The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

by Rebecca Skloot
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Nonfiction
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  • ID: 138
  • Added: 2025-09-03
  • Updated: 2026-03-11
  • ISBN: 9780230748699
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Formats: 73
  • Reviews: 4

Henrietta Lacks, a poor black tobacco farmer, unwittingly became one of the most important figures in medical history. Her cells, taken without her consent, have been used in countless scientific breakthroughs, yet her story remained largely unknown until now. This book explores the ethical implications of her story and the impact of her cells on modern medicine. /n/nThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a poignant and eye-opening account that delves into the life of Henrietta Lacks, her family, and the scientific community that benefited from her cells. It raises important questions about consent, race, and the intersection of science and ethics.

Reviews
Amazon · 2026-03-07
heartbreaking 4.50

The book is a heartbreaking account of a medical miracle, highlighting the ethical implications of using Henrietta Lacks' cells without her knowledge.

The Amazon review describes 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' as a heartbreaking account of a medical miracle. The reviewer emphasizes the ethical implications of using Henrietta Lacks' cells without her knowledge, noting how the book sheds light on the often overlooked stories of individuals who have made significant contributions to medical science. The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of these complex issues and its impact on our understanding of medical ethics.

Quick quotes

    A heartbreaking account of a medical miracle

    How one woman's cells – taken without her knowledge – have saved countless lives

    The Immortal Life of...

Goodreads · 2025-09-18
exceptional 4.50

This book is an exceptional read, seamlessly blending the story of the HeLa cells with the personal journey of the Lacks family. It is highly recommended for its compelling narrative and profound impact.

The reviewer on Goodreads describes The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks as an all-gold ten-star read, highlighting its dual narrative structure that masterfully combines the scientific story of the HeLa cells with the personal story of the Lacks family. The reviewer particularly appreciates the journalist's ability to weave these two stories together, creating a rich and engaging tapestry that is both informative and emotionally resonant. The book is praised for its depth, its ability to humanize a complex scientific issue, and its overall impact on the reader.

Quick quotes

    It's actually two stories, the story of the HeLa cells and the story of the Lacks family

    It's an all-gold ten-star read

    Told by a journalist who writes the book like a novel

University College Oxford · 2025-09-03
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for being a compelling and essential read that combines memoir with science, offering deep insight into the medical and ethical issues behind Henrietta Lacks's legacy.

This review highlights the book as a vital and fascinating read, especially for those interested in medical ethics and history. The reviewer wishes they had read it earlier in medical school, emphasizing how the book enriches understanding of the human stories behind scientific advances. It portrays the story not just as scientific discovery but also as a profound human narrative that challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of medical research and the impact of race and class.

Quick quotes

    The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a book I wish I had read long ago.

    It is a fascinating mix of memoir and science.

    Telling the story of how one woman's cells have saved countless lives.

Ocean Writer Reads · 2024-01-24
gripping 4.25

The book discusses Henrietta Lacks' life and death, the discovery of her extraordinary cells, and the controversy surrounding their acquisition. It is a gripping narrative that explores the intersection of science and ethics.

Ocean Writer Reads praises "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" as a gripping narrative that masterfully intertwines the personal story of Henrietta Lacks with the scientific discovery of her immortal cells. The book delves into the ethical implications of using cells without consent, highlighting the broader issues of race and class in medical research. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling exploration of these themes, making it a must-read for those interested in the history of science and its human impact.

Quick quotes

    The book discusses Henrietta Lacks' life and death, the discovery of her extraordinary cells, the controversy surrounding the acquisition of ...Read more

    It has received widespread critical acclaim, with reviews appearing in The New Yorker, Washington Post, Science, and many others.

    The incredible story of Henrietta Lacks, a black woman, mother of five from Virginia, who died in 1951 at the age of thirty-one from an aggressive form of ...Read more

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