So I thought id do a little post about the first book club meeting ive ever been to!
This months book was..
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't fussed on reading this. Purely because its FACT. There is no fiction adding to the story. I thought i would find it hard to read and follow because it would involve lots of science.
Anyway.. the story follows the life of a woman called Henrietta Lacks who had an extremely rare fast forming cancer. Samples of her cancer were taken and when being tested her cells spread rapidly. This became the being of HeLa cells. Cells that would later be sold world wide and find cures for polio and help research medicines for cancer and AIDS.
The book not only follows the struggle of medical care for black people in the 50s, but the affect her of her cells still being used today has on her family. Her family have never had anything explained to them which was especially distressing to her daughter, Deborah. Also the fact that the family still cant afford medical care, while many scientists are cells HeLa cells and becoming millionaires through it.
I obviously dont want to say everything that happens but it is amazing to follow Rebecca Skloot's issues and relationships develop. Skloot has a scientific background and obviously understands the technical terms but makes the information easy to understand.
For more info check out http://rebeccaskloot.com/the-immortal-life/
I highly recommend this book. I was pleasantly surprised.
B X
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