The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is the kind of science writing that reads like a twisty, guilty-pleasure thriller. Lacks was a tobacco farmer on the same farm her ancestors worked as slaves. Her cells, anonymously grown in culture for their freakish adaptability, have led to the greatest discoveries in modern medicine: They’ve helped scientists cure polio and inspired breakthroughs in cloning and gene mapping. They’re still living and still used in labs around the world today—59 years after her death. Rebecca Skloot’s book documents the Lacks family’s attempts to get Henrietta the recognition that she deserves. (Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, 624-6600. 7:30 pm, $5.)
Rebecca Skloot
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Very even-handed account of the historic events.
is it just me, or does “Rebecca Skloot” sound like a porn name? Skloot.
Thank god her genetic code belongs to her and not the corporation-citizens that the activist Supreme Court says Rule us like Serfs.