Faced with the challenge of selecting a book that would engage everyone in our annual All-Community Read, Brooks School’s science department chose a title that does just that, merging scientific study with ethics, social justice, journalism, women’s studies and so much more: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," by Rebecca Skloot.

“I can't wait to talk to you about it,” Chair of the Science Department Laura Hajdukiewicz told students in Chapel this spring when she announced the selection — our 10th All-Community Read title.

Each year a different academic department selects a book that students, employees, alumni and Brooks School families and friends are all invited to read. The volume is worked into the curriculum throughout the school year and featured in various all-campus events.

Acting Head of School Nina Freeman is diving into the All-Community Read on campus (on the patio behind the school's new admission building) this summer. 

This year’s pick is a biography/science bestseller that tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her knowledge or consent during cancer treatment in 1951.

Later cultured in laboratories, Lacks’ cells — named “HeLa” cells — were manufactured, distributed to research facilities and have played a pivotal role in an expansive range of scientific inquiries, spanning from cancer research to studies on the human genome and the creation of vaccines for polio and COVID.

“I could go online right now and order HeLa cells for us to have in the lab,” Hajdukiewicz said. “These cells have been used for so many years for so many reasons. This book is about the woman behind them and what happened to her.”

In addition to the myriad points of connection with academic subjects, the 2010 tome tackles “some tough topics,” including discussion of cancer, sexual assault and racism, the teacher shared. “This is part of her story.”

Hajdukiewicz created the discussion guide below to help in talking about the book’s topics at home. Happy reading!

Director of Psychological Counseling Services Kimberly Cratty dove into the book during a vacation in Maine this summer. 

Discussion prompts for the All-Community Read,
"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
 

Scientific Research

• How did HeLa cells change scientific research, and what are some important discoveries made because of them?
   
• Why is it important to ask for permission before using someone's cells for research? What problems can happen if you don’t?
   
• How did scientists’ focus on making progress sometimes overlook individual rights in Henrietta’s case?
   

Medical Ethics

• What are the ethical problems with taking and using Henrietta Lacks’ cells without her knowing?
   
• How did the way Lacks and her family were treated show bigger ethical issues in medicine?
   
• How might her story be different if today’s ethical guidelines were followed back then?

Race, Classism and Sexism

• How did Lacks' race, gender and economic status affect how she was treated by doctors?
   
• How does her story reveal problems with racism, sexism and classism in healthcare and scientific research?
   
• How did race, class and gender make it harder for the Lacks family to understand and get justice for what happened to her?
   
• Can you think of other examples where race, class or gender affect medical treatment or research, and how can we address these issues?
   

Journalism

• Why is it important for journalists to tell stories like Lacks’? What impact can it have on society?
   
• What skills and qualities do you think are important for a journalist when covering complex and sensitive topics like this one?
   
• How did Skloot’s relationship with the Lacks family affect the story she told in the book?
   
• What ethical considerations should journalists keep in mind when writing about real people’s lives and stories?