The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

I seriously could not put this book down. It is about a black woman who had her cells taken from her body when she died of cancer and scientists began experimenting on them in 1951 and are still doing so today. The experiments resulted in the polio vaccine, gene mapping and other incredible advancements in science, all thanks to Ms. Lacks who had no idea; the unsung hero.

I had an astonishing realization while reading this book: I have her to thank essentially for my existence because, if it weren’t for her cells and the experiments they did on them, my grandmother might not have made is through polio. Rebecca Skloot is an outstanding journalist and writer; this book is a page turner.

Additional Note: I contacted Rebecca Skloot telling her how much I loved her book and she personally wrote me back in appreciation. 🙂