The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a riveting work of investigative journalism that shines a light on the ethical complexities of medical research. Published in 2010, the book quickly became a bestseller and has since been translated into more than 25 languages.

The book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were harvested without her knowledge or consent in 1951. These cells, known as HeLa cells, went on to become one of the most important tools in medical research, leading to countless scientific breakthroughs and saving countless lives. But for decades, Lacks and her family were largely forgotten, their lives disrupted by the medical community's use of her cells without their knowledge.

Skloot's book weaves together the story of Henrietta Lacks and her family, the history of medical research, and the ethical questions that arise when scientists use human tissue for their work. The book raises important questions about the rights of patients and their families, the ethics of medical research, and the role of race and class in medicine.

Skloot, a science writer and former student of creative nonfiction, spent more than a decade researching and writing this book, conducting interviews with Lacks' family members and medical researchers, and delving into the history of medical research. The result is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most important ethical questions of our time. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a must-read for anyone interested in medical ethics, the history of medicine, or the human stories behind scientific breakthroughs. It is considered one of the best books on medical ethics.

Author: Rebecca Skloot

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400052181

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 19328 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #1,261 in Books
#2 in History of Medicine (Books)
#3 in History & Philosophy of Science (Books)