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Nov 16, 2018
Brian
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(4.5) well researched and very sympathetic to her subject
This is a story that might not have been told so completely without Skloot doing so. Henrietta’s family members and descendants are aging, ailing and passing away. Records are disappearing. So this is an important work of history and biography that can’t come about 50 years from now.
That said, the first person narrative bits about meeting with the family aren’t as critical historically (her tape recordings might be though!?), but I think s ...more
This is a story that might not have been told so completely without Skloot doing so. Henrietta’s family members and descendants are aging, ailing and passing away. Records are disappearing. So this is an important work of history and biography that can’t come about 50 years from now.
That said, the first person narrative bits about meeting with the family aren’t as critical historically (her tape recordings might be though!?), but I think s ...more
There's a lot to unpack here and I think Skloot does it well. When it comes to the science portions of this book, the knowledge and ease with which the subject is presented to the reader is done competently and simply. When it comes to the larger and heavier aspects on this book - racism, consent, poverty, exploiting the under educated - there is a wallop of emotions. This books is important and disturbing. It didn't make me happy and it often affected me negatively. I felt upset often and I que
...more
I listened to the audiobook for the first half of this book, and read a hardcover copy for the second half. This left me feeling pretty disjointed, which is mostly my fault, but unfortunately it's impacting my view on the book, too.
There were parts of this book that I found incredibly fascinating. The ethics of consent were really interesting to read about, and I really loved Deborah and Rebecca's adventures together. I had trouble wading through some of the more "science-y" parts, even though ...more
There were parts of this book that I found incredibly fascinating. The ethics of consent were really interesting to read about, and I really loved Deborah and Rebecca's adventures together. I had trouble wading through some of the more "science-y" parts, even though ...more
You need to read it.
It may be a bit tough to get through the medical/scientific info.
Some parts are drawn out a bit and difficult; it's not perfect - but it weaves much together and the combined stories are Fascinating (my favorite review word!)
Read in 2010. ...more
It may be a bit tough to get through the medical/scientific info.
Some parts are drawn out a bit and difficult; it's not perfect - but it weaves much together and the combined stories are Fascinating (my favorite review word!)
Read in 2010. ...more
It took me a while to get into it. But about a quarter through it really picked up and I could not put it down. Henrietta Lacks story and her family's story is fascinating, sad and hopeful. So many ethical questions, issues of racism, economics, science, health ----great read!
...more
Aug 21, 2011
Jeff James
marked it as to-read
Mar 05, 2012
Jill
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Sep 11, 2012
C
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Jun 27, 2013
Katrina
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May 22, 2015
Julia
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Nov 03, 2015
Alejandra
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Dec 23, 2015
Angela
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Mar 21, 2016
Kristen
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Mar 21, 2016
Sarah Minnella
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Jun 01, 2016
Susan
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Apr 04, 2017
Allison James-Garcia
marked it as to-read
