Henrietta Lacks

I have read a lot of books about scientists and science. Some of the best of them have been reviewed on this blog. Often, even when the writing is well done, the book's content is focused on science, "Just the facts, ma'am.", and not the cultural context or the interpersonal dynamics of those involved.
"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot is multidimensional and nuanced. Skloot handles the scientific development of HeLa cells, cells from Lacks' cervical tumor, very well. I had worked with these cells but knew none of their history and really enjoyed finding out this history. Lacks and her family were treated by society and by each other in the ways that blacks were often treated in America at the time the cells were obtained and initially grown, the early 1950's.

The breadth and depth of this book is amazing. The writing and story telling finesse are first class and very rare. Read it.