Last year I was thrilled to be a part of the Wellcome Book Prize Blog Tour, reviewing We Need To Talk About Death by Kathryn Mannix and so, when I was asked to take part in the 10th Anniversary I happily obliged.

For my post, I will be focusing on the shortlist from 2010, and what a year it was! Shall we get stuck in?

WINNER! The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – Rebecca Skloot

After dying from Cancer in 1951, Henrietta Lacks was not a notable woman, however, she would change history. Her Cancer cells, taken without permission, would be used by scientists and make millions. Read more here.

Angel of Death -The Story of Smallpox – Gareth Williams

Exactly what it says on the tin, this is a history of the disease smallpox, once a deadly disease it has now been wiped out. Gareth Williams tells us how in this book.

Teach Us to Sit Still -A sceptic’s search for health and healing – Tim Parks

A look at our own perceptions on how we view illness and what our own perceptions mean when we are ill. Inspired by Tim Parks own illness and what helped him recover instead of traditional medicine.

So Much For That – Lionel Shriver

A novel about love, life and how sometimes it’s not fair. After selling his business for $1 million it’s time for the Knacker’s to enjoy their lives. That is until Glynis receives a cancer diagnosis.

Medic -John Nichols and Tony Rennell

A look at this history of the army medic from Dunkirk to Afghanistan, with stories from both men and women who helped to save lives on the front line.

Grace Williams Says It Loud – Emma Henderson

And finally, the novel that I received for this post looks at the institutionalisation of people with mental and physical disabilities.

While this does make not of the horrific conditions and the way patients were treated, it also shows how friendships and relationships can blossom, even in the worst of places. Truly a novel that will make you think and based on the author’s experiences of having a sibling in such a place.

Which of these would you pick up? Let me know in the comments below!