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vreads3 's review for:
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
by Rebecca Skloot
Outstanding writing, excellent audiobook performance, devastating history and a host of terrifying and inspirational people to learn about. I think the author's dedication to putting in the time, educational and emotional resources is poignantly evident and makes Henrietta Lacks' and the whole Lacks family's life meaningful to everyone who reads it. This book is about science and history and the infuriating limitations of both, from scientific ego, policies and practice to cultural ignorance, emnity, racial inequality and ethical limbo. Yet it also remains respectfully anchored in the true human element of Henrietta and Deborah and the endless fight to make their stories known. One of my favorite books that I had no idea I wanted to read until I picked it up.
That being said, there is some truly disturbing content about human depravity and the author does not pull punches (also some brief swearing); its definitely not for anyone who struggles with triggers about domestic/sexual abuse, medical horror or violence.
*Spoiler warning!*
My favorite part was by far the author's revelation about both the scientific and spiritual nature of Henrietta's immortality and how regardless of belief, the beauty of understanding someone's story in its fullness is in it's own way, immortality.
That being said, there is some truly disturbing content about human depravity and the author does not pull punches (also some brief swearing); its definitely not for anyone who struggles with triggers about domestic/sexual abuse, medical horror or violence.
*Spoiler warning!*
My favorite part was by far the author's revelation about both the scientific and spiritual nature of Henrietta's immortality and how regardless of belief, the beauty of understanding someone's story in its fullness is in it's own way, immortality.