Book Club

Discussion Questions:

Taking cells for use in scientific research is standard practice, should it be allowed without the patient’s permission?
Do you own your own cells? Should others be able to profit off research done with your body without your consent or financial compensation?

Skloot mentions that, “For Henrietta, walking into Hopkins was like entering a foreign country where she didn’t speak the language.” (Skloot, 16) Have you even been in a similar situation where lack of knowledge or information made you feel intimidated or even prevented you from doing something?

After reading chapter two does Henrietta’s life seem dramaticized or do you think Skloot remained true to real events? If Skloot did alter some parts of Henrietta’s history does that change your reading of the book? Why/why not?
How will Henrietta’s life change after she moves from Virginia to Turner?

The diagnosis Henrietta received from the doctor was “Epidermoid carcinoma of the cervix, Stage I” (Skloot, 27). Is this understandable or foreign to you and how would you feel if you were given a diagnosis in similar language?
What is your impression of the cell exchange between Richard Wesley LeTinde and George Gey? Do you view Gey as a vulture preying on human cells to feed his research (as he describes himself on page 30) or do you believe that he is motivated by a vision to help people?

Gey chose to give away samples of HeLa to his colleagues almost immediately. Do you think this was a good decision?
What do you think of Skloot’s use of the word “birth” to describe the initial growth of HeLa cells?

How would you describe Henrietta? Does she sound like a person that you would enjoy being around?
Does the Ferris wheel story on page 46 seem likely? If so, why would Henrietta choose that moment to confide in Margaret and Sadie?

Why do you think Deborah is so guarded?
What did you make of Deborah’s reaction to Rebecca during their first conversation? How does she view the book?