When I set out to write a book about the natural history of breasts, I knew I'd have to answer some awkward questions about my book topic. At a...
Continue »
Rebecca Skloot knocked my socks off with this book. The story itself encompasses human tragedy, injustice, and bravery, against a backdrop of science - the politics swirling around it, the inner workings of the biotech machine, and an exploration (made fascinating and enjoyable to read) of the science behind the story itself.
Her writing is, seriously, SUPERB. I'd like to think that she didn't agonize over every word, because the writing seems to unfold so seamlessly and naturally and replete with humor and insight; on the other hand it is so well-crafted that it had to have been damn hard work.
Regardless, it is also a great story (again, really well told). It's a great story not only because the tragic yet brave and oh-so-human experience of these people touches your soul, but because it raises so many questions about what it is to be human, and where the line between scientific progress and respect for the humanity of your fellow man becomes disturbingly blurred.
Powell's City of Books is an independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon, that fills a whole city block with more than a million new, used, and out of print books. Shop those shelves — plus literally millions more books, DVDs, and eBooks — here at Powells.com.
Don't Miss
Customer Comments
Meigan has commented on (1) product.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Meigan, January 27, 2012
Rebecca Skloot knocked my socks off with this book. The story itself encompasses human tragedy, injustice, and bravery, against a backdrop of science - the politics swirling around it, the inner workings of the biotech machine, and an exploration (made fascinating and enjoyable to read) of the science behind the story itself.Her writing is, seriously, SUPERB. I'd like to think that she didn't agonize over every word, because the writing seems to unfold so seamlessly and naturally and replete with humor and insight; on the other hand it is so well-crafted that it had to have been damn hard work.
Regardless, it is also a great story (again, really well told). It's a great story not only because the tragic yet brave and oh-so-human experience of these people touches your soul, but because it raises so many questions about what it is to be human, and where the line between scientific progress and respect for the humanity of your fellow man becomes disturbingly blurred.
I think everyone should read this book!