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There are currently 11 reader reviews for The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
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Nancy Needler, Research Subject Advocate
(01/16/11)
HeLa cell line: Would Henrietta have minded this immortality?
This book was read with enthusiasm from start to finish. The author brilliantly, yet informally, used family memories, historical documents, pictures, medical professional interviews, and her own interpretations to bring into light the actual life of Henrietta Lacks. The story revolves around the fact that cell were taken from her cancer tumor without her knowledge or consent and grown in culture. After her death, these cells were used for scientific discovery and still remain "alive". The effect of this story on her family is remarkably told. On a research subject advocate viewpoint, the 31 year old woman was subjected to unethical use of her body tissues, the multimillion dollar business profited from the selling of the HeLa line, and the Lack family never say a penny (let alone knew of the "immortality" of her family member). On scientific review, these cells enabled informational discoveries for the US medical community for the betterment of society. This story is a must read!
Wilhelmina H.
(09/23/10)
Wow!
This book is an excellent read. The author does a wonderful job of balancing respect for the people involved with explanations of the science and medicine involved. Highly recommend.
Beth
(03/02/10)
WOW
Reads like a novel, couldn't put it down...EXCELLENT