Afternoon Book Group: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Afternoon Book Group: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks In-Person
Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine: The first “immortal” human cells grown in culture, which are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years. HeLa cells were vital for developing the polio vaccine; uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and the atom bomb’s effects; helped lead to important advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping; and have been bought and sold by the billions.
Author Rebecca Skloot takes us on both a scientific and cultural journey through cancer research and the story of Henrietta's family and legacy in this award-winning book.
Join us the third Tuesday of every month for an in-depth discussion of quality best-selling fiction and nonfiction books including biographies, most less than 300 pages.
Registration requested.
- Date:
- Tuesday, May 16, 2023 Show more dates
- Time:
- 1:30pm - 3:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Community Room
- Categories:
- Adult Services Program