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Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks | Rebecca Skloot
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poorblack tobacco farmer whose cells taken without her knowledge in 1951 became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more.Henrietta's cellshave been bought and sold by the billions, yetshe remains virtually unknown, and her family can't afford health insurance. This phenomenal New York Times bestseller tells a riveting story of the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew."
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bthegood
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My goal for #BooksinBloom readathon will be to finish my 3 current reads -
Thanks for hosting @Catsandbooks 🙂

#BookSpinBingo

Make a great day everyone 🌷

Catsandbooks Great goal! Glad you're joining in! 🌸 2w
bthegood @Catsandbooks thank you 🙂 2w
32 likes2 comments
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bthegood
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Just started the tagged - so it can't count!

The third one is listed as nonfiction - it was a quick fun read for anyone who reads cozy mysteries that take place in a quaint English village.

Thanks for the tag @TheSpineView - took me a while to think about and review the books I've read in the past few years ( I don't read much non-fiction)

@dabbe #TLT #ThreeListThursday

Make a great day everyone 😊

dabbe #3's title alone has be very intrigued! Added more to the TBR! Thanks for sharing. 💚💙💚 3w
bthegood @dabbe you are welcome and thx for hosting 🙂 3w
34 likes2 comments
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Gissy
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tpixie Profound book. It‘s still lingers in my mind decades later. And it was mentioned in the author note of a book I just read today! What a coinkydink! 1mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I love coinkydinks! 😂 1mo
Eggs Great but sad story ❤️ 1mo
40 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Smarkies
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Pickpick

The story of the cancer cells which became one of the most important tools in medicine. It deals with both the historical aspects as well as the fallout on her descendants. Also tackles the legalities of human tissue samples.
#roll100
#52bookclub24
#toldinnonchronologicalorder

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TheBookgeekFrau
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Pickpick

The scientific breakthroughs and advancements from Ms. Lacks' cells is utterly astounding! I couldn't help wondering where would we be if she wasn't born or didn't get sick or didn't live near Johns Hopkins. The way the stars aligned just so for HeLa cells to come to be kinda makes ya wonder 😇

6/62
#BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks
#MountTBR #ReadAway2024 @Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo
DieAReader 🥳Great! 2mo
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TheBookgeekFrau
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"This is a work of nonfiction."

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

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Texreader
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Picked up today from the Little Free Library around the corner from my house.

Aimeesue Robert Smalls‘ story is amazing. I haven‘t read the book, but I remember his history vividly! 2mo
59 likes2 comments
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Gissy
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#NewYearNewBooks Day 17 #Sci.Breakthrough

@Eggs Book received from @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 📖 🤗❤️❤️❤️

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 🧬 2mo
Texreader I just picked this up from the little free library around the corner about an hour ago. Yay!! 2mo
Gissy @Texreader 🤗I want to read it this year. 2mo
Eggs Great choice 🙌🏻 2mo
44 likes4 comments
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TheBookgeekFrau
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Worked a few hours in the single digit temps (but the sun felt good 😎). Time to relax and continue my climb up (or is actually down since the number is smaller 🤔) #MountTBR

CatLass007 This is such a good book. I was shocked that when doctors remove tissue from our bodies we have no say over what they do with it. 2mo
tpixie @CatLass007 @TheBookgeekFrau Yes! This book has stuck with me after decades of reading 2mo
CatLass007 We ought to have the option of saying that our cells can‘t be sold unless the money goes to us, our survivors, or the charity of our choice. My personal choice for what to do with my remains is to donate them to the Body Farm at the University of Tennessee. No expensive funeral necessary. And if anyone profits from whatever research is done it should be my survivors. I remember being so angry when I read this book. 2mo
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TheBookgeekFrau @CatLass007 I'm not very far into yet, but it's already really good, really shocking, and very informative. I read a book about the Body Farm decades ago and still think of it often; such an amazing place! 2mo
TheBookgeekFrau @tpixie I can already tell that I'll think of this book, and give thanks to Ms. Lacks, for a long time!! 2mo
tpixie @TheBookgeekFrau 🩵🩵🩵 2mo
44 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Kshakal
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mcctrish I loved this book! 2mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 🧬 2mo
Roary47 Great story. 🥰 2mo
Eggs Loved this 👍🏼 🧬 2mo
28 likes4 comments
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LiseWorks
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Brilliant 🧬 2mo
Eggs Excellent 👌🏼 2mo
24 likes2 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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In recognition of #Worldpolioday and for all of your participation with our photo challenges we are giving away 2 copies of this book! I‘m not sure how I ended up with three! 🤷🏻‍♀️

To be entered tell me your most recent 5 ⭐️ read!!
Open to everyone! Share and tag friends!

#LitsyLove
#AutumnPlease

Mimi28 I mailed your birthday present today. I can‘t find the receipt right now, but if you want the tracking number I will find it and let you know 👍🏽❤️😊🙏🏽 5mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Mimi28 awww thank you ❤️ 5mo
Gissy I don‘t give many 5 stars but this year I gave 5 stars to Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu. Beautiful book and it is a debut novel. I finished the book last February 2023. Thank you for this activity🤗

@Chrissyreadit @mabell @Avanders
(edited) 5mo
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Eggs Such an important book! My most recent 5 star ⭐️ read was thrilling with great relationships between complex characters, and set in the Midwest 5mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @TheBookgeekFrau I‘m scared of SK!! The Shining terrified me! Can you email me your address?! You‘re the winner 🏆 📚 loverofbooks75@gmail 5mo
TheBookgeekFrau @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Ooooo what a great surprise!! Thank you! 💕💕 I just emailed you 😊 5mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Gissy you are also a winner! Can you email me your address? Loverofbooks75@gmail 5mo
Gissy @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks What? 😱🤩🥰Yes, I will send you my email Thank you for the activity
🧡💛🤎🍁🍂
5mo
48 likes9 comments
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Edecmcl
Mehso-so

Hard to start but got better along the way.

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Bzosche
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“In that moment, reading those passages, I understood completely how some of the Lackses could believe, without doubt, that Henrietta had been chosen by the Lord to become an immortal being. If you believe the Bible is the literal truth, the immortality of Henrietta's cells makes perfect sense.”

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kspenmoll
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After all these years, Henrietta Lacks‘s descendants have reached a settlement regarding her cells that others in medical establishments (unbeknownst to her family)made millions marketing them.This was reported in the Washington Post. Link below:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2023/08/01/henrietta-lacks-settlement-cel...

mcctrish This was a GREAT and eye opening book! I‘m happy to hear they‘ve reached a settlement 8mo
61 likes1 comment
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CatLass007
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Pickpick

It‘s an excellent book but it‘s horrific the way Black people were and still are treated in this country. I also find it disturbing that there are still only guidelines but not laws governing the use of people‘s genetic material.

TiredLibrarian Loved the book, and agree with your thoughts on it. 11mo
CatLass007 @TiredLibrarian Thank you. That‘s one of the reasons I love Litsy. All of us love books and it‘s a community of thoughtful people. 11mo
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Karisimo
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#temptingtitles #with5+words a fascinating narrative nonfiction about the human cells that led to several medical breakthroughs and the woman they came from. I‘m not medically minded at all but the story captivated me!

@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks This one keeps popping up! I need to read it! 📚🧡 11mo
Eggs Great book!! I shall have to view the film 🎞️ 11mo
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Eggs
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks On my shelf 🧡 11mo
jewright I found this book absolutely fascinating! 11mo
Velvetfur Wow, this does sound really interesting - and there's a film too! I'll have to look out for it 😊 11mo
dabbe It was fascinating, wasn't it? 💚 11mo
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Erin.Elizabeth10
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Pickpick

This one has been on my list for a while, and I finally got to it! It‘s a really interesting exploration of science, history, racism, medicine, health, and journalism. It definitely took me a while to get through, but I‘m really glad I read it and I learned a lot. Getting to know the people in the story is very moving, and I‘m so glad they chose to share.

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marleed
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I read some good books for this grid but I have to give to the tagged (and earliest pub date) because it is such an important story to document.

5* = Loved It, want to shout out loud about this book! I do/will own/keep a physical copy. A+
4*= I liked it, would love to discuss. Solid B
3*=Meh, no need to discuss. Average C
2*=Nope D
1*=DNF F

ChaoticMissAdventures Wow great reading! So many good ones. 13mo
marleed @ChaoticMissAdventures Each book in this grid ranked at or above - par d love to discuss. I love it when that happens, and never get the full scope of my recent reads until I put my grid together so it‘s always fun to see! 13mo
mamareading What a great group of books! 13mo
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tpixie Great reads! Yes! I read Henrietta decades ago & it‘s still with me! Such an important book! 13mo
Deblovestoread Had to screenshot your grid for future reference. I loved Henrietta and the Woodson, too. 13mo
marleed @Deblovestoread Ahhh, I‘m honored! 13mo
marleed @tpixie There‘s a certain thrill when a book long unread on my turns out to be a favorite read. It proves to me again that my very own books are just as worthy as all those shiny new books at the bookstore! 13mo
tpixie @marleed yes!! A hidden gem 💎 13mo
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K.Wielechowski
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Pickpick

So good and heartbreaking and makes me want to burn the American medical system to the ground.
Henrietta Lacks was a Black woman who went to the doctor for what turned out to be cervical cancer. The doctor harvested tissue from the tumor without Lacks‘ knowledge or consent and they led to some of the biggest medical breakthroughs in history.
Unfortunately, nobody told her family until decades later, but by then, there was no stopping the doctors.

kspenmoll I had the pleasure to meet the author & her adult children when they were on a speaking tour. It was fabulous & so memorable. 13mo
K.Wielechowski @kspenmoll that‘s amazing!! 13mo
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marleed
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Pickpick

I suppose this book languished on my shelves because I thought through media coverage that I already knew the story behind Henrietta and her HeLa cells. But there is so much more to this story. I loved the relationship between the author and Henrietta‘s daughter, Deborah. Im impressed Rebekka could write this story without trying to influence the reader‘s moral compass on a family/person‘s legal right to discarded cells and tissues. ↓

marleed It is heartbreaking though that the research with HeLa cells have done so much (and continue to do so) in the advancement of medicine, yet Henrietta‘s children struggled for lack of health insurance. I can‘t stop thinking about this, and I‘m not sure I‘ll ever have a firm opinion. 13mo
quanners I read and cried and thought what an injustice to the family and Henrietta. I‘m thankful that Rebekah told the story that we did not learn about even in medical school. We knew what Hela cells could do, but her name was never mentioned. Without this book she would remain in obscurity. 13mo
marleed @quanners That medical studies happened all those years with cells from one person, yet the reality of that single person was never considered is so intriguing to me. History has the right to know - and this book is proof of that. 13mo
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Sharpeipup
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Read tagged book years ago and was delighted to see this blurb on Instagram recently.
#litnews

CBee This is INCREDIBLE!!! 1y
Maria514626 ❤️❤️❤️ 1y
42 likes2 comments
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GinaKButler
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Up next on audio! 🎧

#bookspinbingo

Megabooks This is great! 1y
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Bookwormjillk
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Pickpick

Wow, why did I wait so long to read this book? I have so many feelings after reading this. I‘m sure there has been a lot written about this amazing book so I won‘t even try, but I am so glad this book is now in my life.

tpixie I read it years ago & my sister and I still talk about it. It sticks with you! 1y
CoverToCoverGirl After that review I find myself compelled to stack it. 🙂 1y
79 likes1 stack add2 comments
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ajennell
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When university assignments and pets collide, it isnt always a bad combination.

7 likes1 stack add
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EverydayImReading
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Working in tissue culture in 80s and 90s we were told the HeLa cell line was from a woman called Helen Lane. A literal white wash of the truth. This is the real life story of a Henrietta Lacks who unbeknownst to herself has contributed to many advances in science and research and she deserves a voice. There are many books and at least one film also about her life. #Alphabetgame

kspenmoll Her story is now public thanks to her family & this author. I was honored to hear her grandchildren & Rebecca Solnit speak at UConn, and have a signed book. They were incredible. Thanks for sharing your i sight from working with tissue. (edited) 2y
Cathythoughts @kspenmoll That was something to hear her family speak 👍🏻❤️ 2y
Cathythoughts Great book Sinead , that you recommended to us all years ago 👍🏻❤️ 2y
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EverydayImReading Yes finally. How wonderful to have met the family. @kspenmoll 2y
kspenmoll @Cathythoughts It was such a memorable experience. 2y
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abbyreadz
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Pickpick

This book should be required reading for doctors, nurses, scientists and social workers. I cannot believe what this woman has gone through. Although Henrietta‘s cells were stolen and used in more than a million experiments, her whole family is unable to afford any kind of medical insurance.

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jrepka
Mehso-so

It was interesting to hear origins of HeLa cells (though I didn't know the importance of them before reading this book). I understand how it was important to tell the story of Henrietta's family, but thought it was a little drawn out.

It did paint a picture for both sides of the debate of who should own the rights for ones tissue. That it's not so black and white. But it felt like an afterthought to the book.

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keepingupwiththepenguins
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Pickpick

To call this one a ‘biography‘ feels reductive. This 2010 masterpiece of journalistic non-fiction is much more than the dates and facts of a life. It‘s an study of bioethics, a masterclass in accessible science writing, and a testament to the human consequences of scientific discovery. And it‘s compelling as heck, to boot! Full review: https://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/the-immortal-life-of-henrietta-lacks-rebecc...

LeeRHarry I work in medical science and had no idea as to the origin of the name HeLa - shame on me I say, thought this was such a worthwhile read. 2y
sherri This was a fascinating read. 2y
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AllDebooks
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Hopefully on target to finish 3 bingo lines, including #bookspin and #doublespin picks for March. Need to finish the tagged, North and South for #pemberlittens and start Lark Rise to Candleford for the hat trick by Friday! Getting into reducing that tbr pile nicely. Although like any other bibliophile, they're immediately replaced tenfold. 😂📚📚📚📚

@TheAromaofBooks

What will April bring?

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! Looking fabulous!!! 2y
rubyslippersreads I‘ve been wanting to read Lark Rise because I loved the TV series. 2y
AllDebooks @rubyslippersreads it's been on my list for years but never got round to reading it until now. I missed the tv series unfortunately. I do love a good period drama 2y
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rubyslippersreads @AllDebooks I think all four seasons are on Hulu. 😊 2y
AllDebooks @rubyslippersreads oh thanks, I'll have a look x 2y
AllDebooks @TheAromaofBooks I've had to bail on Lark Rise. It's not for me at this time. So 2 complete lines and so close to a third 😁 2y
TheAromaofBooks Sometimes it feels good to bail on a book and move forward!! 2y
AllDebooks @TheAromaofBooks Absolutely!! It took me so long to feel ok about quitting on a book but life is too short. 2y
17 likes8 comments
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staci.reads
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Pickpick

Wow! I know I'm really late to the party on this, but what a story! I devoured this in 2 sittings. It's incredibly readable! I adored the author's balance of science, history, ethics, & relationships. Deborah's journey to learn about her mother & sister touched me deeply. I know I'll be thinking about this book for a long time. Thank goodness for #Bookspin! I finally picked this up and dove in! This was my #Doublespin for March @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
86 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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I‘ve had this one on my shelf for years and I need to read it!! Have you read it?

#SavvySettings
#Laboratory

LeeRHarry Yes and yes you do 😊 2y
TheBookHippie It‘s required reading here for high schoolers. 2y
zezeki I've read it a long time ago, it's a great book! 2y
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IamIamIam I loved this book! I read it many years ago but the science has stayed with my, as well as how much her family suffered after she passed. Excellent read. 2y
Morr_Books Great book! ❤️ 2y
jlhammar Great choice! Excellent book. 2y
DivineDiana Also on my shelf for years. Trying to move it up the stacks! 2y
AmyG It‘s a very good book. 2y
Eggs I have-everyone should read this🩸💔💉🧪 2y
staci.reads Also been on my shelf for years, but it's my #doublespin this month, so I'm hoping to get to it! 2y
Megabooks It is so good!! 2y
PaperbackPirate It‘s so good! My whole book club loved it which rarely happens. 2y
Tera66 It's really great. 2y
87 likes13 comments
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RaeLovesToRead
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I'm behind schedule, so here is my February pick as well for #12booksof2021

This was an excellent work of journalism and a heartbreaking story of exploitation.

BookwormM Everyone should read this book so important 2y
Andrew65 This is one I‘m wanting to read. 2y
RaeLovesToRead @BookwormM @Andrew65 It's such a good book. As a doctor myself, I was so upset and angry to read about the liberties doctors back then took with their patients to further their research. It's a story about injustice and racism, but Rebecca Skloot also brings Henrietta and her family to life in a fascinating biography. Highly recommended. 2y
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MommyWantsToReadHerBook
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Mehso-so

Oh my word, it took me forever to finish this book. I think I expected too much. Or maybe it was just the extremely questionable theology towards the end that put me off! ⭐⭐⭐

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TheRiehlDeal
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Pickpick

Truly a commendable effort for Rebecca Skloot to publish this and tell the story of Henrietta Lacks and her family on how scientists did research on her cells without consent. I liked that Skloot shed some light on the family drama and didn‘t make it all about Henrietta.

I can‘t believe it took me so long to read this! This should be required reading, even for high schoolers.

4⭐️
11/8/21

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Roary47
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Pickpick

5✨ I could not put this down! I‘ve heard of Henrietta Lacks immortal cells because I teach science and try to stay current. While it did have the major medical advancements that the HeLa cells help to benefit it was more about the history and the family she left behind. A lot of heart break, but trying to make it right along the way. #roaringwolf (just for fun)-Reaching for the Stars @Littlewolf1

TiredLibrarian Love this book! It's required reading for bio students at our local HS. 3y
Roary47 Nice! It should be at ours too, but we can‘t get textbooks either. 🤷‍♀️ 3y
wanderinglynn I just sent you an email about #HHS. Please let me know if you got it and if you have any concerns or questions. 3y
See All 6 Comments
wanderinglynn You are awesome!!! Thank you so much! 3y
Roary47 @wanderinglynn you may have seen I responded back. I live on my emails for students 😅 I got it and understand. Thank you!! 💛 3y
kspenmoll Fabulous book! 3y
23 likes6 comments
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WellReadCatLady
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Pickpick

Appreciated the balance of science and family history that Rebecca Skloot created for her book.

kspenmoll Fantastic book. 3y
24 likes1 comment
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DebinHawaii
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#QuotsyJul21 #cell

The most famous & important cells I can think of. This book was so interesting but made me so angry for Henrietta & all of the others misused in the name of medicine.

“These cells have transformed modern medicine. … They shaped the policies of countries and of presidents. They even became involved in the Cold War. Because scientists were convinced that in her cells lay the secret of how to conquer death.”

TK-421 Great choice for #cell! 3y
59 likes1 comment
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LisaLovesToRead
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Pickpick

Wow! I wanted to read this because I thought it was important material. I was pleasantly surprised with how readable Skloot wrote it. She is quite talented!

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QBub
Pickpick

Ms. Lacks‘ cells have a unique capacity to reproduce for generations, seemingly without end. Her cells have been used in cancer research for decades. Unfortunately, this research was done done without her consent. Is it any wonder that Black Americans distrust the medical field here?

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BeckyWithTheGoodBooks
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Pickpick

Glad to have finally read the amazing history of the HeLa cell line and the woman who has contributed so much to science. However, the history of the Lacks descendants is a tragic one and was difficult to read at times. Skloot raises important questions around informed consent, tissue rights, and racism in medicine. Had Henrietta been white would things have been different for her family and would her name have lived in obscurity for so long? 4⭐️

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BeckyWithTheGoodBooks
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The view from our campsite and a perfect reading spot! #camanoislandstatepark #pnw

Tamra Camping is a happy place! 3y
BeckyWithTheGoodBooks @Tamra Definitely! Especially after the kids are in bed. 😂 3y
Tamra @BeckyWithTheGoodBooks 🤣 totally! Enjoy! 3y
18 likes3 comments
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BeckyWithTheGoodBooks
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Another book; another tear-inducing epigraph.

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paisleyjess
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Most perfect day in Boston. Loving this book but probably a little behind pace since book club is in a week. But who can resist a cold on outside RN?!

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Roary47
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My Mother‘s Day book haul. 🥰

Hazel2019 Love the books! 3y
Littlewolf1 That bookmark is everything 😁 3y
13 likes2 comments
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paisleyjess
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This is fascinating! Even when I step away from it, I'm thinking about it.

8 likes1 stack add
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Soubhiville
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Pickpick

It‘s extremely rare for me to be this riveted by nonfiction. I could not put this book down.

I‘ve had so many recommendations for this, I‘m thrilled it landed in my LFL. I‘ll be keeping this one.

What a remarkable story. The science has been crucial to our civilization. And the poor family‘s struggles.

I‘ll be recommending this one now!

#readingthestates2021 #Maryland

Addison_Reads Loved this one! I recommend it all the time. Such a great book. 3y
eanderson I have this as an audiobook that I‘m hoping to listen to next week. Seeing this makes me look forward to it! 3y
WorldsOkayestStepMom This book floored me. 3y
Crazeedi Great book 3y
Cathythoughts Great review! I read this one recently too, very good book 📚💔 3y
88 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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Soubhiville
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One nice perk of having a Little Free Library is when a book you‘ve been wanting to read is dropped in it by one of your patrons! I‘m adding this to my TBR for next month 🙂📚.

#Sietje is enjoying some sun in the library this morning. We‘re about to head out for a walk.
#PetsOfLitsy #DogsOfLitsy

CBee This is a GREAT book 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Enjoy!! 3y
AmyG Her face so reminds me of Lou. ❤️❤️ 3y
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Smrloomis Such a great book! 3y
Cathythoughts I just finished this one ... it‘s really good 👍🏻❤️ 3y
Ruthiella It always feels a little magical when a book I really want to read crosses my path like that. 3y
Eyelit Loved this book! We read it for safe book club a few years ago and had a very lively discussion 3y
92 likes1 stack add7 comments