Have you ever thought about what happens to your biopsy, appendix, kidney, foreskin from your son's circumcision or any other part of you that was removed after a test or operation? Did you assume it was disposed of? How about if that little piece of you helped cure cancer, meningitis, or any other disease that kills thousands per year? Would you want to know?
I just finished reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks after my friend Debbie recommended it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read a book on cell research and the history of the infamous HeLa cells. But my girlfriend knows me pretty well and if she thought I'd enjoy it, I thought I'd give it a try.
This book was amazing. After I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. The author told the true story of Henrietta Lacks and her family in a way that left me feeling empathetic but finally triumphant in the hope that this book will finally bring some well deserved recognition to Henrietta and how her cells changed scientific research.
A foundation has been set up by the author, in Henrietta Lacks' name and some of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the foundation. Money very well spent, if you ask me. Rebecca Skloot has done what she set out to do with this book and from the first day she heard the name Henrietta Lacks in her science class, to the day she published this book, she has brought recognition, honor and peace to the family that was left in the dark for so many years.
The debate on full disclosure of what scientists do with your little parts after they remove them, hasn't been finalized yet, but this book sure gets you thinking about it.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Please recommend any books you've been enjoying lately. I need a new read.
