Author: Rebecca Skloot
Genre: Biography, Standalone
Published: 2010
Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)
Yearly Count: 97
Henrietta Lacks was a black woman who died from cervical cancer at the age of 31. Without her knowledge, samples of tissue from her cervix were removed for research and miraculously the cells (HeLa) reproduced over and over again. Her immortal cells are commonly used to this day for medical advancement. This book not only explains the history of cells, but the history of the Lacks's devoted family.
The story of Henrietta Lacks was very interesting, and Skloot told it in an easy-to-follow, sequential manner. I learned an ample amount of scientific details regarding cells, research and procedures. And, in general, I found most of the book to be quite compelling regarding the Lacks family.
I thought the audio version of this one was very good. Thanks for the great review:)
ReplyDeleteInteresting. One or two people suggested this one as a compelling NF read on my Mr. Whicher post last week and while I had heard of it I didn't actually know what it was about until just now. I'm glad to hear so much about this one because I admit I wouldn't pick it up based on the subject matter alone.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this book too - it really gave me a lot to think about.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I really liked this book! Wonderful mix of science and personal life story. I didn't know anything about the HeLa cells. (I was a Chemmie, not so into the Bio)
ReplyDeleteMy latest nonfiction great read is Gretzky's Tears, about when Gretzky got traded from Edmonton to LA. It's an important story for Canadians.
I'm thinking that I must read this one at some point.
ReplyDeleteNormally this isn't my type of book, but I keep reading great things about it.
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to read this sometime next year. I think I'll recommend it to my book club. It's gotten some wonderful reviews and I'm glad to see you liked it, too.
ReplyDeleteI keep reading great reviews for this book, I'm itching to try it myself.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't resist getting a copy of this one when it first came out--but I still haven't read it. Bad, I know. I am planning to though. I am glad you enjoyed it, Joy.
ReplyDeleteBibliophile By the Sea ~ I listened to it as well.
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ I picked it up on recommendation only. I'm glad I did. It adds an interesting topic to my knowledge base. :)
Bermudaonion ~ There are several topics to discuss, that's for sure.
Raidergirl3 ~ I imagine the Gretzky book would be important to many that followed his career. I'm not a fan of hockey. I have only attended one Red Wings game.
Staci ~ It's got great scientific information in it, yet still contains the personal side of the family. I think it had good balance.
Stacybuckeye ~ I typed "buckeye" and got a chill. :) Two more weeks and our teams will be on the field together. EEK!
Les ~ There's lots to talk about, so I think it's a good choice.
Kris ~ Yep, in general, it has been highly rated.
Literary Feline ~ When it ends up in your hands, that'll be the right time. :)