The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Rebecca Skloot

2010

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot tells the powerful and moving story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge or consent in the 1950s. These cells, known as HeLa cells, became one of the most important tools in medical research, leading to breakthroughs in cancer treatment, vaccines, and more. Rebecca Skloot chronicles Lacks' life, the discovery of her cells, and the ethical issues surrounding the use of her cells. The book also highlights the struggles of Lacks' family and the intersection of science, ethics, and racism in medical history.