The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

I never read these types of books unless I absolutely have to, this was an exception. I started reading this in the library to pass time since I was finished with my work one day. Suddenly, I got into it, it was listing all of this information about when specific things occurred in history about medicine. As a new student in the medical profession I was absolutely amazed! I think I would have been even if I wasn't going into the medical field. 

HeLa cells changed so much about medicine and scientific research for the greater good, but at the same time, Henrietta Lacks' family paid the price. Back then, it wasn't a crime or an issue to withhold information or not get a consent form signed for use of tissues and such. Now it is. The Lacks' family was treated badly and not included in anything. They are very happy what their mother's cells have done for medicine, they just wish they would have known, been asked, and been included.

This isn't just a story about the HeLa cells and Henrietta Lacks, it is a story about history of medicine, the history of the family, and it is a great one at that.

I have to say that I couldn't put this book down, and since it is a library copy, I will probably buy a copy for myself soon. This is a book of knowledge and ethical dilemmas all around. I felt as if I was right there with Henrietta's family, I cried when Deborah passed. 

This is a 5 star book and I absolutely love it and recommend it! 

-xoxo-T