krisann - reviewed on 7/21/2013 + 76 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

This is a great story, with an underdog heroine who affects many of us, though we probably don't know it, and a scientific mystery story complete with twists, turns, unexpected paths leading off in all directions and a valiant family trying to reclaim their relative, long gone but living on. Rebecca Skloot, the author, writes vividly and engages our interest with empathic portrayals of a huge cast of characters. She doesn't overwhelm you with the technicalities, but explains clearly the science behind Henrietta Lacks' amazing cells...still living 60 years after her death, and instrumental in cutting-edge research through the decades. It's also a very human story, of poverty and illness, of people who are marginalized and exploited, who keep their heads up in the face of crushing obstacles. It leaves you with questions: how would you feel if your body was used without permission for the benefit of science and if profits were made on that science which didn't get passed along to your loved ones?

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details