The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

          So, I finished it.  For four years Malden Reads has been having one city come together and read one book and for the first year ever I did it!  I read it and I plan to attend the movie viewings, community dinners and book discussions that go along with this fascinating book.  

         The thing about choosing one book for the whole entire city is that it is hard to find something that everyone will be interested in.  And I must admit had it not been for the Malden Reads initiative I probably would not have picked this book off the shelf.  I mean I LOVE the fact that it deals with race relations in the United States both now and during the 1950s and 60s.  I was not so sure I'd be interested in the ethical medical questions such as what should doctors do with tissue that is removed from your body?  

       When I was having my first baby I spent a long, hot evening discussing if I was interested in taking my placenta home from the hospital with me, and although there are very good reasons to do so, I think that debate really satiated my appetite for live tissue disposal.   

       However, it turns out that there are many medical mysteries at play in this book and it is worth the read if you are interested in cancer treatment, medical ethics and/or racial reconciliation.  This book opened my eyes to the complexity of finding a cure for cancer, encouraging medical research while avoiding avarice and to the power of a daughter's love for her mother.  It was an amazing story that was full of twists and turns.

 Luckily for you I  have another copy of the book to give away:)  If you are interested to read this book for free.....

1. Leave a comment stating what intrigues you most about the book and why...

a. The history of race relations in America during the 1950s and 60

        b.The search for a cure for cancer. 

        c. The ethical dilemmas related to experimentation on live cells

2.  like Penned but Not Published's FaceBook page 

https://www.facebook.com/pennedbutnotpublished

Malden Reads Kickoff Celebration

 Last year I didn't even know what it Malden Reads was, but since getting involved a few months ago I've become all about it.  I can hardly wait to see who shows up to the Opening Celebration tomorrow night, to discuss the book and of course to draw a winner for this blog's Malden Read's book giveaway!  Here is some information that I wish I'd read 4 years ago when the program began:

"All are invited to Opening Celebration 

The entire city is invited to enjoy an evening of culture and community 

at the Malden Reads 2014 Opening Celebration 

The free event will bring a mix of food, exhibits and music 

to the library’s historic and elegant Converse Memorial Building.

Now in its fourth year, Malden Reads is a grassroots program that seeks to build community through the shared experience of reading a good book and exploring its themes together.

Malden Reads will host a series of literary-themed events this winter, 

and program co-facilitator Anne D’Urso-Rose said 

the Opening Celebration is a great time to connect with the program and get involved.

“It’s really a wonderful night of community,” she said. “The historic wing of the library is such a beautiful setting and we always have a great turnout. People have the opportunity to meet their neighbors and friends, learn about this year’s book, and connect with some of the community groups that do such great work here in Malden. It really does tie together the two main goals of Malden Reads, which are to promote reading and build community.”

The featured selection of Malden Reads 2014 is "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks." 

Written by science journalist Rebecca Skloot,

 it’s the true story of a woman whose unique cells revolutionized medical science, 

even though the donor—who died of cancer 60 years ago-- was essentially forgotten by the health industry.

Major themes of the book include economic injustice, ethics of modern medicine, and extraordinary contributions from seemingly ordinary people. 

 In addition to learning more about the featured selection, guests at the opening celebration are invited to: 

• Enjoy food samplings from local restaurants, desserts, and soft drinks.

• A special presentation in the Ryder Gallery that will be hosted by City Council President Neal Anderson and will feature a dramatic interpretation from the book by Malden High School drama students. 

There will also be musical performances and readings from the book.  

• View exhibit tables from local community groups that related to the themes of the book and tie into the flavor of Malden’s own community.

• Take a guided tour of the beautiful historic wing of the library.

• Obtain information about the Malden Reads program, 

including the newly printed Calendar of Events brochure and fliers for upcoming events and programs.  www.maldenreads.org

 You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site."

GIVEAWAY alert

Well, for my second ever giveaway I have something special.  It's a brand new book!   I have been volunteering for a program called Malden reads. 

And not only did I get a special copy of the book of the year but I also got to write my first ever press release.  Here it is:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 2/14/2014

Contact: KD Simington, http://pennedbutnotpublished.blogspot.com 

Mayor Christensen Discusses HeLa Cells

Malden Celebrities Host Malden Reads Book Discussions

MALDEN, MA- Don’t miss the first event in the Malden Reads’ series of “Celebrity Book Discussions” with Mayor Gary Christensen on Monday, March 3rd at 7pm.  The discussion will be held at the Exchange Street Bistro.  It is free but space is limited so attendees need to sign up at the Malden Public Library.  

In praise of the book, Malden resident Dan Ko said, “I love a good true story, especially when someone’s able to give voice to the voiceless. That’s exactly what you find in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. You’re invited into an amazing tale that might never have been told.” 

The discussion will engage ideas and themes from the 2014 featured selection “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.  This year’s major concepts include: Tissue Harvesting, Genetic Research, Standards for Ethical Research, Impact on the Lacks family & descendants, Ethical Standards of Journalism, Intellectual Property Laws,  and race relations in the 1950s and 1960s.

One major theme of the book is the necessity of being aware of what is going on locally, nationally and world wide, including scientific research, health care issues, and medical ethics.  Participants will also share about the importance of close family relationships, especially during the hard periods of life. Discussion will also deal with the ability to be critical of information received in this time of information overload.

Even for those who haven’t finished the book or joined a book discussion before, all are welcome to share their thoughts and comments and to hear what others around the community have to say. 

Organized by community groups, city leaders, and residents, in collaboration with the Malden Public Library and Malden Access TV, Malden Reads invites the community to read the same book and participate in a series of events related to the book’s themes.  

For more information about the Malden Reads, the featured selections and upcoming events, visit www.maldenreads.org, follow us on Twitter @MaldenReads, like us on Facebook or join our mailing list maldenreads@gmail.com.

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Ok, and now for the fun part...THE GIVEAWAY!!!!

This Thursday night at 6:30 Malden Public Library is hosting the Malden Reads Opening Ceremony!  To win a free copy of the book there are 3 important steps:

#1. Go to the opening

#2. Have a good time

#3.  Comment below on what was your favorite part of the evening

Thus, everyone gets some free food, supports a neat cause ...and the lucky winner will get a copy of the book, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks."  

Good Luck:)

If you didn't make it last night, you can enter by commenting on what you like about the concept of "Malden Reads...one city...one book."