What I love about this book the most was all the detail to this historical events and the descriptions of the family. For example, from the chapter "The Devil of Pain itself" Skloot described Henrietta's pain in such a way that you felt discomfort just from reading. "She [Henrietta] screamed as the nurse ran to the bed, tightening the straps around Henrietta's arms and legs to keep her from thrashing onto the floor as she'd done many times before. Gladys thrust the pillow from her lap into Henrietta's mouth, to keep her from biting her tongue as she convulsed in pain". Wow! such strong words and vivid detail to show how much Henrietta suffered, Henrietta knew she was going to die shorty after.
The chapter "Too Young to remember" described family situations that should never happen to any family. The children were fed a cold biscuit for breakfast that had to last them until dinner and latches and bolts were put on the fridge and cabinets to keep the children out. How horrible these children had to live without Henrietta.
These are just some of the parts I found most engrossing about this book.
The family being unaware of what was going on, just hearing that their mother's cells were still alive makes you think if Doctors/Researchers go to far??? why couldn't they just tell the family?? It may have relieved the family from so much heartache.
The last moment of cancer patient suffer a lot in the past. Now the medical techonology support a lot cancer patients who don't need to suffer so much. Any diseases spoil human's health. I hope that someday people can finish thier lives peacefully.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the most gifted things about this book, and Skloot, is that she is able to narrate this information and history as a story. one in which seem unbelievable at times, especially when it comes to some of the scienctific medical pratice decisions. She is an amazing writer.
ReplyDeleteI would strongly agree with you Johnny. When I was reading the first part about Henrietta's personal history and childhood I forgot I was reading a book that even had anything to do with research and was just reading and enjoying the story.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with all the previous post. One of the best things that I got from this course was the assignment of this great reading. This is definitely a book I will be keeping on my bookshelf and sharing with my family and friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dr. Bournias for assigning this excellent read! ;)
awww where is the "like" button! haha Definitely will stay on my book shelf too! super grateful Dr. Bournias recommended/assigned this book too. I'm wondering if Skloot is working on another book? i'm, without a doubt, a fan of hers now!
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