My Open Heart

by Andrea Buginsky

Growing up with heart disease can be difficult, but it does not always have to alter your life course. MY OPEN HEART is written for young adults growing up with heart disease. It's meant to inspire them to chase their dreams, to show that they are not alone, and, perhaps, to help guide them through the maze of life with heart disease. Parents of children with heart disease and other chronic illnesses will find support and inspiration within this true story. We are not alone.

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2012

About the author

Andrea Buginsky is a freelance writer with a BA in Mass Communication-Journalism from the University of South Florida. She has always wanted to be a published writer, and decided to try to write fantasy books for teens. The Chosen is her first book, and was released on December 14, 2010, to her delight.



Andrea has written five more books since:

* My Open Heart, an autobiography of growing up with heart disease.
* Nature's Unbalance: The Chosen, Book 2
* Striker's Apprentice: The Chosen, Book 3
* Destiny: New Avalon, book 1, a YA fantasy
* Fate: New Avalon, book 2, a YA fantasy


She is currently writing the third book in the New Avalon series.

Andrea lives in Kansas with her family, which includes her two precious puppies.
You can visit Andrea on her website or Google+

Reviews

[Sophie's Reading Corner]

People know this day as Valentine's Day. I think they should also know it as "International CHD Awareness Day."

I really need to read this book, because I think it will be close to my heart and I will relate.

[LAURIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author tells of her life both growing up and now living as an adult with congenital heart disease. Ms. Buginsky explains this was written as encouragement for children and young adults facing the challenges of a chronic medical condition, and also for their parents. She certainly hit her mark with her inspiring story. Both her strength of character and the amazing outlook on life she has nurtured since childhood are most impressive. I think there is inspiration for everyone, not just for those with medical problems, and she shares a prospective from which we can all benefit. In the end, her joyous and at times playful nature shines through, and her mantra will make you smile: "Reach for the stars and make your dreams come true".

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Buginsky is a CHD warrior. She recounts her life's story about growing up with congenital heart disease. Having CHD myself I could relate to this book in so many ways. When she wrote about her early life of being sick a lot & taking longer to recover. And not to participate in everything in gym class I could also relate to. I found it remarkable and admirable for everything she's gone through that she has a positive view on her life. She is an amazing fighter.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Open Heart wasn't a book I would traditionally read but one of my blog updates prompted the author's mother to reach out to me. We chatted back and forth via email about her daughter and how Andrea had passed away right before July 4th from a recent bout with pneumonia.

After learning that Andrea was born a month before me, I felt like I had to read this book and I'm so glad I did. I wouldn't say My Open Heart is in true memoir style, it read more like a diary; as though I was walking with Andrea as she told her story.

When the chapter about her receiving her ICD came, I had to pause and take a minute. This is where I am now - in the decision portion of my life to get an ICD or not. It has been many years since Andrea received hers so I know technology has changed but it was comforting to know she had the same fears I do and knowing how she deals with those fears has helped me greatly.

This isn't a book for everyone but if you want to know what it's like to grow up with a Congenital Heart Defect, I recommend reading Andrea's story.

[Kate Hutchinson]

I'm also an adult with a congenital heart disease. It takes courage to share your story. Much more awareness, education and outreach needs to happen for the millions living with a congenital heart disease. Little by little we'll get there.