Before diving into this week’s book, we’ll talk about the medical industry’s not-so-secret (and not-so-distant) questionable past in our theme of the week: Medical Murders. Then, on to our book…

Decades ago, while listening to her body’s suggestion that something was wrong, a young wife and mother of five trusted the only healthcare facility in the area that would agree to treat her. True to their word, doctors provide the best treatment available, but they don’t tell the woman they are stealing a portion of her body during their treatments. Those stolen cells proved extraordinarily incredible, saving people’s lives worldwide, and they continue to marvel even in our day. Everyone benefits from the woman’s unknowing sacrifice, except for her family and children. Where will her children end up in a world where they can’t even afford healthcare?

The woman: Henrietta Lacks

The book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

LET’S GET LIT!