Customer Comments

This is some of the best writing I have run across in a long time. The engaging, true story of Henrietta Lacks and her cancer cells' unsung contribution to scientific research is as gripping as a good mystery and as hard to put down. Rebecca Skloot's pain as she uncovers the sad situation that led to the discovery of HeLa cells and that neither Lacks nor her family was ever compensated for her contribution, is palpable throughout the book. Skloot makes the science behind the discovery accessible to everyone, and conveys the intellectual thrill of finding a continually-regenerating cell line. I would recommend this book to anyone, whether scientifically-inclined or not.

This book should be added to the shortlist of every foodie's must-haves. It is a great practical companion to Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and The Omnivore's Dilemma. Like the best cookbooks, my copy is already food-stained, dog-eared and obviously well-used, but this book is not solely a cookbook. It is an approach to food that encourages creativity and experimentation.