The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

1. General Impressions 

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What did you think about the book’s balance between scientific explanation, biography of the Lacks family, and Skloot’s own experiences? Were you expecting this book to be divided into these three strands? 
• How much had you thought about the various ethical questions of scientific research before reading this book? Did it change how you consider these sometimes abstract issues? 
• What genre does this book fall into? Is this investigative journalism? Biography? Science for a lay readership?  

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Which of the figures in the book did you identify with and why: Henrietta herself, members of the Lacks family, patients who benefitted from the advancements made with HeLa cells, and the scientists who pursued the research? Whose perspectives were most compelling?
• Two key ethical issues that the book addresses are informed consent and bodily autonomy, both of which Skloot argues were denied to Henrietta both before and after her death. Which of these concerns speaks to you and why? Have you had experiences touching on these issues?
• Skloot’s research shows the ways cycles of abuse and poverty have played out in the Lacks family.