As the cover says, "Doctors took her cells without asking. Those cells never died. They launched a medical revolution and a multimillion-dollar industry. More than twenty years later, her children found out. Their lives would never be the same."
The same could be said about us. Our lives will never be the same because EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US has benefited from Henrietta Lacks' cells.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a science book and one that I almost did not read because of that fact. However, I am glad that I did.
It is a science book but it is also a book with a fascinating story to tell. Part science, history book and biography. An easy read. It is a book that you will not be able to put down though to be honest I did find the ending a bit slow.
You will learn a lot about science, about cells and about Henrietta Lacks.
Author Rebecca Skloot sums up the book best in this short video:
WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes, I would. It is an easy read and the subject matter is fascinating. However, don't take my word for it. Consider the fact that it was named one of the best books of 2010 by Entertainment Weekly, Booklist, The New York Times, National Public Radio, The Washington Post, O Oprah Magazine, USA Today and many more institutions.
Do you read science books? Are you interested in learning more about Henrietta Lacks' life story? You can learn more on Amazon by clicking right here.
Happy Reading!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda
Quick Link:
Buy your copy of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks from Amazon.
A quite intriguing review! The fact that you admit yourself that a science book would not normally interest you, but that you would recommend this one certainly catches my attention. It is pretty cool that an author could write a book that teaches history and science in such a way that it holds your attention on subjects that normally turn a reader off. Sounds like a book we all should read!
ReplyDeleteAnother fascinating book review, Brenda! You have an amazing way of finding good books then building interest with just a few paragraphs. This one sounds like another winner!
ReplyDeleteWow. What a fascinating story. I must certainly check this out. Thanks so much for your review.
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies. I'll credit my mother with finding this book, I think. Someone who visited had it in the house at one point and I much later picked it up to read it. I discovered how much I did not know and was shocked that this had actually happened...what an invasion (taking of the cells without permission) and then the fact that the family did not know about it for 20 years...also pretty amazing that those same cells continue to exist.
ReplyDeleteBrenda, my husband and I read this last year (we listened to it as an unabridged audiobook) and found it absolutely riveting! One of the most compelling books either of us has ever read. As you so rightly point out, this book is about so much more than just the science. I'm so glad you're helping to make more people aware of this important piece of history!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like one I need to read. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually read science books, but you've made me put this one on my reading list. I need to learn how these cells are benefiting me and others today and the story behind it. I never would have known about this book without you.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually read science books, but you've made me put this one on my reading list. I need to learn how these cells are benefiting me and others today and the story behind it. I never would have known about this book without you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies for your visits and comments! If you have yet to read the book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
ReplyDeleteThis is not a book I would have been interested in, if I had seen it on a shelf. But I may have to add this one to my to-read list. It sounds interesting!
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