My Heart vs. the Real World: Children with Heart Disease, In Photographs & Interviews

by Max S. Gerber

My Heart vs. the Real World is a photo documentary volume that explores the lives of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) through striking blackDSandDSwhite photographs and interviews with subjects and their families. Ten chapters each spotlight a single child and in an additional
chapter, the author writes about his own experience of growing up and living with CHD. The images and personal accounts reveal how, compared with someone healthy, a chronically ill child develops adult attitudes in a much different way. These are stories of how CHD patients and their families cope
with and overcome extraordinary obstacles―and learn about themselves during the process. My Heart vs. the Real World is sometimes funny, sometimes sad, always thoughtDSprovoking, and altogether human.

203 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought to use with a client with a heart disorder. Not the right book for the child. And the kid did not return to therapy anyway. Inspiring stories of children living with heart problems - good for early adolescent on, for a bibliotherapy tack into talking about the realities and feelings of having a heart disorder.

[Caitlin G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was very touching. As a person that grew up with a congenital heart defect, I felt very connected to the kids in the book. Max did an amazing job, and I actually had the pleasure of meeting him at a conference. It is sad but heart warming and raises awareness.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most amazing books I've ever read!!!!!!!

[Samantha Grenier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kid with the peace-sign temporary tattoo over his pacemaker, made my Heroes list! This book brought back a lot of memories of my own struggles with PE. Some of the stories are heartbreaking.