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I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. It is the true story of Henrietta Lacks who is unknowingly and unrecognizably one of the most famous people in the scientific community. Many only know her as HeLa which is the common name for her cells. Her "immortal" cells have even been sent into space. I left this story feeling sad and worried. Despite all the good HeLa cells have been involved with, I can't help but wonder if the end justified the means. In this case I'm not entirely sure it did.
Henrietta Lacks died of cervical cancer in 1951 and before she died one of her doctors took cells from her tumor. These cells were the the first to be successfully grown in a lab. They are still available in most every lab today.
The story focuses on Henrietta's family and how they felt about what happened to their mother. I am a bit embarrassed to reveal that I didn't know about the treatment blacks received from doctors and hospitals. I was shocked to find out some of the awful things that were done in the name of science.
I loved the way it was written. Rebecca Skloot told the story with all it's awful details with incredible respect for Henrietta and her family. I hope this book helps give Henrietta and her family the recognition they deserve.
Going to download this book for my upcoming vacation. Your review has me intrigued.
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