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thechanelmuse's review against another edition
5.0
"There isn't a person alive who hasn't benefited from my mother's cells."
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lackswill make you feel a range of emotions because of the subject matter, Henrietta’s back story, the branch of stories within the main rooted story that highlights her children, the absolute rare and unique nature of Henrietta’s cells, and the voice of Deborah Lacks. This book could’ve only been told this way.
I’ve known about Henrietta Lacks and her unforgettable family for years, but kept putting this book off for obvious reasons. Hauntingly unsettling. Just one of many pages within the medical exploitation of Black Americans. Henrietta’s stolen cellular language speaks in the form of indefinite replication outside of the body as the sole provider used in cure and treatment discovery that impacts the world. She existed before I was born and she’ll continue to exist after we all pass on. How can something be traumatizing, infuriating, and fascinating all at the same time…
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lackswill make you feel a range of emotions because of the subject matter, Henrietta’s back story, the branch of stories within the main rooted story that highlights her children, the absolute rare and unique nature of Henrietta’s cells, and the voice of Deborah Lacks. This book could’ve only been told this way.
I’ve known about Henrietta Lacks and her unforgettable family for years, but kept putting this book off for obvious reasons. Hauntingly unsettling. Just one of many pages within the medical exploitation of Black Americans. Henrietta’s stolen cellular language speaks in the form of indefinite replication outside of the body as the sole provider used in cure and treatment discovery that impacts the world. She existed before I was born and she’ll continue to exist after we all pass on. How can something be traumatizing, infuriating, and fascinating all at the same time…
kaitays's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
I love the subject, however the author dragged the story on without it feeling like we got more information. That made it hard to read. The beginning was very strong in the sense of information given and interest but the steam runs out towards the end.
Would Purchase?: No
Would Purchase?: No
natalie_is_reading's review against another edition
4.0
Quite interesting! I slowed down a little reading this as the book progressed but it was a good choice for my rare non fiction read
saho's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
2.5
I enjoyed the Lacks’ stories and the information about HeLa cells, but I found the way Skloot self aggrandized distasteful.
yinglingv's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
erinreadstoomuch's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Incredibly heartbreaking and eye opening regarding the fact that the key to so much modern medicine is tied to a woman whose name is largely forgotten. Rebecca did an incredible job at portraying the real emotions and bringing true life to Henrietta, while also giving her family the respect and kindness they have been owed for so long. Henrietta’s name should be screamed from the roof tops.
Graphic: Medical content, Physical abuse, Mental illness, Domestic abuse, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Medical trauma and Sexual assault