3.5 stars

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I was going to write a long review on my blog, then realized I didn't really have a long review to write. When it comes to non-fiction and history books I like to focus my review on how the information was put together in the novel. The history will not change and if you're interested in this topic then definitely give it a chance!

I found this really intriguing because I truly didn't know any of this information. I had heard about HeLa cells in passing during my years in science classes and with my college major being health. I loved the expansion of who Henrietta was and about her life and family outside of the research.

Learning about the research was fascinating too though. It was crazy to see the effect her cells had on the science community and what they were able to establish from them.

I didn't love how often I felt the author put herself in the story. I know she was trying to add something by going over exactly how she got the information and who she met, etc., but I don't think that was necessary. The family history and the people she met who could been laid out in a different way. I didn't need to hear about her driving around in circles trying to find someone or other fillers to take up page space.

Overall audience notes:
- Non-fiction
- Language: some strong language
- Trigger warnings: descriptions of child abuse, sexual abuse of a child, racism, medical experimentation without full consent, spousal abuse, murder