Books Like...
'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot delves into the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge and became the basis for groundbreaking medical research. The narrative alternates between the scientific advancements made using her cells and the struggles faced by her family who were unaware of her contribution to science. Skloot's writing style combines history, science, and ethics seamlessly, providing a comprehensive account of Henrietta Lacks' life and the impact of her cells on modern medicine.
If you liked The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, here are the top 100 books to read next:
During WWI and WWII, young women worked in factories painting clock dials with radium, unaware of the dangers. As they fell ill, facing bone deterioration and tumors, they fought for justice against the corporations that denied blame. The book outlines their struggles, the development of worker protection laws, and the lasting impact on medical knowledge.
Katherine Schaub had a jaunty spring in her step as she walked the brief four blocks to work. It was 1 February 1917, but the cold didn’t bother her one bit; she had always loved the winter snows of h...Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach is an exploration into the history and uses of human cadavers, delving into emblematic activities like cremation and research. The author takes readers on a journey through the world of cadavers, from cosmetic surgery to embalming, addressing questions about what happens to bodies after death with a blend of hard science and humor. Roach's writing style is described as quirky, humorous, and respectful, providing a balance between factual information and entertainment value while discussing various options for the body after death.
The way I see it, being dead is not terribly far off from being on a cruise ship. Most of your time is spent lying on your back. The brain has shut down. The flesh begins to soften. Nothing much new h...'The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer' by Siddhartha Mukherjee is a detailed and fascinating exploration of the history, research, and treatment of cancer. Written in a biography style, the book delves into the origins of cancer, the advancements in science and medicine over the past century, and the ongoing battle against the disease. Mukherjee skillfully weaves together historical accounts, personal stories, and scientific explanations to provide a comprehensive understanding of cancer as a formidable adversary and the tireless efforts to combat it.
Had Farber asked any of the pediatricians circulating in the wards above him about the likelihood of developing an antileukemic drug, they would have advised him not to bother trying. Childhood leukem...Oliver Sacks' book, 'The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales', delves into the fascinating world of neurology through a collection of twenty-four stories describing various patients with neurological disorders. The book covers a wide variety of maladies involving perception, such as individuals who cannot locate parts of their body, those who have lost their sense of balance, and patients with phantom limbs, Tourette's syndrome, and unique memory loss. Sacks narrates these clinical tales with a mix of compassion, humor, and intellect, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human brain and the lives of those affected by these conditions.
The writing style of the book varies from clinical and philosophical to compassionate and humorous, providing an engaging and thought-provoking read. Sacks skillfully combines psychological, philosophical, neurological, and psychiatric views in his narratives, offering a deep exploration of the inner workings of the human mind and the experiences of his patients. Despite some opinions criticizing the medical jargon and outdated language, the book is praised for its ability to blend science with storytelling, creating a captivating account of neurological case studies that leave a lasting impact on readers.
The last thing one settles in writing a book,' Pascal observes, 'is what one should put in first.' So, having written, collected and arranged these strange tales, having selected a title and two epigr...- #5
Save:Bill Bryson puts his writing skills to science this time, written from the layman's point of view. The book covers a wide range of scientific topics, from the Big Bang to genetics, in an organized and informative manner. Bryson injects humor and historical context into complex subjects, making it an entertaining and educational read about the history of science and our understanding of the universe.
The book serves as a fantastic review of scientific milestones, blending well-known and lesser-known facts with humor and poignant reflections on humanity's impact on the planet. It presents a comprehensive overview of natural sciences, leaving readers in awe of the wonders of the universe and emphasizing the importance of scientific knowledge and responsibility.
A proton is an infinitesimal part of an atom, which is itself of course an insubstantial thing. Protons are so small that a little dib of ink like the dot on thisi can hold something in the region of ... 'Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI' by David Grann delves into the disturbing history of the Osage tribe in Oklahoma, who were targeted for their wealth derived from oil reserves on their land. As mysterious deaths plague the tribe, the narrative uncovers a vast conspiracy orchestrated by local whites to steal the tribal wealth. The involvement of the newly formed FBI, led by ex Texas rangers, sheds light on the depths of corruption and greed that characterized this dark period in American history. intricately weaves together the detailed accounts of murders, investigations, and the systematic exploitation of the Osage people, leaving readers shocked by the extent of institutional evil and racial injustice.
Grann's storytelling skillfully intertwines the historical events with a gripping narrative, highlighting the horrors faced by the Osage tribe and the relentless pursuit of justice by the FBI agents. The detailed research and investigative reporting provide a comprehensive understanding of the crimes committed against the Osage people, while also shedding light on the limitations of the rule of law during that era. not only uncovers a forgotten chapter of American history but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring presence of greed, corruption, and racial discrimination in society.
In April, millions of tiny flowers spread over the blackjack hills and vast prairies in the Osage territory of Oklahoma. There are Johnny-jump-ups and spring beauties and little bluets. The Osage writ...- #7
Save:"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson delves into two parallel stories set during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. One storyline follows the ambitious architect Daniel Burnham as he strives to create the greatest World's Fair ever seen, while the other narrative focuses on Dr. H.H. Holmes, who becomes the first mass murderer in U.S. history. intricately weaves together the challenges of organizing the fair with the chilling crimes committed by Holmes, creating a captivating blend of history and true crime. Readers are taken on a journey through the bustling city of Chicago, where the grandeur of the fair contrasts with the darkness of Holmes' actions, all presented in a narrative that reads like a suspense novel.
THE DATE WAS APRIL 14, 1912, a sinister day in maritime history, but of course the man in suite 63–65, shelter deck C, did not yet know it. What he did know was that his foot hurt badly, more than he ... - #8
Save:"The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic?and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World" by Steven Johnson tells the story of the cholera outbreak in London that was investigated by Dr. James Snow and Henry Whitehead. The book describes the progression of the outbreak and the groundbreaking investigation that revolutionized the field of epidemiology. Johnson's writing style combines historical accounts with scientific explanations, delving into the social history of Victorian England and exploring the battle between competing scientific and medical explanations of cholera.
The book provides a detailed account of the 1854 cholera epidemic in London, highlighting the efforts of Dr. John Snow and Henry Whitehead in linking cholera to infected drinking water. Johnson's narrative weaves together the scientific discoveries, social implications, and modern-day parallels of the epidemic, offering insights into the vulnerability of cities and the importance of public health measures. Despite some readers finding the book's ending somewhat preachy or repetitive, the overall storytelling and historical significance of the events make it a compelling read.
IT IS AUGUST 1854, AND LONDON IS A CITY OF SCAVENGERS. Just the names alone read now like some kind of exotic zoological catalogue: bone-pickers, rag-gatherers, pure-finders, dredgermen, mud-larks, se... "Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family" by Robert Kolker delves into the heartbreaking story of the Galvin family, consisting of twelve children, six of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Through the eyes of the family members, readers are taken on a journey of trauma, resilience, and the impact of severe mental illness on each individual. Kolker skillfully intertwines the family's personal struggles with the evolution of schizophrenia treatment from the 1950s to the present, providing a poignant exploration of how the Galvin family coped with the challenges they faced.
The narrative of "Hidden Valley Road" is a compassionate and informative look at the Galvin family's experiences with mental illness, shedding light on the complexities of schizophrenia and the family's contributions to research in the field. weaves together personal accounts of the family members with scientific explanations of schizophrenia, offering a moving portrayal of resilience, struggle, and the quest for understanding in the face of devastating circumstances.
Every so often, in the middle of doing yet another thing she’d never imagined doing, Mimi Galvin would pause and take a breath and consider what, exactly, had brought her to that moment. Was it the ca...'And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic' by Randy Shilts chronicles the HIV AIDS epidemic, highlighting the journey from a mysterious malady affecting urban gay males to a full-blown worldwide health crisis. The narrative delves into the role of economics and ego in shaping the reactions of institutions like blood banks and researchers, showcasing how the government, health authorities, and scientists prioritized budgetary concerns, political expediency, and national prestige over public health and saving lives. Through detailed and character-centered storytelling, the book portrays a devastating account of the early days of the AIDS epidemic, shedding light on the political, social, and medical challenges faced during that time.
Tall sails scraped the deep purple night as rockets burst, flared, and flourished red, white, and blue over the stoic Statue of Liberty. The whole world was watching, it seemed; the whole world was th...
