re: What are you reading?

It's incredibly fascinating. I hadn't heard of Henrietta Lacks or Hela cells before I picked up this book. But her cells, which were taken in the early 50s and grown in culture, still exist today. In fact, more of Henrietta's cells exist today than ever existed when she was alive. Her cells are used in research all over the world. And have been crucial to scientific advancements like the development of the polio vaccine.

Despite the importance of these cells, Henrietta's family remains dirt poor. I'm about halfway through the book. The author has just met Henrietta's kids. These poor kids are barely educated and really struggling with the fact that their mom is dead, but still alive in a way. Does her spirit still reside in those cells? It's a wild read.