Melanie chose the nonfiction book by Rebecca Skloot
"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks".
What an amazing story of how these cancerous cells were taken from Henrietta in the 1950's without asking for her permission, and the medical advances and discoveries they have been able to achieve. Her cell line has been called immortal because they do not die like noncancerous cells normally do (or did during that time), so these cells have been tested on, shot into space, atomic bombed, and shipped around the world thus creating a multi-billion dollar industry. Her family never knew any of this and they have never been compensated. They cannot afford to pay for medical insurance, they're mother is lying in an unmarked grave, they were raised by an abusive woman and they're questions were never answered.
We had a great discussion on the story of her life, the ethical questions these cells have raised, and the unanswered questions by her surviving family members. Great book I personally think everyone should read!
Melanie also served the awesomest ColdStone ice cream bar with all the toppings and waffle bowls, cookies, fruit and whipped cream!
(If you can't tell, I'm an ice cream fan)
Thanks Melanie!!
Next Month: Cindi
The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
(I just want to reiterate... I hadn't read this book, so I apologize in advance...just in case)
