Book Club

Please join us for a discussion of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks tells the fascinating true story of a poor African-American woman whose cancer cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in modern medicine. These cells, known as HeLa, were the first human cells to survive and multiply indefinitely in a lab, leading to breakthroughs in vaccines, cancer research, gene mapping, and more. This book explores the scientific significance of HeLa, its use in groundbreaking medical research, and the ethical and social implications surrounding its use. It also delves into the Lacks family's struggle to understand their mother's legacy and the impact of her unwitting contribution to science. 

Joining a book club is a fantastic way to dive deeper into literature, connect with like-minded individuals, and expand your reading horizons.  Love books? Want to discover new ones, have engaging conversations, and make new friends? Join our non-fiction book club! Whether you're a casual reader or an avid bookworm, it's a fun way to stay motivated and enjoy reading in a community. We’d love to have you!

New book club members are always welcome. Request a copy of the books online or at any SCPL location.