Rebekah Reads: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Book Review

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks came highly recommended. So highly recommended, the recommender sent the book to me. 

Get your copy here.

About the book

Beyond the science and ethical issues surrounding the taking and use of Henrietta Lacks' cells, this book delves into the biography of this woman who loved her family and was loved by them in return. Henrietta's family is expansive and faced with the myriad challenges of rural and urban living, health, and loss. This book respectfully presents many of these challenges honestly without judgment or condemnation. Clearly, the author is biased and no reader can hold against her the care and compassion with which the family and their needs are portrayed. It is that love for the Lacks family that makes the reading so compelling. 

Results

As a result of her work on this book, Ms. Skloot created The Henrietta Lacks Foundation to benefit those harmed by or prevented from benefitting from the use of their own or a relative's biological material without willing or informed consent. In addition to Henrietta Lacks' descendants, The Henrietta Lacks Foundation has provided grants to relatives of individuals impacted by the Tuskegee Syphilis Studies.

Visit The Henrietta Lacks Foundation to learn more

  

My Thoughts

Frankly, this is one of the most well-written, well-researched scientific writings I've read. Not only does the author explain the science and the issues surrounding Henrietta's case and the use of her cells, she crafts a story that respects Henrietta's life story and her family.  

Henrietta lost her own mother at a young age and her daughter, Deborah, struggled with the early loss of her mother. My personal connection, with the loss of my own mother in April, 2020, made reading difficult at times and I set the book down more than once. I'm glad I challenged myself to finish reading earlier this month. 

I highly recommend this book to every reader. If you prefer happily-ever-after fiction, challenge yourself. If you have never read scientific writing, you will not be disappointed in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks as your introduction to scientific writing. I warn you that if you are prissy, your pretentious opinions will be challenged -- all the more reason to read this book. The night I finished reading, I allowed myself to stay awake until I finished reading. I read with tears and anger and I hope you do, too.

About the Author

Ms. Skloot's interest and passion for both science and writing make this book a compelling read and makes the science understandable for the layman reader, which speaks to her mastery of the genre. She has educational background in animal science and biology, as well as in writing, all of which she puts to good use in her writing. Rebecca Skloot's sensibilities and kindness seem to have gone a long way toward being able to build relationships with members of the Lacks family. The years Ms. Skloot dedicated to Henrietta and her family, the lengths to which she went to uncover details and the debt she took on to tell this story demonstrate more than mere dedication to her craft, they demonstrate her care and compassion for people and her passion to tell Henrietta Lacks' story. Ms. Skloot is an award-winning author, honored with awards for writing in science, travel, and biography.