Doctors took Henrietta Lacks’ cells from her cancerous cervix without her knowledge. Her cells, known as HeLa, launched a multimillion-dollar medical revolution. Her cells were the first human cells grown in culture, and provided material for all kinds of studies such as cancer research and the effects of the polio vaccine and the atom bomb. The cells are still alive today, although Henrietta’s family did not learn of her immortality until more than 20 years after she died.

Award-winning science writer Rebecca Skloot worked on this story for 10 years, turning down an early contract to stick to her vision, which included interviews with Henrietta’s family members. Skloot’s research is exceptionally comprehensive, providing breadth and historical context to the story. The story is fascinating yet horrifying, and serves as a comprehensive exploration of ethics, race, and legal issues surrounding scientific research.

I enjoyed the audiobook version but plan to buy a hard copy as well. Checking online, I find that hard copies are in Canadian stores now.