Book Review: The Immortal Story of Henrietta Lacks and The Doctor With An Eye for Eyes

The Immortal Story of Henrietta Lacks

Rebecca Skloot's "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" chronicles Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells, taken without her consent in 1951, became the groundbreaking HeLa cell line. The book intertwines the scientific impact of HeLa cells—used in polio vaccine development and cancer research—with the ethical dilemmas of their acquisition. It exposes the lack of informed consent, racial disparities in medicine, and the Lacks family's decades-long unawareness of Henrietta's cells' vital role in scientific progress.

Check out the book reviews here:

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Book Review 1 by Andrew Bullen
• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Book Review 2 by Christina Phillips MacNeil​

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath

"The Doctor With an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath" recounts Dr. Patricia Bath's inspiring journey as a pioneering ophthalmologist. The book details her fight against racial and gender discrimination, her invention of the revolutionary Laserphaco Probe for cataract surgery, and her dedication to preventing blindness. It highlights her groundbreaking achievements, including being the first African American female doctor to patent a medical device, and her tireless efforts to ensure equitable eye care access.

Check out the book reviews here:

• The Doctor With An Eye For Eyes Book Review 1 by Tracy Innes
• The Doctor With An Eye For Eyes Book Review 1 by Avis