Peer Responses

I sincerely apologize for these late peer responses, however, I would still like to complete this assignment.

Peer Response #1
Casey Peacock's TILOHL

After reading Casey Peacock's blog about the obstacles found in the construction of the new novel, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (TILOHL), I was intrigued by the complexities one must go through in creating such a dynamic novel. The author of the novel, Rebecca Skloot, faced many obstacles throughout much of the research and writing she had to do in order to complete her novel. Casey's impression of the greatest obstacle that Rebecca Skloot had to endure was forming a story without bias.

And I must say, "I completely, 100%, agree".

I like how Casey's blog discusses the troubles of creating a story that everyone can read without adding a biased opinion to it. Overall, the novel confronts the conflicts of Scientific Research and Human Rights. Henrietta Lacks, the main character of TILOHL, produced cells that were "immortal," but when she was tested for cervical cancer, her doctors took some of her cells for research, not knowing at the time of the cell's immortality.

Years later, her cells had produced millions and millions of stem cells, which are utilized in much of today's scientific research. The problem was, Henrietta's family never received any compensation or consent for the use of Henrietta's cells.

The conflict of human rights, scientific research, and the struggle of a "famous" family to stay out of poverty is presented in a neutral tone in Skloot's novel. I believe that her attention to detail, knowledge, and logic within the story, help to give the audience a choice to decide and form their own opinions of the intense situation.

You can find Casey Peacock's Blog at the link below:

http://cpeacocklsc100f09.blogspot.com/