[17] The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Non-fiction (science, biography, history), recommendation from Rachel

Synopsis: Henrietta Lacks was an African-American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge during a biopsy. She died from cancer shortly thereafter, but her cells became the source of the HeLa cell line – the first “immortal” cells used for testing, beginning in the 1950s, and still in use today. Despite her cells being commonly used for breakthrough scientific discoveries (like developing the polio vaccine and advancing in vitro fertilization), nobody knew Henrietta’s story, and the Lacks family didn’t know her cells were being used until the 1970s. Rebecca Skloot spent ten years researching Henrietta, and becoming close with the Lacks family, to be able to tell her story, and discuss race, class, and patient privacy.

Review: This book tells Henrietta’s story, the story of her cells, and the story of Henrietta’s children. It’s well written and the sciency parts are easy to follow, although I did have to reread paragraphs to make sure I was actually absorbing it (and not thinking about something else), or because I was so shocked by what I read and wanted to read it again to make sure I got it right. This book taught me a lot about cell research, but what it made me think about most was education, class, and spirituality. Henrietta’s family is extremely confused when they find out her cells are being used. The author repeatedly explains to Henrietta’s daughter that no, human clones of her mother do not exist in the world, and no, Henrietta doesn’t feel pain when scientists use her cells. Henrietta’s daughter believes that many of the things that happen to people using her cells are her mother’s doing (like a fire at someone’s home). This is a well-written, interesting book, but I felt like I spent too long reading it, and just wanted to finish – probably because I was so excited for my next read, which I’d been waiting for months to receive.

[18] Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson
Fiction, heard about on interview with Claire Gibson on Sarah’s Bookshelves Live episode 36

Synopsis: Dani, Avery, and Hannah’s personalities starkly contrast one another, but they end up bonding during their first year at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and become extremely close during their last three years in school. As they graduate, their bond and love for one another is still an important part of their lives, but they struggle to stay connected, as they’re now on such separate paths from one another. Beyond the Point is about friendship, support, growth, courage, faith, and loss.

Review: I’ve been wanting to read this book so badly since I first heard an interview with the author and it did NOT disappoint. Five stars all the way! I was immediately invested in all the characters, loved the inside look at West Point and military culture, and COULD NOT put this book down. The book starts with a one chapter insight in to Hannah’s 2006 Afghanistan tour then goes back in time to tell the story chronologically, alternating between Dani, Avery, and Hannah for each chapter. We’re introduced to each character as they finish out their senior years of high school in 2000, then we go through some of their years at West Point (I would have loved to have more time there!), and in to their time after they graduate. Each character is unique, well-developed, and someone you’re rooting for, as they navigate life “beyond the point.” I’d like a part II of their story, please!

[19] Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
Literary fiction, liked two of her novels last year, decided to read another

Synopsis: Bert Cousins attends Franny Keating’s christening party in Los Angeles, uninvited, and falls in love with her mother, Beverly. Their affair ends their marriages, and Bert and Beverly marry, and relocate with Beverly’s two daughters to Virginia, while the four Keatings kids stay in Los Angeles with their mom, but visit their dad in Virginia each summer. The Cousins/Keatings children get along, but are completely neglected by their parents, and get in to lots of trouble with (usually) no one noticing or caring. Eventually (over 50% in to the book, but this is listed in its description everywhere, so not a spoiler I guess?) Franny dates a writer who writes a book, Commonwealth, about her childhood memories, which has repercussions as her siblings read it.

Review: Patchett is an amazing writer, and this story is interesting, but the telling of it jumps all over the place. It’s set over five decades, is not in chronological order, and large chunks of time are not covered. Which is fine, but I felt like it was purposefully confusing, to make it more intriguing. Keeping track of the characters and story was difficult for me at first. I got the hang of it, but often had to remind myself which kids belonged to which family. I love family dramas, but this is not one I’d recommend as a favorite.