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Rebecca Skloot

レベッカ・スクロート

Rebecca Skloot

Profile

Gender
Female
Born
1972-09-19 （Springfield, Illinois, U.S.）
Nationality
United States
Languages
English

Career

Occupations
Science writer, Nonfiction author, Journalist
Active Years
1998-
Affiliations
University of Pittsburgh (instructor/lecturer), New York University (lecturer), University of Memphis (lecturer)
Memberships
American Society of Journalists and Authors, National Association of Science Writers, National Book Critics Circle
Influenced By
Floyd Skloot

Education

Portland Community College
Country: United States
Attended and later worked as a veterinary technician
Colorado State University
Biological sciences
Degree: B.S.
Country: United States
University of Pittsburgh
Creative nonfiction (MFA)
Degree: MFA
Country: United States
MFA in creative nonfiction

Awards

Best American Food Writing (selection)
2005
Work: Two Americas, Two Restaurants, One Town
Organization: Best American Food Writing editorial series
Result: 選出
American Society of Journalists and Authors Best Personal Essay of the Year
2005
Work: When Pets Attack
Organization: American Society of Journalists and Authors
Result: 受賞
AAAS Subaru SB&F Best Young Adult Book Award
2010
Work: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Organization: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Result: 受賞
Wellcome Trust Book Prize
2010
Work: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Organization: Wellcome Trust
Result: 受賞
Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize
2010
Work: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Organization: Chicago Tribune
Result: 受賞
Medical Journalists' Association Open Book Awards - General Nonfiction
2010
Work: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Category: General Nonfiction
Organization: Medical Journalists' Association
Result: 受賞
Chicago Tribune and Chicago Public Library 21st Century Award
2010
Work: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Organization: Chicago Tribune / Chicago Public Library
Result: 受賞
Audie Award for Best Nonfiction Audiobook
2010
Work: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (audiobook)
Organization: Audie Awards
Result: 受賞
Ambassador Book Award (Biography)
2011
Work: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Category: Biography
Organization: Ambassador Book Award
Result: 受賞
National Academies of Science Communication Awards - Best Book
2011
Work: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Organization: National Academies of Science
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

2010 Nonfiction (science/medicine) 381 pages

An investigative nonfiction account of Henrietta Lacks and the immortal cell line (HeLa) derived from her cancer cells, exploring the scientific, ethical, and social implications as well as the impact on Lacks's family.

medical ethicsrace and medicineconsent in researchfamily narrative
Adaptations
  • [TV film] The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (HBO film) / George C. Wolfe (2017)
Translations
  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Best American Science Writing (co-edited)

2011 Edited anthology

An anthology collecting notable science essays; Skloot served as co-editor.

science communicationscience essays

Bibliography

  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2010)
  • The Best American Science Writing (co-edited, 2011)
  • Numerous feature articles and essays in publications such as The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, Discover, and New York magazine

Adaptations

  • HBO television film The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2017)

Translations of Works

  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Japanese translation)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
investigative creative nonfictionnarrative-driven, character-focused storytellingblending science and human drama
Recurring Motifs
family memory and voiceethical conflicts around scientific discoveryinequality and race

Legacy

Widely regarded as a landmark in science and medical nonfiction; her work has increased public awareness of medical ethics and consent. Her bestselling book was adapted into a television film and had substantial cultural impact.

Academic Societies

  • American Society of Journalists and Authors
  • National Association of Science Writers
  • National Book Critics Circle

In Popular Culture

  • Brought to wide public attention by the HBO film adaptation (2017)

Quotes

  • “The Lackses challenged everything I thought I knew about faith, science, journalism, and race.”
    Source: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, prologue (2010)

Trivia

  • Previously worked as a veterinary technician
  • Daughter of poet/novelist Floyd Skloot
  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over six years and reached #1
  • In the HBO film adaptation, Rebecca was portrayed by Rose Byrne and Deborah Lacks was portrayed by Oprah Winfrey