Henrietta Lacks was a Turner Station resident who died of cervical cancer 60 years ago. Doctors at Johns Hopkins successfully cultured her cells, and over the years they have been used to help create the polio vaccine and to lead advances in cloning, gene mapping, and other scientific stuff. This compelling story at the intersection of race, gender, and medical ethics takes the reader from 1950s Baltimore to the present day. It's a fascinating read for anyone interested in medical history, science, or local history.
The Sex Lives of Cannibals, by J. Maarten Troost When he was 26 years old, J. Maarten Troost and his girlfriend picked up and moved to the remote South Pacific island of Tarawa . Expecting a lavish lifestyle in a tropical paradise, he was faced with the cold reality of life without modern creature comforts. This book is a really fast read. It's funny, contains adventure, and even some historical information about the island's role in WWII. I would highly recommend this hilarious travelogue for escapist reading, or as a reality check for anyone who's ever fantasized about moving to the tropics.
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