Dear Ms. Skloot,

It is not often that a story that has been buried and forgotten is unearthed and told earnestly. The facts may get lost, overlooked or twisted by the author to tell a wilder tale. Characters may get renamed and disguised until they are unrecognizable. The story in its most honest form may never be told. It is for these reasons that The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a rare, brave and sincere work of nonfiction. Through rigorous research, science, fact and the utmost respect and love for those whose stories were told, a forgotten woman is finally acknowledged, celebrated and profusely thanked for her contribution to science.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is carefully crafted and beautifully wrought. The book was written with attention paid to science, history, racism, ethics and the story of a family who was left in the dark and terribly wronged in the pursuit of scientific research. It is a provocative and phenomenal book that deals with truth, justice and science, while maintaining that ability to make the reader laugh, cry and sweat with anger.

What struck me most about this book was its ability to balance the scientific history of the HeLa cells and its empathy towards Henrietta’s family. Considering the greatness of her contribution, the devastating poverty her family is left in is disgraceful. In the words of Lacks’ youngest daughter, Deborah: “I always thought it was strange, if our mother cells done so much for medicine, how come her family can’t afford to go to the doctors? Don’t make no sense.” I am most grateful for the honest telling of the family’s story, for they too were once forgotten.

Thank you Rebecca Skloot for taking on the decade of research and for conducting countless interviews with the scientists, lawyers, ethicists, journalists and the family and friends of Henrietta Lacks. Thank you for taking the time to develop a genuine relationship with the family. Thank you for telling the facts, both the scientific and ethical. Thank you for your determination, for your compassion and for writing such an astounding work of nonfiction.

With sincere gratitude,

Gloria Muñoz