#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells — taken without her knowledge in 1951 — became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. Henrietta’s cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually … billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can’t afford health insurance. This phenomenal New York Times bestseller tells a riveting story of the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew.
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Nobody should ever have to live like this sad but her life has helped so many she was used and abused and her family taken advantage for a long time
It is very sad that this poor, black woman died never knowing what she had done for mankind.
Outstanding!
An interesting story of this woman and what she provided mankind.
Very thought provoking!
A must read for anyone involved in medical research or healthcare, or benefited from either—so everyone! Can’t believe I didn’t know the story and so grateful I do now. Incredibly well done and so appreciative that the Lacks family shared their story.
Unexpectedly fascinating story. This is nonfiction about the science that led to the Polio vaccine and many other useful drugs.
I’m not usually a fan of nonfiction, reading more to escape or be entertained than to learn, but this was a exceptionally accessible book. I loved it so much I recommended it to two of my girls when they were in high school for their summer reading for Advanced English classes.
I cannot say enough good thing about this book. It is interesting, mind boggling,
sad, unbelievable but true.
An excellent book about Henrietta Lacks, who unwittingly and unknowingly contributed to the development of the HPV vaccine. As a medical professional, I was entranced by this story, and shocked that I had never heard of her and her sad contribution to science. I feel for her and her family. Although it was a much different time, there is no …
One of the best books I have read. Accurate medical reporting and food for thought in many ways.
I read this book based on rave reviews from friends. I was a little disappointed, but for the most part, I enjoyed the book.
Nonfiction and especially of the medical variety are fascinating to me. This book is a must read for those interested in cancer research and people who have pioneered the field
This is a terrific biography/science/justice book. Highly recommend.
A heart felt story of a woman who contributed so much to medicine with no gain for herself or her heirs. A strong example of how racism at its worst; using someones body without their knowledge.
A great story for all ladies to read
Eye-opening and well written
Reads like fiction but is so true!
very interesting. New information about recent history.
This is a fascinating subject and book. I loved it but I like medical subjects.