Bernardsville Library’s book discussion group, Saturday Samplers, will meet on Saturday, May 7 at 3:30 pm to discuss The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2010) by Rebecca Skloot.
Skloot is an award-winning science writer who tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, whose cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in 20th century medicine. The first “immortal” human cells grown in culture, they are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years. HeLa cells, as they are known, were vital for developing the polio vaccine; uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and the atom bomb’s effects; helped lead to important advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping; and have been bought and sold by the billions. It took Skloot over a decade to uncover this riveting story which became an instant best-seller.
Led by Readers’ Services Assistant, Evelyn Fischel, Saturday Samplers is a book discussion group dedicated to sampling various kinds of literature, including short stories, nonfiction, new and old novels, and even teen fiction. Its goal is to search out interesting, noteworthy, and sometimes overlooked books. Readers can find information about the group and about the books and authors on the reading list at http://saturdaysamplers.blogspot.com. No sign-up is needed to join the discussion. Call the library at 766-0118 for more information.
There is no charge to attend the discussion, and no sign-up is needed. The group will meet in the Library’s Community Room.
Skloot is an award-winning science writer who tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, whose cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in 20th century medicine. The first “immortal” human cells grown in culture, they are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years. HeLa cells, as they are known, were vital for developing the polio vaccine; uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and the atom bomb’s effects; helped lead to important advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping; and have been bought and sold by the billions. It took Skloot over a decade to uncover this riveting story which became an instant best-seller.
Led by Readers’ Services Assistant, Evelyn Fischel, Saturday Samplers is a book discussion group dedicated to sampling various kinds of literature, including short stories, nonfiction, new and old novels, and even teen fiction. Its goal is to search out interesting, noteworthy, and sometimes overlooked books. Readers can find information about the group and about the books and authors on the reading list at http://saturdaysamplers.blogspot.com. No sign-up is needed to join the discussion. Call the library at 766-0118 for more information.
There is no charge to attend the discussion, and no sign-up is needed. The group will meet in the Library’s Community Room.
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