting a school lesson in biology and learning everything I needed to know about Henrietta! I didn't want to stop reading, this book was wonderfully written so you don't feel like you are sitting through a boring lab. I love the Lacks family and I just want/wish the world for them. Great book!
crazy4az's review against another edition
5.0
I loved it! It is a science book that reads like a novel. I learned a lot about medicine and biology and history, in very compelling story. The human aspect of Henrietta Lacks and her family was so moving and heart-breaking, I wanted to help them. The author does a great job of respectfully presenting their private struggles.
wicked_sassy's review against another edition
3.0
The good parts: information about Henrietta Lacks herself; the discussion of how scientific research expanded because of the HeLa cells; how informed consent in medical research has evolved over time; the deeply racialized and classed history of segregationist practices and unethical medicine in the United States.
The parts I didn't care for were when the author inserted herself into the story and promptly became A Nice White Lady who was patronizing about Henrietta Lacks' family and her own role in their education. Ultimately a decent enough read for anyone who seeks further information on Henrietta Lacks but the book could have used a much firmer editor and less personal interjection.
The parts I didn't care for were when the author inserted herself into the story and promptly became A Nice White Lady who was patronizing about Henrietta Lacks' family and her own role in their education. Ultimately a decent enough read for anyone who seeks further information on Henrietta Lacks but the book could have used a much firmer editor and less personal interjection.
catherine_mack's review against another edition
5.0
I am a little late getting to this title (published 2010) but now that I’ve read it… Wow!!! I listened to the entire audiobook with my mouth hanging open. I think that every human should know this woman’s name and know this story. It is a very powerful read about science, medicine, social justice, privacy and consent.
Perhaps one of the most disturbing parts of the book is the final chapter. The Afterward discusses how things have and have not changed in the area of tissue samples and research since the 1950’s and since the publication of the book. We live in a society that commodifies and looks to gain huge profits from the very building blocks of life. It is quite sickening.
Perhaps one of the most disturbing parts of the book is the final chapter. The Afterward discusses how things have and have not changed in the area of tissue samples and research since the 1950’s and since the publication of the book. We live in a society that commodifies and looks to gain huge profits from the very building blocks of life. It is quite sickening.
lido's review against another edition
4.0
Was assigned to read this as part of an ethics class and was impressed by Skloot's ability to mix human interest into some very in depth science.
tangy_t33's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
5.0
Started: 07/29/24
Finished: 08/01/24
Fomat: audiobook [libby]
⭐️5.0
I knew this was an important story that needed to be told as well as it needed to be heard. I was worried I would not understand the science behind all the cell talk & would unfortunately get bored but that ended up being the total opposite. I was very much invested throughout the whole book. I experienced many emotions while listening to this story…most of it anger and frustration but also glee for the family to finally get their story told about Henrietta Lacks & how her cells has contributed greatly to science and development of medicine all over the world that also help launch a multi trillion dollar industry (𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐏𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌). This is definitely a valuable read for everyone!
Finished: 08/01/24
Fomat: audiobook [libby]
⭐️5.0
I knew this was an important story that needed to be told as well as it needed to be heard. I was worried I would not understand the science behind all the cell talk & would unfortunately get bored but that ended up being the total opposite. I was very much invested throughout the whole book. I experienced many emotions while listening to this story…most of it anger and frustration but also glee for the family to finally get their story told about Henrietta Lacks & how her cells has contributed greatly to science and development of medicine all over the world that also help launch a multi trillion dollar industry (𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐏𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌). This is definitely a valuable read for everyone!
snook2b's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0