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A review by wicked_sassy
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
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.