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Instructions for a Second-hand Heart
Jonny knows better than anyone that life is full of cruel ironies. He's spent every day in a hospital hooked up to machines to keep his heart ticking. Then when a donor match is found for Jonny's heart, that turns out to be the cruellest irony of all. Because for Jonny's life to finally start, someone else's had to end.
That someone turns out to be Neve's twin brother, Leo. When Leo was alive, all Neve wanted was for him (and all his glorious, overshadowing perfection) to leave. Now that Leo's actually gone forever, Neve has no idea how to move forward. Then Jonny walks into her life looking for answers, her brother's heart beating in his chest, and everything starts to change.
Together, Neve and Jonny will have to face the future, no matter how frightening it is, while also learning to heal their hearts, no matter how much it hurts.
That someone turns out to be Neve's twin brother, Leo. When Leo was alive, all Neve wanted was for him (and all his glorious, overshadowing perfection) to leave. Now that Leo's actually gone forever, Neve has no idea how to move forward. Then Jonny walks into her life looking for answers, her brother's heart beating in his chest, and everything starts to change.
Together, Neve and Jonny will have to face the future, no matter how frightening it is, while also learning to heal their hearts, no matter how much it hurts.
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2017
73 people are currently reading
3188 people want to read
About the author
Tamsyn Murray
30 books127 followersHertfordshire-based writer of books. Lives with one husband, one daughter, one son, one mad chocolate labrador, one aged tabby cat, five gorgeous bunnies. Likes animals (no, really?), Marmite and messing about on stage. Dislikes spiders, celery and arrogant people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 397 reviews
November 10, 2016
“Sharp are the arrows of a broken heart.”
----Cassandra Clare
Tamsyn Murray, an English author, pens a soul touching and riveting young adult contemporary fiction in her new book, Instructions for a Second-hand Heart that is centered around two young teenagers, one suffers from a fatal and terminal heart condition where his heart is forced to pump throw external machines and is on the never ending waiting list for a heart donor, and the other lives under her perfect brother's shadow but soon tragedy strikes and leaves her broken hearted.
Synopsis:
Jonny isn't like "normal" teenagers. Every day he wakes up in hospital, kept alive by a machine. Every day he wonders if this is the day they'll find a donor match for his heart. Every day he wonders if this is the day he'll die.
Every day, Niamh fights with her "perfect" brother Leo. Every single day, Leo wins. Every day, Niamh dreams of a life without Leo. But all that changes on the day of the accident: the day EVERYTHING falls apart.
This is a story about facing the future no matter how frightening. This is a story about healing your heart, no matter how much it hurts.
Jonny has stopped hoping that one day he would walk out of the hospital doors and live life to the fullest, even though his only best friend, Em, forever pushes him to have faith and hope and fulfill his bucket list before death claims him suddenly. Jonny has also lost hope from that never ending waiting list for a donor match for his heart transplant. Even though his parents' eyes silently hopes that someday Jonny finds his match for a new heart.
Niamh never stops hoping that the world will be a better place without her flawlessly perfect twin brother, Leo, whose perfection forces Niamh to live her life under his shadow. Although Leo is her only friend, the only person whom she loves and trusts above all, but she keeps wishing for the otherwise. And that is when tragedy strikes and everything changes. Everything that demands and forces Niamh to face the world and so the future despite of the great loss that she suffered from.
The story reads like a breath of fresh air amidst the hoards of so many "been there, read that" kind of YA contemporary fiction. The story line is fresh, unique and extremely enthralling even the story reflect some cliches. The story is high on deep emotions and sentiments that will hit the readers' hearts with its sharpness and vividness. The author successfully enlightens the young growing minds on how to deal with loss, pain and the also inspires them to take risks and think about the unknown future. The underlying message about pain, second chances and the future are strikingly portrayed through the story line that will easily seep into the readers' minds while reading.
The author's writing style is extremely polished, and laced with evocative emotions that will deeply move its readers. The prose reflects simplicity and realism and that sync well with this coming-of-age story. Since pain plays a major role in this story, the author cleverly manages to instill light humor through the free flowing and articulate narrative of the book. The pacing of the book is super fast, as the author touches and pens only the necessary scenes for this story thereby making it worthwhile, and quick to read for her readers. So if any readers is looking for an escape getaway that offers fun, love, enlightenment about young life with a bit of touchy feel sensation, then this book perfectly fits the bill.
The story is very much addictive so I warn you before you pick up a copy of this book, you won't be able to look away from this book and you will be forced to keep turning the pages of this book until the very last. The characters from this book are not only well developed but are also laced with realism in their demeanor thereby making them relatable in the eyes and the minds of the readers. The main protagonist, Jonny, before his old heart, will come across as bit of a morbid guy, although its justifiable the way he behaves and acts like there is no hope for survival, but Jonny after a new heart, will come across as someone very lively and is not scared to take chances, even though he is bit of an idiot around his once-upon-a-time-only-hospital-friend, Em, who teaches him a lot about life and supports him from the background and their friendship will be bound to break the hearts of the readers, I felt tears in my eyes while reading about Em and her destiny. Apart from that, Jonny keeps the gloominess, sadness at bay for the readers, who after reading about Niamh's loss will feel an immense grief for the character's sad plight. Niamh is not that brave after losing her brother, yet the friendship between Jonny and herself uplifts her and keeps her moving forward.
In a nutshell, the story is fun, poignant and extremely delightful enough to make the readers understand about pain, grief and loss through a sweet story of friendship, young love and trust.
Verdict: One hell of an alluring, emotional and fun-filled ride that is a must read for one and all.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author's publishers for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
----Cassandra Clare
Tamsyn Murray, an English author, pens a soul touching and riveting young adult contemporary fiction in her new book, Instructions for a Second-hand Heart that is centered around two young teenagers, one suffers from a fatal and terminal heart condition where his heart is forced to pump throw external machines and is on the never ending waiting list for a heart donor, and the other lives under her perfect brother's shadow but soon tragedy strikes and leaves her broken hearted.
Synopsis:
Jonny isn't like "normal" teenagers. Every day he wakes up in hospital, kept alive by a machine. Every day he wonders if this is the day they'll find a donor match for his heart. Every day he wonders if this is the day he'll die.
Every day, Niamh fights with her "perfect" brother Leo. Every single day, Leo wins. Every day, Niamh dreams of a life without Leo. But all that changes on the day of the accident: the day EVERYTHING falls apart.
This is a story about facing the future no matter how frightening. This is a story about healing your heart, no matter how much it hurts.
Jonny has stopped hoping that one day he would walk out of the hospital doors and live life to the fullest, even though his only best friend, Em, forever pushes him to have faith and hope and fulfill his bucket list before death claims him suddenly. Jonny has also lost hope from that never ending waiting list for a donor match for his heart transplant. Even though his parents' eyes silently hopes that someday Jonny finds his match for a new heart.
Niamh never stops hoping that the world will be a better place without her flawlessly perfect twin brother, Leo, whose perfection forces Niamh to live her life under his shadow. Although Leo is her only friend, the only person whom she loves and trusts above all, but she keeps wishing for the otherwise. And that is when tragedy strikes and everything changes. Everything that demands and forces Niamh to face the world and so the future despite of the great loss that she suffered from.
The story reads like a breath of fresh air amidst the hoards of so many "been there, read that" kind of YA contemporary fiction. The story line is fresh, unique and extremely enthralling even the story reflect some cliches. The story is high on deep emotions and sentiments that will hit the readers' hearts with its sharpness and vividness. The author successfully enlightens the young growing minds on how to deal with loss, pain and the also inspires them to take risks and think about the unknown future. The underlying message about pain, second chances and the future are strikingly portrayed through the story line that will easily seep into the readers' minds while reading.
The author's writing style is extremely polished, and laced with evocative emotions that will deeply move its readers. The prose reflects simplicity and realism and that sync well with this coming-of-age story. Since pain plays a major role in this story, the author cleverly manages to instill light humor through the free flowing and articulate narrative of the book. The pacing of the book is super fast, as the author touches and pens only the necessary scenes for this story thereby making it worthwhile, and quick to read for her readers. So if any readers is looking for an escape getaway that offers fun, love, enlightenment about young life with a bit of touchy feel sensation, then this book perfectly fits the bill.
The story is very much addictive so I warn you before you pick up a copy of this book, you won't be able to look away from this book and you will be forced to keep turning the pages of this book until the very last. The characters from this book are not only well developed but are also laced with realism in their demeanor thereby making them relatable in the eyes and the minds of the readers. The main protagonist, Jonny, before his old heart, will come across as bit of a morbid guy, although its justifiable the way he behaves and acts like there is no hope for survival, but Jonny after a new heart, will come across as someone very lively and is not scared to take chances, even though he is bit of an idiot around his once-upon-a-time-only-hospital-friend, Em, who teaches him a lot about life and supports him from the background and their friendship will be bound to break the hearts of the readers, I felt tears in my eyes while reading about Em and her destiny. Apart from that, Jonny keeps the gloominess, sadness at bay for the readers, who after reading about Niamh's loss will feel an immense grief for the character's sad plight. Niamh is not that brave after losing her brother, yet the friendship between Jonny and herself uplifts her and keeps her moving forward.
In a nutshell, the story is fun, poignant and extremely delightful enough to make the readers understand about pain, grief and loss through a sweet story of friendship, young love and trust.
Verdict: One hell of an alluring, emotional and fun-filled ride that is a must read for one and all.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author's publishers for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
February 2, 2018
"And I ache for her, because I want nothing more than to help, but I don't know if I can. Leo brought us together, but he's also standing between us. Or at least, his heart is."
After receiving a transplant Jonny can't help but try to find out who he is by finding out about the boy who donated his heart to him. Neve is battling grieving over her twin Leo after he dies because she spent so much time when he was alive in his shadow, and even now she can't escape the constant reminder about how amazing he was. That is till Jonny comes by saying all the wrong things and still stealing her heart.
The Story-I was a little skeptical to start another YA contemporary romance involving a kid who gets a heart transplant because I thought I would compare it so much with Things We Know by Heart too much. Fortunately it was just barely there nagging at my mind, and though there are some parts that are similar in story, it really was different, and still really good.
Told in alternating POV we get to see both Jonny's and Neve's stories unfold. From the start my cold, stubborn heart became invested in the characters. The chapters were super short but hitting directly where it was going to hurt the most. Each chapter really brought about the struggle that both characters were going through, and how they eventually come together.
Extra points for the additional comic books from Jonny, it really added just that extra bit of flair that makes this book extra special and really help develop the character.
The Characters-Neve- a part of me really wanted to hate this girl. I like that from the beginning she has accepted that she was basically the grouchy child that gave her parents a hard time because her twin Leo had outshone her so much. Even through the grief of her twin dying she still sticks to the attitude that she had developed from living in his shadow. It was incredibly heartbreaking seeing how much survivor guilt she had because of the way her parents treated both of them so differently, and how she can never ever try to beat him again.
Jonny-Okay, so despite what he does in the book, this kid is ridiculously naive and sweet. My heart hurt so much when he was trying to just figure himself out after being the sick hospital kid. Murray does such a good job using subtle moments to really drive that in, like when he is teased for having all new brand name clothes and he really didn't know what his style was. I loved how he battled with what he thought was right and how he ended up feeling, and even how he felt about getting a transplant in general.
"Sometimes I wish the surgeons could remove my real heart and leave me with this artificial one forever. Then I wouldn't feel so guilty about wishing for a tragedy to happen to someone I've never met. I'd be genuinely heartless then, instead of only feeling like I am."
The Soundtrack - Machine Gun Kelly feat Hailee Steinfeld - At My Best
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After receiving a transplant Jonny can't help but try to find out who he is by finding out about the boy who donated his heart to him. Neve is battling grieving over her twin Leo after he dies because she spent so much time when he was alive in his shadow, and even now she can't escape the constant reminder about how amazing he was. That is till Jonny comes by saying all the wrong things and still stealing her heart.
The Story-I was a little skeptical to start another YA contemporary romance involving a kid who gets a heart transplant because I thought I would compare it so much with Things We Know by Heart too much. Fortunately it was just barely there nagging at my mind, and though there are some parts that are similar in story, it really was different, and still really good.
Told in alternating POV we get to see both Jonny's and Neve's stories unfold. From the start my cold, stubborn heart became invested in the characters. The chapters were super short but hitting directly where it was going to hurt the most. Each chapter really brought about the struggle that both characters were going through, and how they eventually come together.
Extra points for the additional comic books from Jonny, it really added just that extra bit of flair that makes this book extra special and really help develop the character.
The Characters-Neve- a part of me really wanted to hate this girl. I like that from the beginning she has accepted that she was basically the grouchy child that gave her parents a hard time because her twin Leo had outshone her so much. Even through the grief of her twin dying she still sticks to the attitude that she had developed from living in his shadow. It was incredibly heartbreaking seeing how much survivor guilt she had because of the way her parents treated both of them so differently, and how she can never ever try to beat him again.
Jonny-Okay, so despite what he does in the book, this kid is ridiculously naive and sweet. My heart hurt so much when he was trying to just figure himself out after being the sick hospital kid. Murray does such a good job using subtle moments to really drive that in, like when he is teased for having all new brand name clothes and he really didn't know what his style was. I loved how he battled with what he thought was right and how he ended up feeling, and even how he felt about getting a transplant in general.
"Sometimes I wish the surgeons could remove my real heart and leave me with this artificial one forever. Then I wouldn't feel so guilty about wishing for a tragedy to happen to someone I've never met. I'd be genuinely heartless then, instead of only feeling like I am."
The Soundtrack - Machine Gun Kelly feat Hailee Steinfeld - At My Best
Blog | Bookstagram | Instagram | Twitter
February 6, 2017
Note to self. Don't judge a book by its cover or title!
I read this book as part of a book challenge because the author is a member of my book club and to be honest I didn't read the blurb and assumed it was a chick lit/romance which really isn't my thing! Within the first chapter I realised my mistake (thank god) and quickly became engrossed in the lives of Jonny and Niamh. This YA novel deals with love, grief, friendship and family in a delicate and compassionate way.
I read this book as part of a book challenge because the author is a member of my book club and to be honest I didn't read the blurb and assumed it was a chick lit/romance which really isn't my thing! Within the first chapter I realised my mistake (thank god) and quickly became engrossed in the lives of Jonny and Niamh. This YA novel deals with love, grief, friendship and family in a delicate and compassionate way.
February 19, 2018
4.5 stars
To be honest I didn't know what to expect. I bought this book on a whim when I was on Amazon purchasing a few other YA books. I was immediately intrigued by the cover and title, and as you can see, I loved it!! It's a very character-driven novel, and the plot is exactly as described in the blurb. Instructions for a Secondhand Heart is about more than romance, it's about Neve learning how to deal with her loss and guilt. And Jonny learning how to live when he's spent most of his life dying.
But be warned, these are true teenagers. They can be bratty, stupid, and just plain mean (especially to their parents). I wanted to shake them at times, but I'm not going to say it was unrealistic because we've all been teenagers, we've all known teenagers, and they're known for being reckless and dumb. And that's not even factoring in the extreme stresses put on these two specifically.
If you enjoy heart-wrenching YA reads, this is definitely a book to consider!
To be honest I didn't know what to expect. I bought this book on a whim when I was on Amazon purchasing a few other YA books. I was immediately intrigued by the cover and title, and as you can see, I loved it!! It's a very character-driven novel, and the plot is exactly as described in the blurb. Instructions for a Secondhand Heart is about more than romance, it's about Neve learning how to deal with her loss and guilt. And Jonny learning how to live when he's spent most of his life dying.
But be warned, these are true teenagers. They can be bratty, stupid, and just plain mean (especially to their parents). I wanted to shake them at times, but I'm not going to say it was unrealistic because we've all been teenagers, we've all known teenagers, and they're known for being reckless and dumb. And that's not even factoring in the extreme stresses put on these two specifically.
If you enjoy heart-wrenching YA reads, this is definitely a book to consider!
March 27, 2021
Full Review on The Candid Cover
I’m not sure what to think about Instructions for a Secondhand Heart. I enjoyed the concept, but not the characterization. I also found certain aspects of the book to be kind of creepy, and I didn’t enjoy the romance. This book had so much potential, but I ended up pretty disappointed.
This book has such an original concept! It tells the story of a boy who receives a heart transplant and befriends the sister of his donor. Neve is dealing with the grief of her brother’s death, and Jonny is dealing with the guilt of getting a second chance at life while his friend is still battling cancer. I enjoyed how the narration alternates between Jonny and Neve, allowing the reader to understand Jonny’s reasons for wanting to know more about his donor and Neve’s regrets from the day her twin brother died. The story is pretty complex and is definitely a whirlwind of emotions.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about Jonny’s character. I sympathized with him, and the challenges he faces are so real, but I found his actions to be kind of creepy. I understand his curiosity, but tracking Neve down and lying about the reason why is a bit unsettling. He shows up at a fundraiser she attends and sends her messages on Facebook, all while hiding his true relation to her and his motive. Even when he and Neve become friends, Jonny always seems to lead her on, and the constant back-and-forth got kind of annoying. I also didn’t enjoy Neve’s character very much. She is a bit whiny and gets overly jealous without knowing the full story. I would have enjoyed the book a lot more if the characters had been easier to connect with.
My main reason for not loving this book is the subtle creepiness, but I also didn’t enjoy the romance. It seemed a bit unnecessary, and I would have preferred if Jonny and Neve had stayed as friends instead. Their forced relationship takes away from the impact of the story in my opinion, and the love triangle is kind of pointless. Instructions for a Secondhand Heart would have been much better without all the extraneous drama.
Instructions for a Secondhand Heart is an intriguing story about grief and a second chance at life. I have mixed feelings about the main characters, and I just couldn’t really connect with them. Jonny’s borderline creepy actions and the forced romance take away from the story, and I definitely feel like the book could have been better.
I’m not sure what to think about Instructions for a Secondhand Heart. I enjoyed the concept, but not the characterization. I also found certain aspects of the book to be kind of creepy, and I didn’t enjoy the romance. This book had so much potential, but I ended up pretty disappointed.
This book has such an original concept! It tells the story of a boy who receives a heart transplant and befriends the sister of his donor. Neve is dealing with the grief of her brother’s death, and Jonny is dealing with the guilt of getting a second chance at life while his friend is still battling cancer. I enjoyed how the narration alternates between Jonny and Neve, allowing the reader to understand Jonny’s reasons for wanting to know more about his donor and Neve’s regrets from the day her twin brother died. The story is pretty complex and is definitely a whirlwind of emotions.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about Jonny’s character. I sympathized with him, and the challenges he faces are so real, but I found his actions to be kind of creepy. I understand his curiosity, but tracking Neve down and lying about the reason why is a bit unsettling. He shows up at a fundraiser she attends and sends her messages on Facebook, all while hiding his true relation to her and his motive. Even when he and Neve become friends, Jonny always seems to lead her on, and the constant back-and-forth got kind of annoying. I also didn’t enjoy Neve’s character very much. She is a bit whiny and gets overly jealous without knowing the full story. I would have enjoyed the book a lot more if the characters had been easier to connect with.
My main reason for not loving this book is the subtle creepiness, but I also didn’t enjoy the romance. It seemed a bit unnecessary, and I would have preferred if Jonny and Neve had stayed as friends instead. Their forced relationship takes away from the impact of the story in my opinion, and the love triangle is kind of pointless. Instructions for a Secondhand Heart would have been much better without all the extraneous drama.
Instructions for a Secondhand Heart is an intriguing story about grief and a second chance at life. I have mixed feelings about the main characters, and I just couldn’t really connect with them. Jonny’s borderline creepy actions and the forced romance take away from the story, and I definitely feel like the book could have been better.
May 16, 2025
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/הורא...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/הורא...
January 8, 2018
Instructions for a Secondhand Heart is a poignant and beautifully written story about loss, grief, healing, and falling in love. It's emotional and heart-breaking but at the same time sweet and full of hope. I loved following Neve and Jonny's story. The book is an emotional roller-coaster, my feelings were all over the place but in the end I was very happy that Neve and Jonny found each other during the trying times of their lives.
*ARC provided by the publisher and NOVL in exchange for an honest review.
*ARC provided by the publisher and NOVL in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2020
У Нів був брат-двійнятко, "золотий хлопчик", який її своєю успішністю і правильністю так дратував, що іноді хотілося, аби він десь забрався з її життя. У Джонні було "берлінське серце", як у Залізної людини, і йому хотілося дожити до пересадки. Брат Нів помер. Джонні отримав нове серце. А згодом ці двоє зустрілися, і все пішло не зовсім так, як планувалося. Та що у цих двох може бути спільного, крім знайомого обом серця?
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Цей роман, як і більшість янґ-едалт романів, про кохання. Але ще, і передусім, це роман про донорство. Тамсин Мюррей зробила дуже грунтовне дослідження - як відбувається оце отримання запасних сердець та інших органів, що відчувають рідні донора, що переживає смертельно хвора дитина, яким стає життя після пересадки і так далі. Дуже багато важливих емоційних і психологічних моментів. Тому ця історія зачіпає так глибоко і так сильно.
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Чесно кажучи, я запала на саме оформлення книжки. Цей обріз кольору артеріальної крові, цей небесно-блакитний, це поєднання, красиве і драматичне!.. Так от, наповнення тут теж на високому рівні. Історія непроста, але чесна, тому з легким серцем її раджу.
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Цей роман, як і більшість янґ-едалт романів, про кохання. Але ще, і передусім, це роман про донорство. Тамсин Мюррей зробила дуже грунтовне дослідження - як відбувається оце отримання запасних сердець та інших органів, що відчувають рідні донора, що переживає смертельно хвора дитина, яким стає життя після пересадки і так далі. Дуже багато важливих емоційних і психологічних моментів. Тому ця історія зачіпає так глибоко і так сильно.
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Чесно кажучи, я запала на саме оформлення книжки. Цей обріз кольору артеріальної крові, цей небесно-блакитний, це поєднання, красиве і драматичне!.. Так от, наповнення тут теж на високому рівні. Історія непроста, але чесна, тому з легким серцем її раджу.
November 10, 2017
This was a very emotional and touching read.
I really enjoyed Jonny's character! You get to follow him through a new start after receiving a donor heart and trying to find himself after having lived a life in a hospital for most his years! His new lease on life definitely brought on more complications then one would expect!
My thoughts on the character Neve are a little different! I had a hard time liking her....I get that she's been through a lot but she is just cold and selfish the majority of the time. This did not turn me off from the story at all...the story felt genuine and it definitely pulled on my heart strings!
I really enjoyed Jonny's character! You get to follow him through a new start after receiving a donor heart and trying to find himself after having lived a life in a hospital for most his years! His new lease on life definitely brought on more complications then one would expect!
My thoughts on the character Neve are a little different! I had a hard time liking her....I get that she's been through a lot but she is just cold and selfish the majority of the time. This did not turn me off from the story at all...the story felt genuine and it definitely pulled on my heart strings!
June 11, 2017
I loved this book! It's so heartbreaking but I love that it has a way and reasons to make you want to live. To laugh!
April 28, 2018
ספרון דק ונוגע ללב המיועד בעיקר לבני נוער. חבל שהטיפול בנושאים הכאובים שהועלו בספר היה כה קצר ושטחי, מכיון שהכתיבה היתה מעניינת ומרגשת בעיניי.
September 9, 2018
Şu yazara biri söylesin, ben insanım ve bu da kalp sonuçta, çatır çutur kırılıyor 💔💔💔
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm5hR1mHxxd/
Instructions for a Second-Hand Heart, organ nakli konusuna dikkat çeken oldukça etkileyici bir gençlik romanı. Nakil bekleme sürecini, hastanın yaşadığı makinalara bağlı robot hayatı, organ bağışında bulunan ailenin psikolojik durumunu... her biri ince ince anlatıyor.
Organ nakli konusunu merkezine alarak, evlatlarının organlarını bağışlayan anne babaların ve nakil bekleyen ailelerin yaşamına pencere oluyor bir nevi. Bir yanda yıllardır kalp nakli bekleyen, hayatını hastalığına göre kısıtlamak zorunda kalmış on beş yaşındaki Johnny, diğer yanda hayatının her dakikasından keyif alarak yaşamış, ailesinin altın çocuğu Leo.
Johnny kalp nakli olduktan sonra hayatta asla yapamam dediği şeyleri yapmaya karar veriyor. Fakat kalbin asıl sahibinin kim olduğunu, nasıl öldüğünü bilmemesi onu hep engelliyor. Araştırma yapıp içini rahatlatmak isterken Leo'nun ikiz kızkardeşine ulaşıyor. Sonrası ise Johhy için kendini açıklaması gereken zor bir durumdan ibaret.
Organ nakli konusunda çok daha detaylı romanlar okudum, bu kitap nakil ve nakil sonrası hakkında sizi detaya boğmuyor ama pek çok şey öğretiyor ve hissettiriyor bana kalırsa.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm5hR1mHxxd/
Instructions for a Second-Hand Heart, organ nakli konusuna dikkat çeken oldukça etkileyici bir gençlik romanı. Nakil bekleme sürecini, hastanın yaşadığı makinalara bağlı robot hayatı, organ bağışında bulunan ailenin psikolojik durumunu... her biri ince ince anlatıyor.
Organ nakli konusunu merkezine alarak, evlatlarının organlarını bağışlayan anne babaların ve nakil bekleyen ailelerin yaşamına pencere oluyor bir nevi. Bir yanda yıllardır kalp nakli bekleyen, hayatını hastalığına göre kısıtlamak zorunda kalmış on beş yaşındaki Johnny, diğer yanda hayatının her dakikasından keyif alarak yaşamış, ailesinin altın çocuğu Leo.
Johnny kalp nakli olduktan sonra hayatta asla yapamam dediği şeyleri yapmaya karar veriyor. Fakat kalbin asıl sahibinin kim olduğunu, nasıl öldüğünü bilmemesi onu hep engelliyor. Araştırma yapıp içini rahatlatmak isterken Leo'nun ikiz kızkardeşine ulaşıyor. Sonrası ise Johhy için kendini açıklaması gereken zor bir durumdan ibaret.
Organ nakli konusunda çok daha detaylı romanlar okudum, bu kitap nakil ve nakil sonrası hakkında sizi detaya boğmuyor ama pek çok şey öğretiyor ve hissettiriyor bana kalırsa.
May 18, 2017
„Drugie bicie serca” to ważna, poruszająca lektura, która otwiera oczy, ale również niesie pocieszenie. Niezwykły związek dwojga nastolatków, nieuleczalna choroba, przyjaźń, śmierć, której można uciec lub ulec, oraz nowa szansa na życie – nie brzmi to wcale jak fabuła powieści dla młodzieży. Więcej tu rozpaczy niż radosnych chwil. Więcej samotności w chorobie niż momentów kolektywnego szczęścia. Więcej rozważań o śmierci niż peanów na cześć życia. Bez zbędnego ubarwiania rzeczywistości, bo ona nigdy nie miewa tęczowych barw. Ale najważniejsza jest nadzieja – ona musi umrzeć ostatnia. Powieść Tamsyn Murray daje do myślenia, prowokuje niewygodne pytania. Ile wiemy o dawstwie organów? Czy możemy sami zostać dawcami? Czy jesteśmy w stanie podarować komuś dar życie? „Drugie bicie serca” zostanie w nas na dłużej i ważne, by tych rozważań nie zignorować.
February 1, 2020
Liegt schon ewig auf meinem SUB und hat mir wirklich gut gefallen, auch wenn ich nicht gleich zu Beginn in die Geschichte gefunden habe.
4 Sterne
4 Sterne
January 6, 2018
I love it...I hate it. I love to hate it? Or hate to love it? Both sound bad.....
To be honest....this book tried so hard to be a heart warming, sad, moving on book. Like Wonder or What to say next or any book that made you gush with sadness, and have your cheeks light up with warmth.
Plot: Johnny, may die, if he doesn't get a new heart. The heart he receives ends up being, Neve's twin brother. Johnny is suddenly obsessed on who his mysterious donor is, so he tracked him down and discovered his sister. He and Neve talk online on Facebook, and go on a few dates. Its hard for Johnny to tell Neve, without him feeling guilty about it. And how will Neve react to it?
Sounds good right? Cute, heart-aching, love story right? HA, PSYCHE! Fooled you on that one.
Characters:
Neve is a horrible person. Why? Because she is jerk to everyone. She is ungrateful, sarcastic, little pain in the butt, spoiled British kid.....(!!!!) Nothing against British people (love your accents!)
Anyway...I know many of the heroines in action/adventure books are badass-y and have that snarky, sarcastic aura of them. But Neve was just a horrible person. She is jealous at a girl, who has cancer. WHO HAS CANCER?! How sick is that? Only because she has a fancy for Johnny too...(WHAT is this teaching to this to people?) That is such a pathetic excuse. Besides that, she is just mean to everyone. She doesn't even try to hide it...which who wants to read a POV about a mean person? Sure, I get where she is coming from. Her parents favored her twin, and now they are panicked she is going to die, and she watched her brother, Leo, die. So, I guess she has her reasons to be so mean. But even in the beginning of the book before the incident, she describes herself as a feral cat. And trust me....feral and cat shouldn't be in the same sentence....
(Sorry with all the venting...but I have to get it out that Neve is a JERK)
Johnny: He had to go with the girl who was such a little betch. How can you see attraction to that? Who could have gone with your nice friend...Em Still, your a nice guy, with potential. While Neve...is going to be the wicked witch of the west. *sigh* Besides all that, maybe you two are meant to be.
Plot: The beginning of the book was good. Nice intro of characters and past lives. Everything was flawless for a perfect cute book. Then the "rising action" happened. It is two teenagers, who just met and they are throwing the word love like it is a foot ball. Come on your like fifteen/sixteen and you are already are like Romeo and Juliet. Such fake love. So fake. So weak. It disgusts me.
Plus all the drama. With Neve being jealous over Em, and Johnny being all swooned between Neve and the answers he "wants".
The ending redeemed the book itself to two stars...because of Em. Only because of her. She was the purest character out of all these clowns. This book should have been about her, and maybe, Johnny.
Don't read this book, a waste of your time.
To be honest....this book tried so hard to be a heart warming, sad, moving on book. Like Wonder or What to say next or any book that made you gush with sadness, and have your cheeks light up with warmth.
Plot: Johnny, may die, if he doesn't get a new heart. The heart he receives ends up being, Neve's twin brother. Johnny is suddenly obsessed on who his mysterious donor is, so he tracked him down and discovered his sister. He and Neve talk online on Facebook, and go on a few dates. Its hard for Johnny to tell Neve, without him feeling guilty about it. And how will Neve react to it?
Sounds good right? Cute, heart-aching, love story right? HA, PSYCHE! Fooled you on that one.
Characters:
Neve is a horrible person. Why? Because she is jerk to everyone. She is ungrateful, sarcastic, little pain in the butt, spoiled British kid.....(!!!!) Nothing against British people (love your accents!)
Anyway...I know many of the heroines in action/adventure books are badass-y and have that snarky, sarcastic aura of them. But Neve was just a horrible person. She is jealous at a girl, who has cancer. WHO HAS CANCER?! How sick is that? Only because she has a fancy for Johnny too...(WHAT is this teaching to this to people?) That is such a pathetic excuse. Besides that, she is just mean to everyone. She doesn't even try to hide it...which who wants to read a POV about a mean person? Sure, I get where she is coming from. Her parents favored her twin, and now they are panicked she is going to die, and she watched her brother, Leo, die. So, I guess she has her reasons to be so mean. But even in the beginning of the book before the incident, she describes herself as a feral cat. And trust me....feral and cat shouldn't be in the same sentence....
(Sorry with all the venting...but I have to get it out that Neve is a JERK)
Johnny: He had to go with the girl who was such a little betch. How can you see attraction to that? Who could have gone with your nice friend...Em Still, your a nice guy, with potential. While Neve...is going to be the wicked witch of the west. *sigh* Besides all that, maybe you two are meant to be.
Plot: The beginning of the book was good. Nice intro of characters and past lives. Everything was flawless for a perfect cute book. Then the "rising action" happened. It is two teenagers, who just met and they are throwing the word love like it is a foot ball. Come on your like fifteen/sixteen and you are already are like Romeo and Juliet. Such fake love. So fake. So weak. It disgusts me.
Plus all the drama. With Neve being jealous over Em, and Johnny being all swooned between Neve and the answers he "wants".
The ending redeemed the book itself to two stars...because of Em. Only because of her. She was the purest character out of all these clowns. This book should have been about her, and maybe, Johnny.
Don't read this book, a waste of your time.
September 13, 2017
Niamh and Leo are competitive, but Niamh almost never wins. Leo is the perfect child and Niamh doesn't feel like she can compare to her twin brother. She hates this part of him, but not so much that she'd forever wants to be without it. When a devastating accident takes Leo's life she doesn't know how to cope and suddenly feels very alone. Niamh has to find a way to live without her brother.
When someone Niamh doesn't know contacts her on social media she initially finds it creepy and doesn't want to reply. Jonny wants to let her know he is in some way connected to her, but he is too afraid to tell her how. Especially when he decides to take a chance and meets her. He then discovers how much he likes her. Will Jonny and Niamh be able to form a friendship? Can Niamh handle the truth behind Jonny's appearance in her life and will there be a permanent place in her world for him?
Instructions for a Second-hand Heart is a beautiful emotional story. Leo loses his life and Jonny gets a chance at living his. That already made me tear up. Tamsyn Murray describes the different stages of grief her main characters are going through in a fantastic emphatic way and it was easy to understand them. Both Jonny and Niamh don't always make the wisest decisions, they act on impulse and that makes fascinating reading. I liked that they aren't perfect and have their flaws, insecurities and instabilities. Because of that they are interesting main characters.
Tamsyn Murray's writing has an easy flow, that makes it possible to completely focus on her story. She writes about the dark and difficult parts of life in an honest and raw way, but balances this with the healing power of love and friendship. I absolutely loved that combination and think it worked really well. Instructions for a Second-hand Heart is filled with unexpected twists and turns, complicated feelings and awkward situations. It's a fantastic book with many amazing layers and an impressive romantic ending.
When someone Niamh doesn't know contacts her on social media she initially finds it creepy and doesn't want to reply. Jonny wants to let her know he is in some way connected to her, but he is too afraid to tell her how. Especially when he decides to take a chance and meets her. He then discovers how much he likes her. Will Jonny and Niamh be able to form a friendship? Can Niamh handle the truth behind Jonny's appearance in her life and will there be a permanent place in her world for him?
Instructions for a Second-hand Heart is a beautiful emotional story. Leo loses his life and Jonny gets a chance at living his. That already made me tear up. Tamsyn Murray describes the different stages of grief her main characters are going through in a fantastic emphatic way and it was easy to understand them. Both Jonny and Niamh don't always make the wisest decisions, they act on impulse and that makes fascinating reading. I liked that they aren't perfect and have their flaws, insecurities and instabilities. Because of that they are interesting main characters.
Tamsyn Murray's writing has an easy flow, that makes it possible to completely focus on her story. She writes about the dark and difficult parts of life in an honest and raw way, but balances this with the healing power of love and friendship. I absolutely loved that combination and think it worked really well. Instructions for a Second-hand Heart is filled with unexpected twists and turns, complicated feelings and awkward situations. It's a fantastic book with many amazing layers and an impressive romantic ending.
January 20, 2021
Книжка, що вкрала моє серце! Роман, який нікого не залишить байдужим! Здається, це найкращі гасла для цієї історії, та всі інші слова зайві. Обіцяю, що не стулите очей, поки не дочитаєте до кінця, та й сльози буде важко стримати. Тому запасайтесь хустинками – і вперед!
Джонні 14 років провів у лікарні, очікуючи на донорське серце, яке має врятувати йому життя. І от чудо стається – донора знайдено! Але хлопця не залишають у спокої нав’язливі думки про його рятівника – ким він був, чим захоплювався, чому загинув… Не знаючи, як вести себе в реальному світі поза межами лікарні, Джонні вирішує познайомитися із сестрою свого донора, щоб дізнатися подробиці його життя та, можливо, спробувати прожити його життя за нього. Але раптом між підлітками виникає закоханість, і хлопець розуміє, що не може зустрічатися із дівчиною-сестрою загиблого хлопця, серце якого б’ється у грудях Джонні. А може, не варто розкривати всі карти і зберегти в тайні реальну мету знайомства з дівчиною? Все одно окрім нього правду знає лише його лікарняна подруга, хвора на лейкемію. Але проблема в тому, що правда завжди вийде на поверхню, і чим скоріше це станеться, тим краще.
Роман охоплює низку важливих тем, які часто зустрічаються в книжках для підлітків: щасливе/нещасливе кохання, проблеми стосунків батьків/дітей, розгубленість щодо свого призначення у житті, непорозуміння між однолітками, спроба шкідливих звичок, жага до самостійності і незалежності тощо. Все це є і в цій книжці. Але чим вона особлива – це тим, що звертає нашу увагу на таку важливу тему, як проблеми трансплантації та донорства, нехватку потрібних органів, неспроможність проведення деяких видів операцій у нашій країні, дорожнечу лікування.
Звісно, ці питання безпосередньо пов’язані із думками про цінність життя, любов до нього, сприймання себе таким, як є, помічання всього прекрасного, що стається щодня.
Джонні 14 років провів у лікарні, очікуючи на донорське серце, яке має врятувати йому життя. І от чудо стається – донора знайдено! Але хлопця не залишають у спокої нав’язливі думки про його рятівника – ким він був, чим захоплювався, чому загинув… Не знаючи, як вести себе в реальному світі поза межами лікарні, Джонні вирішує познайомитися із сестрою свого донора, щоб дізнатися подробиці його життя та, можливо, спробувати прожити його життя за нього. Але раптом між підлітками виникає закоханість, і хлопець розуміє, що не може зустрічатися із дівчиною-сестрою загиблого хлопця, серце якого б’ється у грудях Джонні. А може, не варто розкривати всі карти і зберегти в тайні реальну мету знайомства з дівчиною? Все одно окрім нього правду знає лише його лікарняна подруга, хвора на лейкемію. Але проблема в тому, що правда завжди вийде на поверхню, і чим скоріше це станеться, тим краще.
Роман охоплює низку важливих тем, які часто зустрічаються в книжках для підлітків: щасливе/нещасливе кохання, проблеми стосунків батьків/дітей, розгубленість щодо свого призначення у житті, непорозуміння між однолітками, спроба шкідливих звичок, жага до самостійності і незалежності тощо. Все це є і в цій книжці. Але чим вона особлива – це тим, що звертає нашу увагу на таку важливу тему, як проблеми трансплантації та донорства, нехватку потрібних органів, неспроможність проведення деяких видів операцій у нашій країні, дорожнечу лікування.
Звісно, ці питання безпосередньо пов’язані із думками про цінність життя, любов до нього, сприймання себе таким, як є, помічання всього прекрасного, що стається щодня.
Read
January 4, 2017I stumbled upon this book at Waterstones. It only had a few ratings on Goodreads but all of them seemed good enough for me to be intrigued. I hadn't read the synopsis and only knew it had to do with two people with critical conditions. I'm not a fan of 'sick-lit' - I feel uneasy when sickness is dealt with and sometimes I feel like publishers might have published these stories because The Fault in Our Stars was a success. Little did I know that it was going to be a brilliant read, with the right amount of pathos, emotions, laughter, drama, etc. It's nothing innovative but I'm not one to necessarily look for originality when it comes to contemporary stories. If you're tired of common storylines in YA, this might not be for you. But if you're looking for something poignant, genuine, quirky, sad and hopeful, there's a good chance you'll love this book.
Also, the writing really spoke to me. There were quite a few quotes that got me to tears. Really happy to have started the year with such a moving yet modest read.
Also, the writing really spoke to me. There were quite a few quotes that got me to tears. Really happy to have started the year with such a moving yet modest read.
Read
February 5, 2017Beautiful...moved me to tears and made me laugh out loud.
I am not a normal reader of YA fiction and most that I have read didn't 'feel' right to me...they didn't move me. I assumed that was because I wasn't the intended audience. But this book changed my mind. It deals with grief, young love, fear, and friendship in ways that felt real..heartfelt, true.
I am not a normal reader of YA fiction and most that I have read didn't 'feel' right to me...they didn't move me. I assumed that was because I wasn't the intended audience. But this book changed my mind. It deals with grief, young love, fear, and friendship in ways that felt real..heartfelt, true.
March 13, 2018
*ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
"Love isn't isn't a tap you turn off when you don't care anymore. It seeps into your soul, wears a path to your heart, and leaves an unbearable emptiness when it's gone."
This was my first novel by Tamsyn and it follows Jonny and Neve. Their story was like nothing I've ever read before. The premise was so beautiful that it made me have high expectations for it.
Sadly, one of the main reasons those expectations weren't met was because of how much I struggled to connect/like these characters. I sympathized with their situations but they were a lot younger in age than I'm used to reading.
Neve's twin brother was the original owner of the heart that now beats in Jonny's chest.
Even though I had difficulties connecting to these characters, I managed to connect to Jonny through our love for anime/manga the most! (I haven't read much manga but he was reading some based on my second favorite anime, Fairy Tail!) I really loved his sense of humor and some of the things he did melted my heart. I had a few problems where his actions were concerned but his character development took care of them. I absolutely did NOT like the way he was treated throughout most of the novel. I wanted to take care of him and shelter him from harm. (And from Neve.)
Neve on the other hand, I did not like her attitude 99.9999% of the time. I know her traits were probably chosen on purpose, but it could've been toned down, in my opinion. I just had too much of a difficulty feeling for her when she acted the way she did. I mostly wanted her gone from the story, if I'm being honest.
If I had to choose a favorite female character in this novel, it would be, Emily. I kind of wished she would've taken Neve's place. She had such an amazing personality, I couldn't get enough of her!
Anyway, I absolutely loved the ending! It was so perfect. It made me cry and wish for more!
I can't wait to read more by Tamsyn!
"Love isn't isn't a tap you turn off when you don't care anymore. It seeps into your soul, wears a path to your heart, and leaves an unbearable emptiness when it's gone."
This was my first novel by Tamsyn and it follows Jonny and Neve. Their story was like nothing I've ever read before. The premise was so beautiful that it made me have high expectations for it.
Sadly, one of the main reasons those expectations weren't met was because of how much I struggled to connect/like these characters. I sympathized with their situations but they were a lot younger in age than I'm used to reading.
Neve's twin brother was the original owner of the heart that now beats in Jonny's chest.
Even though I had difficulties connecting to these characters, I managed to connect to Jonny through our love for anime/manga the most! (I haven't read much manga but he was reading some based on my second favorite anime, Fairy Tail!) I really loved his sense of humor and some of the things he did melted my heart. I had a few problems where his actions were concerned but his character development took care of them. I absolutely did NOT like the way he was treated throughout most of the novel. I wanted to take care of him and shelter him from harm. (And from Neve.)
Neve on the other hand, I did not like her attitude 99.9999% of the time. I know her traits were probably chosen on purpose, but it could've been toned down, in my opinion. I just had too much of a difficulty feeling for her when she acted the way she did. I mostly wanted her gone from the story, if I'm being honest.
If I had to choose a favorite female character in this novel, it would be, Emily. I kind of wished she would've taken Neve's place. She had such an amazing personality, I couldn't get enough of her!
Anyway, I absolutely loved the ending! It was so perfect. It made me cry and wish for more!
I can't wait to read more by Tamsyn!
September 8, 2018
Nia und Jonny machen beide gerade eine schwere Zeit in ihrem Leben durch.
Nia hat ihren Zwillingsbruder Leo bei einem Unfall verloren, Jonny hat nach langer Krankheit endlich ein neues Herz bekommen.
Jonny macht sich auf die Suche nach seinem Spender, da er noch große Probleme hat, mit seinem neuen, geschenkten Leben zurecht zu kommen. Dabei trifft er auf Nia, und was erst dazu dienen sollte mehr über Leo herauszufinden, wird bald mehr.
Das Buch ist abwechselnd aus der Sicht Jonnys und Nias in der Ich-Form erzählt. So kommt man beiden Teenagern mit ihren Sorgen und Nöten sehr nahe.
Nia schafft es lange nicht den Tod ihres Bruders zu verarbeiten, da sie sich die Schuld daran gibt und kapselt sich immer mehr von ihrer Umwelt ab. Jonny bietet ihr da eine willkommene Abwechslung, da er Leo nicht kannte und an ihr interessiert ist.
Jonny wiederum ist es ganz klar bewusst, dass er Nia bezüglich ihres Bruders täuscht, hat aber bald zu viel Angst Nia wieder zu verlieren.
Mich hat das Buch sehr berührt, es sind auch mehrfach Tränen geflossen. Gerade an der Stelle, als Leo stirbt und Jonny sein Herz bekommt, wird es einem wieder einmal klar, wie nahe Leid und Freude doch manchmal liegen.
Trotz des schwierigen Themas gelingt es der Autorin jedoch auch die Normalität eines Teenagerlebens darzustellen. Obwohl beide ein ziemliches Päckchen zu tragen haben, machen sie sich Gedanken um Liebe und um ihr Aussehen bei einem Date.
Hier wurde definitiv die richtige Mischung aus Tragik und Normalität gefunden.
Ich kann hier nur einen Leseempfehlung aussprechen für ein wirklich berührendes Buch zu einem schweren Thema.
9 von 10 Punkte
Nia hat ihren Zwillingsbruder Leo bei einem Unfall verloren, Jonny hat nach langer Krankheit endlich ein neues Herz bekommen.
Jonny macht sich auf die Suche nach seinem Spender, da er noch große Probleme hat, mit seinem neuen, geschenkten Leben zurecht zu kommen. Dabei trifft er auf Nia, und was erst dazu dienen sollte mehr über Leo herauszufinden, wird bald mehr.
Das Buch ist abwechselnd aus der Sicht Jonnys und Nias in der Ich-Form erzählt. So kommt man beiden Teenagern mit ihren Sorgen und Nöten sehr nahe.
Nia schafft es lange nicht den Tod ihres Bruders zu verarbeiten, da sie sich die Schuld daran gibt und kapselt sich immer mehr von ihrer Umwelt ab. Jonny bietet ihr da eine willkommene Abwechslung, da er Leo nicht kannte und an ihr interessiert ist.
Jonny wiederum ist es ganz klar bewusst, dass er Nia bezüglich ihres Bruders täuscht, hat aber bald zu viel Angst Nia wieder zu verlieren.
Mich hat das Buch sehr berührt, es sind auch mehrfach Tränen geflossen. Gerade an der Stelle, als Leo stirbt und Jonny sein Herz bekommt, wird es einem wieder einmal klar, wie nahe Leid und Freude doch manchmal liegen.
Trotz des schwierigen Themas gelingt es der Autorin jedoch auch die Normalität eines Teenagerlebens darzustellen. Obwohl beide ein ziemliches Päckchen zu tragen haben, machen sie sich Gedanken um Liebe und um ihr Aussehen bei einem Date.
Hier wurde definitiv die richtige Mischung aus Tragik und Normalität gefunden.
Ich kann hier nur einen Leseempfehlung aussprechen für ein wirklich berührendes Buch zu einem schweren Thema.
9 von 10 Punkte
October 6, 2023
▫️«Візуалізація – це коли ти про щось довго думаєш, і воно потім справджується. Якби ця фігня реально працювала, то хворих дітей узагалі б не було»
ДЖОННІ – хлопець, який в 15 років, живе з «берлінським серцем». Для того, щоб жити повноцінно, йому потрібен особливий донор, який має таку ж рідкісну групу крові, як і у нього, щоб отримати здорове серце 💊
Тому, поки він очікує на чудо, уявляє себе Залізною Людиною або ж проводить час з єдиною подругою в лікарні, яку звуть Емілі 🏥
НІВ – звичайна дівчинка-підліток, яка все своє життя живе в тіні свого життєрадісного близнюка Лео. Дівчина вважає, що брат забрав все хороше від батьків, бо ж він - відмінник, талановитий футболіст та найкращий друг для всіх ✨
В один день змінюється абсолютно все і вже невідомо, як жити та що робити далі…
Долі підлітків раптово переплітаються, та чи мають вони право на почуття, коли життя тріщить по швах? 💔
▫️«Коли людям здається, що вони змінюють світ на краще, іноді їм легшає. Масштаб вчинків при цьому не такий уже й важливий, розумієш?»
Звичайно, з самого початку, варто враховувати, що книжка підліткова, але вона піднімає надто глибокі теми, про які не задумується більшість дорослих 🤔
Книжка про зцілення після втрати, кохання, дружбу та вірність. Але найголовніше - привертає увагу до проблем трансплантації та донорства ❤️
Важливим є ще те, що авторка підготувалась і провела серйозне дослідження про всі хвороби, пригадані в історії 💫
ДЖОННІ – хлопець, який в 15 років, живе з «берлінським серцем». Для того, щоб жити повноцінно, йому потрібен особливий донор, який має таку ж рідкісну групу крові, як і у нього, щоб отримати здорове серце 💊
Тому, поки він очікує на чудо, уявляє себе Залізною Людиною або ж проводить час з єдиною подругою в лікарні, яку звуть Емілі 🏥
НІВ – звичайна дівчинка-підліток, яка все своє життя живе в тіні свого життєрадісного близнюка Лео. Дівчина вважає, що брат забрав все хороше від батьків, бо ж він - відмінник, талановитий футболіст та найкращий друг для всіх ✨
В один день змінюється абсолютно все і вже невідомо, як жити та що робити далі…
Долі підлітків раптово переплітаються, та чи мають вони право на почуття, коли життя тріщить по швах? 💔
▫️«Коли людям здається, що вони змінюють світ на краще, іноді їм легшає. Масштаб вчинків при цьому не такий уже й важливий, розумієш?»
Звичайно, з самого початку, варто враховувати, що книжка підліткова, але вона піднімає надто глибокі теми, про які не задумується більшість дорослих 🤔
Книжка про зцілення після втрати, кохання, дружбу та вірність. Але найголовніше - привертає увагу до проблем трансплантації та донорства ❤️
Важливим є ще те, що авторка підготувалась і провела серйозне дослідження про всі хвороби, пригадані в історії 💫
February 7, 2018
Instructions for a Secondhand Heart is a beautiful story about teenagers Jonny and Neve. Jonny has a heart condition and has spent his life in and out of the hospital. Neve couldn't be more different from her twin brother Leo, but when tragedy strikes, Neve isn't sure how to move on without him.
Fate thrusts Jonny and Neve together and the two must navigate life with Leo's heart now transplanted into Jonny.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved both main characters and could hardly put the book down because I only wanted more. I also really loved Jonny's drawings that were featured through the book and I can't wait to see them in the finished copy.
There were lots of tears and lots of smiles. Instructions for a Secondhand Heart is a heartwarming story that will bring you through a range of emotions and leave you with a story you won't soon forget.
Thank you so much to TheNOVL for sending me an arc!
Fate thrusts Jonny and Neve together and the two must navigate life with Leo's heart now transplanted into Jonny.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved both main characters and could hardly put the book down because I only wanted more. I also really loved Jonny's drawings that were featured through the book and I can't wait to see them in the finished copy.
There were lots of tears and lots of smiles. Instructions for a Secondhand Heart is a heartwarming story that will bring you through a range of emotions and leave you with a story you won't soon forget.
Thank you so much to TheNOVL for sending me an arc!
April 1, 2017
I very much enjoyed this. The characters were believable and the storyline kept me interested all the way to the end. At one point I had to close the book and walk round muttering "Why, Jonny? Why would you do that?" to myself - you do get very involved in the events and feelings in the story. Highly recommended.
March 23, 2017
Darn it made me cried buckets!
Here's my full review:
http://www.sholee.net/2016/12/mpov-in...
Here's my full review:
http://www.sholee.net/2016/12/mpov-in...
July 12, 2017
Absolutely AMAZING!!!!!
December 7, 2017
This book was heartbreaking and mending all in one. We were all distraught when somebody died in chapter 1 but, when the connections between Jonny and Neave started occiuring it turned out vry good and I loved the ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2020
(3,5*)
June 26, 2022
This was a pretty contrived but nice book. A quick read that had a heat warming story that has been told many, many times before.
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