Book Nook Cafe discussion
What did you read last month?
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What I read in February 2011
I had a slow reading month. I read the two BNC reads but did not finish anything else. I am in the first third of Amexica: War Along the Borderline which is disturbing. I am enjoying it but I cannot read it before bed.
I also started The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2010 last week or so. I am really enjoying this book. It is so funny I am laughing out loud when I read it. I like should stories alot...I feel as though I am accomplishing something...
Amy wrote: "In February I read:Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert - 5 stars
Loved this book. I found it very inspirational and I thought it was written with such beauty and..."
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I love this book, too. Though it seems to be a love it or hate it book. I loved the Buddhist feel to her journey.
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Amy:
Addition by Toni Jordan - 2 stars
This book was enjoyable enough but not a book that leaves you blown away at all. I liked the quirk of the main character having OCD. It suprisingly wasn't annoying but that's about all that can be said about the book really.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak- 5+ stars
This book on the other hand, is one that left me blown away. I loved every second that I was reading this book and could not put it down. The writing was poetic and philosopical. The Narrator of the story is Death and I think this added a special wisdom and sensitivity to the story it wouldn't have otherwise had. I fell in love with all the characters and laugh and cried with them. This book has slam-tackled its way to the top 10 of my all time favourite books! I will definately be reading more books by Markus Zusak. :)
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I'm adding Addition to my TBR list. But I am in no rush as I see you gave it a lower rating.
The Book Thief is on my F2F book clubs list.
Elaine wrote: "I had a slow reading month. I read the two BNC reads but did not finish anything else. -------------------
Both books were not fast reads. The complicated writing style took time to read and understand.
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "As to Henrietta, what did you think of the daughter. Her manic behavior, I have to admit, sort of turned me off. .."And this was not the worst of this family. I saw so much ..."
I have no doubt that Henrietta's children gave the worst impression possible, and I know some of them are looking for money, and most of them are either crazy or ill or both. I can't blame you for forming a very negative opinion. But this book is one of the best books on everybody's 2010 list, including mine. The issues raised by her remarkable story are vastly important, and the detective tale that unfolds is amazing. If you can't at least sympathize with the Lacks children after you read how they got where they are, I will be surprised. Maybe you will continue to resist reading about Henrietta, but I hope the rest of you out there will give it a chance. You will not be sorry.
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Schmerguls wrote: " This book details the baseball season and relates the events of the murder in detail, showing the press campaign against Sheppard--really sickening that papers could whip up hys..."I remember the Sheppard case from my childhood, as well as the Indians. This is going on my list for sure. Thanks for mentioning it.
Alias Reader wrote: "Barbara, congratulations on finishing Mann. As to Henrietta, what did you think of the daughter. Her manic behavior, I have to admit, sort of turned me off. I was quite happy when the author fi..."
That whole family had alot of issues....
Michele wrote: "I have no doubt that Henrietta's children gave the worst impression possible, and I know some of them are looking for money, and most of them are either crazy or ill or both. I can't blame you for forming a very negative opinion."You forgot very uneducated and mistrusting of people above them. :-)
But I agree with you Michele. It was a great book. JoAnn, I'd hate to see you dismiss a book just because of some news reports. They tend to like to make news overly sensational in the first place....
Julie wrote: ""JoAnn, I'd hate to see you dismiss a book just because of some news reports. ."These were not just news "reports" but extended interviews WITH the family members. They spoke for themselves, in their own words. The reporters were pretty sympathetic. I was not.
All books are not for everyone. That's cool. That's whats makes it so interesting to chat about books.I suggested the book to a friend, who read about 25 pages and quit. She didn't want to read about ovarian cancer or poverty. These issues just hit too close to home for her. I told her the book was about a lot more, but it just turned her off. That's okay.
Me, I'm a fan of the Henrietta book. One doesn't have to sympathize with the family to enjoy reading it. As I noted, I found the daughter unlikable.
I suggested the book to my f2f group, as I think it will generate a lot of discussion. It comes out in PB on the 8th.
I agree that differences of opinion are a lot more interesting than total agreement. I think anybody considering whether the book is worth the time has enough information at this point!!
I do not need to sympathize with characters to like or even read a book. It is just that I know more about this family and their lives than I ever wanted to. When I said that the reporters were "sympathetic", that was in reference to a comment that the press makes things overly sensational. In this case, they did not need to make anything sensational..... the family accomplished this all on its own, with help from Skloot.
I tried not to comment earlier -- and now I am even happier that I didn't. And I am having a really hard time keeping to that decision. If we don't choose this book I think some of you might want to create a buddy read or in any case a separate thread so that we can discuss further.If anything we have certainly proven that this is a book that creates discussion.
Bobbie57 wrote: "If anything we have certainly proven that this is a book that creates discussion. ..."Or maybe a TOPIC that creates discussion. After all, I did not read the book, but felt perfectly comfortable and valid commenting on the situation and the characters!
It's a choice for my F2F bookclub later this year -- now I'm really looking forward to seeing what conversations it brings about there. I haven't read the book yet.
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Bobbie57 wrote: "If anything we have certainly proven that this is a book that creates discussion. ..."Or maybe a TOPIC that creates discussion. After all, I did not read the book, but felt perfe..."
JoAnn -- I have a confession. Sometimes I comment without having read a particular book. So yes, a topic.
Bobbie57 wrote: "JoAnn -- I have a confession. Sometimes I comment without having read a particular book...."True confessions. LOL
I especially feel entitled to comment when I have read and abandoned a book. I read several excerpts of Skloot's in the Baltimore press, so that is like having read part of it, right?!?!?!
@JoAnn -- so you are telling me I have to have a better excuse to comment when I haven't read the book. Like you -- I have a great deal of difficulty expressing my opinion. (Believe that and I have a bridge for sale.)
Bobbie57 wrote: "@JoAnn -- so you are telling me I have to have a better excuse to comment when I haven't read the book. ..."hee haw, Bobbie....no excuses needed!!!!
I didn't get as much reading done in February as I usually do, and I didn't find anything that knocked me off my feet. Still, there are some enjoyable books here. For the most part, I've just copied and pasted my reviews...I know...I can get a bit on the wordy side, so I've edited...hmmmm, still too wordy.Memory Palace by Mira Bartok
Norma Herr is dying and her two daughters, having hidden from her for years, come to her bedside to say goodbye. This memoir recounts how this dysfunctional family got to this point. A childhood with an alcoholic father who disappears and a violent, schizophrenic mother, calls for remarkable survival skills. Norma becomes homeless and her now-adult daughters both change their names so that she cannot find them. Natalie (formerly Rachel) disconnects more than Mira (formerly Myra), but Myra communicates using anonymous post office boxes so that her mother never knows where she lives. So sad. Most of us, thankfully, have a hard time even imagining having a homeless mother and doing nothing other than sending the occasional gift of warm clothing to her. But most of us can't imagine living with a mother who tries to kill us. It is also a story about how people with mental illness or just age-related senility can fall through the cracks of society, tragically. I recommend this book for people who like to glimpse into the lives of families that (I hope, for your sake) are not like our own.
The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse
Ten years after his brother, George, is killed in WWI, Freddie is still obsessing over him and his death. Entertaining thoughts of suicide, he travels alone to the Pyrenees, crashes his car, and ends up in a sad, isolated village. He meets a woman whom he instantly loves, and listens to her very disturbing story.
Yes, this ghost story has ghosts, a definite plus in my book. I don't understand Freddie's obsession with his brother, an obsession that causes him to be institutionalized. Yes, his parents were cold and distant. Yes, they loved George more than they loved Freddie. Yes, life is not fair. But come on, Freddie, get over it already. The obsession got old fast. And it was just a little creepy, creepier than the ghosts.
I might have rated this book more highly if my expectations had been lower, but I have liked Kate Mosse's writing in the past. I really enjoyed her Labyrinth and liked Sepulchre. Those were both fairly hefty books, with enough twists and turns to keep me entertained. This very short book felt more like an expanded short story than a novel. There wasn't the depth or complexity that I expected. I did enjoy the last 25 or so pages, thought those more interesting than the earlier part of the book. Still, if you want to read a Mosse book, I'd suggest you not start with this one.
When the Thrill is Gone by Walter Mosley
The last thing I need is another mystery writer whose series I want to read, but dang it, I've gone and done it again, found an author whose writing I thoroughly enjoy. When the Thrill is Gone was my first book by this author even though it is the third in his series about PI Leonid McGill. Now I have to go back and read the first two, and maybe other novels by Mosley.
Leonid is a hard-boiled detective, not always right with the law. Okay, almost never right with the law. And he used to be even worse – I've gotta find out those details. Anyway, a very rich woman comes to him because she thinks her husband is going to kill her; two former wives are now dead and he is behaving oddly. But...the woman's dress and demeanor don't quite seem right for her wealth. So what is really going on?
The book is heavy on the testosterone, lots of tough guys doing tough things, but the violence isn't overly gruesome. The characters are interesting and the plot has enough turns to keep me interested. The characters aren't black and white, but all shades of good and bad. McGill's relationship with his wife is especially interesting. For me, the book had just the right amount of description. In describing the characters, Mosley usually described their skin color, no two being alike. “Her color was that of maple syrup in a glass jar, but in shadow.” I loved that. All in all, a great read for the genre.
Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington
I rated this autobiography highly not because it was superbly written or totally engaging but for the glimpse of history it gave me and for the look into the mind of Booker T. Washington, a founder of Tuskegee University. This former slave was tireless in his quest to establish a school where blacks could gain a practical as well as an intellectual education. A strong work ethic was always foremost, and he required the best from his students.
Washington was an optimist and a peacemaker, much more than most of us could be, very forgiving of the whites responsible for slavery. Perhaps his writing was colored by his fundraising needs, but I think that, for the most part, he just wanted to see people get along, see the best side of people. Unfortunately, his optimism for race relations was not borne out as he had hoped.
I read this as a group read selection and very much enjoyed the discussions that resulted.
Minding Ben by Victoria Brown
Having read but not especially liked The Nanny Diaries, I wasn't sure I wanted to tackle another novel bashing clients, employees and children alike, and filled with whining. I decided to give this one a try because it is about a young Trinidadian woman, a girl actually, who comes to the United States to make her way in the world. This one turned out to be entirely different from The Nanny Diaries. The story wasn't as much about being a nanny as it was a coming-of-age and coming-to-America story. The story bogged down a bit in places, but then this isn't an action adventure. It was also a little predictable at times. Nevertheless, it is a sweet, entertaining story written by a woman who came to America from Trinidad, on her own at the age of 16, and the truth of her experiences shines through in the story.
The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady by Elizabeth Stuckey-French
Nancy Archer is the giant woman, made huge by contact with a space alien, in the campy old movie, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman. So when Marylou Ahearn moves to Tallahassee for the sole purpose of killing Dr. Wilson Spriggs, she adopts that character's name. And she is a Radioactive Lady, thanks to a radioactive cocktail given to her without her knowledge as part of Dr. Spriggs's study. She, like the other women in this 1950s study, was pregnant. And her child died of cancer. Revenge, in 2006, is long overdue.
To quote Donald Rumsfeld, “My goodness!” (No, he wasn't talking about this book – I just wanted to quote him.) I love the title of the book, and the story is funny in a dark sort of way. I expected more humor, despite the grim subject. For the most part, the characters are unlikeable, quirky,but interesting. Reading this, I felt like one of those people who really, really doesn't want to look at the car wreck she has just driven by, but does anyway. So, does Marylou/Nancy manage to kill Dr. Spriggs or does she settle for hurting the family? Does anyone ever live happily ever after? What makes the novel more than just entertaining is the very sad fact that such experiments were conducted on pregnant women without their knowledge. Marylou was justified in her anger, but she let it take over her life.
Radio Shangri-La by Lisa Napoli
Bhutan, with its Gross National Happiness emphasis, its gorgeous and isolated setting, wonderful people, and sudden ascent into the 21st century, has intrigued me, so I couldn't wait to read this memoir by a woman who volunteered at a fledgling radio station in the country. And I loved learning more about this unique country.
Unfortunately, the writing didn't quite live up to my expectations; it just didn't grab me as much as I had anticipated. To start, the author writes about Harris and Matt, Benjamin and Sebastian. Are Harris and Matt the same person? What about Benjamin and Sebastian? I hate flipping back to try to figure out who is who. To be expected with Bhutanese names, but could have easily been avoided with the American ones.
The author is having a midlife crisis. She has chosen a career in modern media but seems to dislike almost everything about her chosen field. Something terrible happened to her when she was young, and it has understandably affected her later decisions, but too much of the book just seems like whining and I couldn't connect to her feelings. She hated the food in Bhutan and the stray dogs annoyed her, as though it were the dogs' fault they were strays, and couldn't seem to let either of those things go. I did love reading about some of the Bhutanese people, the irrepressible Ngawang and her impressions of the United States, the Rinpoche who turned out to be not so nice. The author had advantages and accomplishments greater than the people she was helping, but it sometimes came across as her being a bit smug although I'm sure it wasn't meant that way. I liked this book and am glad I read it but didn't love it – the writing just didn't pull me in.
Memory Palace by Mira Bartok
The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse
When the Thrill is Gone by Walter Mosley
Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington
Minding Ben by Victoria Brown
The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady by Elizabeth Stuckey-French
Radio Shangri-La: What I Learned in the Happiest Place on Earth by Lisa Napoli
Susan wrote: I didn't get as much reading done in February as I usually do, and I didn't find anything that knocked me off my feet. Still, there are some enjoyable books here. For the most part, I've just copied and pasted my reviews...I know...I can get a bit on the wordy side, so I've edited...hmmmm, still too wordy. --------------
I think your reviews were perfect ! I enjoyed reading them very much. Thank you. :)
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Bobbie57 wrote: "If anything we have certainly proven that this is a book that creates discussion. ..."Or maybe a TOPIC that creates discussion. After all, I did not read the book, but felt perfectly comfortable and valid commenting on the situation and the characters! ..."
It must be a sign that i'm well on the road to recovery that i am posting on this topic, which we've discussed time & again! This is NOT about you & this book particularly, JoAnn. We've done this with other books, too. I don't think we "should" or "shouldn't" discuss general topics (i'm one who eagerly joins in) or even specifics, if we haven't read the book.
Still, having read the entire book explains the objectionable qualities of the Lack children. I have no patience for what i saw of them on tv but, thanks to reading the book, i have an understanding of how much they have not comprehended even the basics of what happened to their mother's cells. And this, coupled with the horror stories the African American community had about Johns Hopkins, play into the family's reactions, imo.
As far as discussions in general go, i'd make this parallel about movies. I may decide whether i will or will not see a movie based on interviews with the actors &/or excerpts i see in commercials, in theaters & elsewhere. However, i wouldn't feel comfortable about giving my opinion on the movie if i hadn't seen it. It's a weak parallel, i realize, but there is a seed or commonality there, imo.
As far as i can tell from this board, everyone who has read the entire book found it excellent. The topic continues because one person who hasn't read it is posting her thoughts, which is fine by me. For those readers who read the book we understand and have a sort of patience with the family, even though we do not "like" them. I read to better understand the topic of cells, i continued to better "get" the family's feelings and sense of loss.
Talking about your hornet's nest...
deborah
Thank you to everyone for sharing the titles you read in February. I read exactly one from cover to cover, Up From Slavery. Due to my vertigo i seemed unable to comprehend books which required more concentration, so abandoned--only for now--The Souls of Black Folk and Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin Abbott Abbott. Even these slim books took more than i could handle at present.SO, i'll report my DH's reading. LOL! I include this because War & Peace was mentioned. He finished Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky in February. I was relieved because i tired of hearing about his frustration with learning character names--proper, titled &/or pet names--as well as inconsistencies in the writing. I'll probably never get him to try another Dostoyevsky, nor Tolstoy. Maybe Pasternak, but no time soon!
P.S. Good news, i've begun The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington by Jennet Conant last night & had no problems. At present i guess i need straight forward stories with no philosophy, no science, little thinking.
deborah
I remember reading Crime and Punishment back in November 1948 and being fascinated by the central character's name: Rodion Romanovitch Raskolnikov. (I did not check the spelling so that might be off a little.) And have never forgotten the name. I have read these books by Dostevsky:351. Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky (read 22 Nov 1948)
492. The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoyevsky translated by Constance Garnett (read 18 Mar 1956)
1530. The Idiot, by Fyodor Dostoyevsky translated by David Magarschack (read 3 Aug 1979)
Of the three Crime and Punishment is by far the one I appreciated the most.
Madrano wrote: "And this, coupled with the horror stories the African American community had about Johns Hopkins, play into the family's reactions, imo. ..."Keep in mind that Johns Hopkins was the ONLY hospital in Baltimore that would treat African Americans at that time. And treated them for free. So of course there would be horror stories about it. As there would have been about any other hospital that treated them, I am sure.
Although the family's circumstances were and remain difficult, they are not unique nor are their problems a result or consequence of research on their mother's cells. I guess this is what I do not "get"....why people think there is a connection between these two things.
Any medical test we have......does anyone really know what happens to that blood or tissue? I am sure it is used for research all the time. I think Skloot could have done a great service by delving into this. But then, that would have revealed that what was done with the HeLa cells was not unusual.
Giving an opinion on a movie you have not seen is not really the same as giving one's opinion on a TOPIC one has read and seen much about -- ad nauseum in my case. I did not need to read the book to understand the cellular info, nor the sense of loss. I have plenty of personal knowledge of those two topics.
Had I not known what I do about this family, I am sure I would have read this book and deemed it excellent as well. I realize I am in the VAST minority.
JoAnn.Any medical test we have......does anyone really know what happens to that blood or tissue? I am sure it is used for research all the time. I think Skloot could have done a great service by delving into this. But then, that would have revealed that what was done with the HeLa cells was not unusual.----------------
Actually, she does go into this in the book.
Schmerguls wrote: "I remember reading Crime and Punishment back in November 1948 and being fascinated by the central character's name: Rodion Romanovitch Raskolnikov. (I did not check the spelling so that might be ..."-------------------
I read C&P awhile ago and found it fascinating. I'm glad I read it with cliffs notes as there is so much philosophy that would have gone over my head without the aid of notes.
Alias Reader wrote: "Actually, she does go into this in the book. "So why the big brouhaha over the HeLa cells being used as they were - if Skloot pointed out that this was commonly done?
If you read the book you would learn that what was common was that legal permission was not needed and it still isn't. However, they were not even given accurate information as to how their mother died. And HeLa cells were the only ones that somehow lasted through a variety of procedures. So -- if you read the book you might actually learn something.And because Johns Hopkins was the only place that treated blacks and there were general issues -- does that make some of the issues OK? Actually if you read the book you would learn that Johns Hopkins for all that they did -- did NOT make money on the cells.
Also -- while there are now various comments as to whether people liked her family or not -- it seems clear to me at least that they definitely had many mental health problems among other things that were exacerbated by all the nonsense. There was always facts that were hidden from them. So -- in general -- I cannot feel that in this day and age that we have to continue to demonize people with mental illnesses because we wish they would behave "correctly."
OK -- Now I've done my rant.
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Although the family's circumstances were and remain difficult, they are not unique nor are their problems a result or consequence of research on their mother's cells. I guess this is what I do not "get"....why people think there is a connection between these two things."There is a connection in the sense that it caused alot of stress for them not being able to understand what had happened or what was going on. I haven't ever heard anyone claim that it actually caused their problems though. Like I said earlier, the family had alot of issues. Although Deb (was that her name?) was a little psycho in the book, I did admire her for honestly trying to educate herself on the science aspect of things. Education was very lacking in that family.
Bobbie, I have read countless articles about this TOPIC and as a result I do not need to learn any of the things you advised me to learn about. But thank you very much anyway for your concern about my "education".I know all about the legalities of informed consent, and that Hopkins made no money on the HeLa cells. I have known those things for a long time without needing to read the book.
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/m...
In fact, Hopkins released info 10 years ago and it might sound familiar....
http://www.jhu.edu/jhumag/0400web/01....
And for what it's worth, being mentally ill does not mean people cannot also be greedy and devious. I have a family member like that. I also think Skloot could have made an better attempt to explain things to the family, but I am sure it made for a better book not to have them understand what went on.
And I NEVER said that any "issues" at Hopkins were okay. I would thank you not to put words that I did not say in my mouth. I say enough already without anyone attributing words that I did NOT say. LOL
Bobbie57 wrote: Also -- while there are now various comments as to whether people liked her family or not -- it seems clear to me at least that they definitely had many mental health problems among other things that were exacerbated by all the nonsense. There was always facts that were hidden from them. So -- in general -- I cannot feel that in this day and age that we have to continue to demonize people with mental illnesses because we wish they would behave "correctly." -------------
I was one who read the book and posted that I didn't like the daughter. Yes, it is made quite clear in the book that she has been diagnosed with mental issues.
However, I was just being honest when I said that she got on my last nerve at times. I was quite glad when the author yelled at her that she had enough. At that point in the book, so did I.
I was not demonizing her. I understand the lack of education, mental health, and poverty issues. And I do sympathize. Though I don't think Henrietta or her family were wronged. As the book notes, the courts seem to agree on that point. She simple was not a person who I could have worked with like the author did. I think the author had the patience of a saint.
For me, the book was not about who I liked or didn't. That would be quite boring. For me, what made the book fascinating was the ethical, legal and moral dilemmas presented.
I am not sure why this book is pushing peoples buttons. Most of of have read it, or know a lot about it, and have formed our opinions. So maybe we should just move on. Certainly, no need to get upset over a book.
I know the book is in the hopper for my f2f book club. We've already selected the next 3 months so it will be after that. I'm interested to see how people react to it.
ANYway, let's all take a deep breath. Peace. :)
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "I also think Skloot could have made an better attempt to explain things to the family, but I am sure it made for a better book not to have them understand what went on.-------------
It's been awhile since I read the book, so I hope I have this correct. But Skloot does go to great lengths to explain things to the daughter.
If I remember correctly, at one point she even brings her to a scientist or doctor, I can't recall now which, the guy who gave her the picture of the Hela cell, and he clearly explains things to the daughter, it really brought her peace and understanding.
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: " I also think Skloot could have made an better attempt to explain things to the family, but I am sure it made for a better book not to have them understand what went on...."JoAnn, while i agree that we can all discuss the topic many of your comments are on the specific book, which seems to be frustrating some of us. The above comment seems to be a comment on the author & how she interacted with the family. IN THE BOOK Skloot shared excerpts from the conversations she had about many of the things you believe she didn't, particularly the science. And, as Alias noted, it brought her peace but i do not think she ever understood.
From MESSAGE 76,JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote:, Although the family's circumstances were and remain difficult, they are not unique nor are their problems a result or consequence of research on their mother's cells. I guess this is what I do not "get"....why people think there is a connection between these two things.
One of the very points Skloot made was that this was not an atypical result, only the one which made a difference in/to the world. She gives statistics on how often such things were (& are) being done. The parts about the family are what helps bring home the staggering impact of the science,imo.
deborah
My daughter, (a biologist) says that these cells were contaminated, so that technically they were not even Henrietta's cells anymore. Interesting too, that much of the blood we give is often used for research purposes and not for donation to other people, and yet we don't know where it often goes to. We also don't know where our loved ones remains go to either when a body or organs are donated. I do know that consent is given for this, but there is no consent on who gets the organs. I guess we think (or at least I thought) that her family is after notoriety and money more than what the benefit of her cells have accomplished. I did read the book quite a while ago, but I did think that at the time. I recognize that they were uneducated and had societal and mental issues ongoing, but I just couldn't stop thinking of the money I felt they were hoping to garner.
Alias Reader wrote: "It's been awhile since I read the book, so I hope I have this correct. But Skloot does go to great lengths to explain things to the daughter. ..."Yes, you are right. And the rest of the family didn't trust her enough to talk to her most of the time.
Marialyce wrote: "My daughter, (a biologist) says that these cells were contaminated,-------------
Yes, that is also discussed in the book. And how the contamination may have ruined experiments and their findings and the huge cost (time and money) caused by the contamination.
Though I can no longer recall specific results of the contamination. Did she mention that in the book?
The cells are still used. So is it that they are now more careful when using them knowing how easily they are contaminated? Sorry, my memory is terrible.
I believe she says that originally the contamination was caused by the way they were transported and other issues like that although I could be wrong. Clearly standards were very different then. So in general, yes they are more careful. A lot more careful. As we all are about bacteria even in our homes.Reading about the way the cells were originally transported will make you laugh -- or cry -- depending on your mood.
Bobbie57 wrote: "I believe she says that originally the contamination was caused by the way they were transported and other issues like that although I could be wrong. Clearly standards were very different then. So..."---------------
Thanks, Barbara. :)
I pray that with science seemingly taking giant leaps with things like DNA and stem cells that cures for some our major diseases is near at hand.
Alias Reader wrote: "Bobbie57 wrote: "I believe she says that originally the contamination was caused by the way they were transported and other issues like that although I could be wrong. Clearly standards were very d..."What was insidious (because they thought they were being careful...for the times, anyway) is that researches didn't realize HOW powerful Lacks' cells were. A sleeve grazing nearby ended up with cells attached, well-washed pipettes and even dust in the air held onto the cells!
Iirc, it was at this point that the family found out about HeLa cells because the medical community wanted fresh cells from them. Confusion ensued but they allowed the blood to be taken based on what the doctors told them. So, although they still had no concept of what a cell was, they began to learn how their mother became immortal, in her own way.
I think I also remember that the researchers were actually eating their lunch in the lab next to their work. That is what I meant by standards being different then.
Oh, Bobbie, i'd forgotten that! Amazing in light of what we now know.
My February reads were:1.Son of the Morning Star
2.The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe
3.Winter's Bone
4.Hodd
5.Cool Water
6.Brazzaville Beach
John, did you see the film Winter's Bone? If so, how different was the book? I was only so-so on the film but wondered if i might like the book anyway.deb
Madrano wrote: "John, did you see the film Winter's Bone? If so, how different was the book? I was only so-so on the film but wondered if i might like the book anyway.deb"
I saw the movie first. If you were only so-so on the movie you would probably feel the same about the book. A lot of the dialog of the movie was directly from the book. Only a few situations were different. I loved both the book and the movie. I thought Ree Dolly was a tough character and Jennifer Lawrence did a great job portraying her.
Thanks, John. I think my problem with the film was that it just felt too much like this part of Texas but without the woods. The one thing i liked about it was that it might help people see how the drug culture has hit what was once moonshine only country.deb
Madrano wrote: "Thanks, John. I think my problem with the film was that it just felt too much like this part of Texas but without the woods. The one thing i liked about it was that it might help people see how the..."I had no idea that drugs had replaced moonshine. somehow moon-shining seemed kind of cheeky and anti-establishment; where drug manufacturing is just evil. What part of Texas are you in?
I'm in east Texas and meth labs must be the #1 industry here. Well, maybe after sweet 'taters. deb :-)
Madrano wrote: "I'm in east Texas and meth labs must be the #1 industry here. Well, maybe after sweet 'taters. deb :-)"
Makes the marijuana growing here in British Columbia look kind of wimpy.
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Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert - 5 stars
Loved this book. I found it very inspirational and I thought it was written with such beauty and truth. An amazing journey of self-inquiry. I would recommend this book highly :)
Addition by Toni Jordan - 2 stars
This book was enjoyable enough but not a book that leaves you blown away at all. I liked the quirk of the main character having OCD. It suprisingly wasn't annoying but that's about all that can be said about the book really.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak- 5+ stars
This book on the other hand, is one that left me blown away. I loved every second that I was reading this book and could not put it down. The writing was poetic and philosopical. The Narrator of the story is Death and I think this added a special wisdom and sensitivity to the story it wouldn't have otherwise had. I fell in love with all the characters and laugh and cried with them. This book has slam-tackled its way to the top 10 of my all time favourite books! I will definately be reading more books by Markus Zusak. :)
Across the Universe by Beth Revis- 2 stars
This book was a bit of a disappointment for me. I found the story to be unoriginal and the writing seemed very tailored. The characters were very stereotypical and did not have much depth. My overall impression was that is was 'average'. I do not think I will read the follow up book.