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What Members Thought
This was a fascinating story about a woman, her cells, and the family she left behind. Ms. Lacks' cells continue to help scientists with countless medical discoveries, and yet her family lives in poverty. I liked the way Rebecca Skloot uncovered the story for us - as the reader, you feel like you are joining her in getting to know this family, and the relationship between Rebecca and Deborah (Ms. Lacks' daughter) was the best part.
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I choose this book because it has become a best seller and received a lot of excellent reviews. Skloot follows three stories in this book--the development of the HeLa cell line and the various scientific discoveries that followed, the life of Henrietta Lacks and the lives of her children, and her quest to receive the help of the Lacks children in uncovering the details of their mother's life. I probably preferred the science storyline the most; Skloot writes in clear, concise prose and makes cel
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As someone who spent years reading papers dealing with HeLa cells and then made the transition into social justice work, I think that Skloot did a fantastic job of bridging the vast, cavernous distance between the two. I appreciate her sensitive take on the historic distrust of the medical establishment within the African American community, and the nuanced way in which she presents the history alongside the context of the Lack family, which was mistreated in every possible way by the American m
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This is one of the very best medical/science books that I have ever read.
Review is forthcoming...
Jan 01, 2011
Crystal
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2012,
1000-books-to-read-before-you-die
I had no idea this was a nonfiction book until I began reading it. I couldn't put it down ... such a good story, tied in with all sorts of ethical and legal questions. Really puts a FACE to scientific research.
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Jan 20, 2012
Molly
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction,
book-club
The author does a great job of blending the science and personal sides of the story. Found the story fascinating and enjoyed it more than I thought I would before picking it up.
Jan 07, 2011
Kate
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
goodreads-read,
recommended
Pretty interesting exploration of tissue culturing, the science and the history of the first cultured cells.
While a little technical at times, I enjoyed this story and feel a bit smarter for reading it!
Sep 28, 2011
Lisa
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
i-recommend,
nonfiction
Feb 09, 2013
lisa_emily
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
pop-non-fic,
2013-read
