Nonfiction Navigators discussion

Science non-fiction writer, Rebecca Skloot, tells a seldomly heard story about an African American woman named Henrietta Lacks and her unique cells that changed the world of medicine. Lacks developed a deadly form of cervical cancer, and some of her cells were collected and are miraculously still alive today. These cells are called HeLa cells and have proved to be extremely eminent in the health field. Lacks’ undying cells have accounted for huge strides in medical advancement including cloning, development of the polio vaccine, in-vitro fertilization, and so on. Even though her cells have made millions of dollars, the benefits were never passed on to the Lacks family. Skloot’s curiosity to learn more about Henrietta Lacks and her past leads her to delve into the lives of her friends and family, specifically her daughter. Skloot commences multiple interviews and digs to the core of Henrietta’s existence through her daughter and acquaintances. Skloot reveals more about Henrietta’s life journey and just how much these tiny cells have affected the family.

This book is thoroughly enjoyable and even though it is non-fiction, it reads like a riveting novel. The raw emotions and reality of how these cells have affected the family make the story powerful and eye-opening. I was absorbed in every page in order to see what new information would be revealed about Henrietta’s life and the family’s outlook on the situation. Skloot includes just the right amount of information to where I did not feel as if she droned on, which can be hard to avoid in science non-fiction. The author did an excellent job in leaving little to no open ends in the story of Henrietta Lacks. Skloot addresses issues dealing with race, ethics, and medicine, which all add to the staggering effect of what was and has gone on in the past and even in the present time in the medical realm.

Skloot, Rebecca. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. New York: Crown, 2010. Print.