I never thought I could be as engrossed in a book about cell research and science as I have been in reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. This was a book that made me cry and made me giggle and it made me cringe as it filled me with wonder – and then gratitude.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is the story of a woman whose cells are harvested, without her knowledge or consent, and of what happens to those cells.
It is the story of how those cells go on to become immortal, multiplying like no other cells had ever done before. Scientifically named the HeLa cells, they are known and used by researchers, scientists, and doctors the world over, even making the trek into outer space and being detonated in an atomic bomb.
It is the story of a poor young mother, a tobacco farmer, who dies of cervical cancer and leaves a husband to raise five children, who live in poverty and fear of doctors and who learn of Henrietta’s cells decades later.
It is the story of how Henrietta’s cells, excised as she is prepped for radiation treatment of her cervix in an attempt to halt the cancer cells that will ravage her body and ultimately kill her. These cells are distributed around the world and are as vital in stemming the polio epidemic of the ’50s, as they are to DNA research and gene mapping, in vitro fertilization, cancer research and treatment, and the HPV virus. Each and every one of you reading this has most likely benefitted from Henrietta’s cells in some way.
It is also the story of Rebecca Skloot’s determination to learn about the woman whose cells she first learns about at the age of 16 in a biology class. It is her journey in scientific research, discovery and creative nonfiction writing as she slowly gains the trust of the Lacks family, particularly Henrietta’s daughter Deborah.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is about medical ethics, cell research, race, gender, social class – and a whole lot more. It is also an exciting read, at times a thriller, it reads like a novel, and is the kind of science lesson you’ll wish you had in high school.
I thought of my mother-in-law, Carolyn, as I read this book. She, too, had cervical cancer, in the early 1970’s. She had radiation implants then a hysterectomy and went on, cancer free, for two decades, until her heart failed her. I couldn’t help but remember her as I read this book and realize that the research done through Henrietta’s cells benefitted Carolyn in her own treatment.
I have been telling everyone lately about the book, driving my family and friends to distraction, and I really can’t wait to discuss this tonight at our book group – or with you, dear reader, here on the Cutoff.
(Rebecca Skloot has a wonderful site about the book and there are some great pictures aside from the ones in the book. The pictures can be found HERE, and you can click on to the rest of the site for more information, including hearing the author speak.)
I am so grateful for your post! I read this book last year after hearing an in-depth interview with the author. The story captivated me at the time, but I think what most motivated me to purchase the book was just what you describe…the author’s tenacity in research. The story behind the story is amazing in itself! I’d love to hear how others in your book club respond and react! Enjoy! And thanks, too, for the Skloot’s website…I am intrigued! You do excellent boom reports, Penny! Debra
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I was anxious to read the book after I heard an interview with the author as well, Debra. It was a local PBS interview and I was so impressed with Rebecca Skloot. Isn’t her own story amazing? the resistance she came up against at first? We had a smaller group for the discussion as some were out of town, but, everyone enjoyed the book, all agreeing that once they started reading, found it hard to put down.
I thought her website was interesting, especially the videos of members of the Lacks family. I felt as if I knew them by the time the book ended. Did you?
Thank you, Debra.
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Although the scientific facts have been known for a long time, nobody outside the science lab has ever really known about H.L. until this book was written.
H.L. and her family were never paid, but now that she is famous, perhaps her descendants will appreciate what she has done, albeit unwittingly.
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Isn’t that amazing, Friko? Some fifty years later, they hear of the cells.
I felt, through the book, that her family did come away with an appreciation of what those cells accomplished. So much of it was so sad and then the fact that Henrietta’s children couldn’t afford good health care was so hard to come to terms with.
Friko, just so you know, I am unable to leave a comment on your blog, though I have stopped by to read and have tried. I will continue to visit, but, blogspot won’t accept any of the word verifications.
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Dear Penny,
Okay. Another book to read. Right after I type the word “Peace” to you, I’ll head to the library site and get my name on the list for this book. Your review has me eager to discover the story and the research behind it.
I miss your comments on my blog. Blogger does seem to have a lot of problems. I wish I knew what to do about this. Just know that even if you never post another comment, I will always be reading your blog. Your lyrical writing about nature welcomes me to a world beyond my office window. Your writing about books entrances my mind. Your joy in living invites me to count my blessings.
Peace.
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Oh, Dee, I do hope you get to read this. I think you will appreciate the story and all that surrounds it, especially in light of the memories you have been sharing. Prejudice takes on so many forms, which is so evident in the medical care Henrietta endures. I would love to hear some of your thoughts on the book once you read it.
I miss not being able to comment and be part of the conversation. You are so sweet to say these things. Thank you so much.
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This is the second or third recent commentary I’ve read about this book!
Will add it to my must-read list and request a hold at the library (I’ve checked and determined that this is something they DO have).
Since so much about your writing and your photos holds appeal, I rather trust your commentary as to things you’ve read and whether or not they are worthwhile. Will be anxious to see how this one plays out. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm.
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I think you will appreciate the book, Karen, and hope there isn’t a long hold at the library. It is still pretty sought after and many book groups are reading it. I found that once I got started, I couldn’t put it down, which several members of our group concurred.
Oh, Karen, how nice of you to say. Thank you. I hope I don’t disappoint you on this, but, either way, do let me know. You are very welcome.
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What an extraordinary story, and it has touched you personally too. I always enjoy stories like this, that have been well researched and well told. I can see I’ll have to add it to my list of good reads recommended by Penny!
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It really is an interesting story, Juliet, and there is much in it that I think you would find interesting. I also think you would find the human elements intriguing, as well as the writing style of the author. I think this touches many of us as so many of us know or have had cancer and other diseases that have been effected by the HeLa cells.
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I have heard about the book, but imagined it would be “too scientific” for me to enjoy. Sounds as if I might well be able to handle it. What an amazing research job the author did (I’ll look for her website).
In the post below, that nest looks like the birds have flown south (I’ll look for them in my backyard!)
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That was my initial thought as well, Sallie, but, If I can handle the science part, anyone can. It isn’t all that deep, and can be skimmed over and still get the gist of the story, though I surprised myself and found it really interesting.
They have flown south, Sallie. Let me know if you find them down there and send them back up in a few months.
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Penny, I lived this book also, completely surprised me.
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Loved. 🙂
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I knew what you meant, Andra, but thanks for clarifying it. It surprised me as well.
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I will choose a time when things are a little slower to read this book. It sounds most interesting! Thanks for giving us a review.
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It is so very interesting and a fast read, Joyce. Save it for when you have a few days to give it your attention and you get over this busy season. You are so welcome.
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Ok, you have talked about this book so much that it is going to the top of my TBR list. Your enthusiasm is infectious. I will look for this book as soon as possible. I hope you enjoy your book discussion. You and I and probably most people have been touched by the evil disease of cancer. What an amazing story.
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I know. I do go on at times, Janet. Your library may have it, though it has been on long waiting lists around here. Yes, we have been, Janet, and the chapter where Henrietta dies is difficult to read because of our parents’ and the pain they endured so long ago. Pain control is so much better now than it was then. It is an amazing story, though, and we all know someone who has benefitted from those cells, even though her family didn’t.
Tomorrow, I think I’ll write about my toothache and milk shakes!
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it sounds fascinating, Penny and I must admit I’d never heard of either the book or Henrietta Lacks or even the HeLa cells until you mentioned it. Another to go on the library list if my library over here has bought it.
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I didn’t know about the HeLa cells until this book, either, Perpetua, and fount the book to be so interesting in so many ways, both the very human aspect of it and the scientific one. I hope you can find it sometime.
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Dear Penny,
I just got an e-mail from “Broad” about your not being able to comment on my blog. She suggested a way to fix things and I’ve followed her suggestion. So I hope that the next time you want to comment, you’ll be able to.
Peace.
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That was nice of “Broad” to pass it on to you, Dee, and for you to let me know. I’ll check it out tomorrow, Sunday, and hopefully I’ll be able to comment. Yeah!
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Penny, I’ve just read something in the Blogger Help forum which says that people who use Apple Mac products with Safari as their browser are the ones who can’t use word verification when commenting. Would that be the case for you?
Turning off word verification as I have done seems to be the only solution to the problem.
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Hi, Perpetua, Thanks for the information. I have tried Firefox and Navigator as the browser, with the same results. Those that have turned off word verification work, thanks to you for doing that, and I’ll keep trying here.
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Another absorbing read ahead, Penny, thanks! Enjoy the book group!
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It is so very interesting, Kate, and we had a great book group discussion.
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What an interesting book review, your enthusiasm for this book is palpable! After you mentioned this book to me about a week ago I downloaded a free sample of it on to my Kindle but haven’t had the chance to read it yet. I’ll be honest, medical stuff sort of makes me cringe, so I’m not sure if this will be something I would enjoy as much as you obviously have, but I’m willing to give it a go based upon your recommendation – at least the sample!
By the way, it is so good to hear that your mother-in-law beat cervical cancer back in the 70’s. My grandmother died of it around 1933 and it is good to know that through these cells and other means treatment has improved.
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Thanks, Janet. I know what you mean about medical stuff and there is a particular chapter where the author goes in to detail Henrietta’s death that I found uncomfortable to read, but, you could skip it and still get the gist of the book.
Oh, your poor grandmother. That was so long before the Pap smear and women just didn’t seek help then. Yes, my mother-in-law beat it in the ’70’s in part, I’m sure, from the work done with HeLa cells and now there is the vaccination, also which came out of the research.
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