Instructions for a Second-hand Heart by Tamsyn Murray
This book has a very deceptive cover in that this is NOT a love story. It is a book told from the two perspectives.
Jonny is facing death, desperately in need of a heart transplant. Then one day he gets the call to say that a heart has been found û but of course, there are two sides to this story. Whilst JonnyÆs life may be saved, another family is facing a terrible loss.
Curiosity drives Jonny to find out more.
This is Tamsyn MurrayÆs second time being nominated for the Bolton Book Awards, the last time was in 2011 for her book æMy So Called Haunting.Æ
A beautiful book, wrote from two very different perspectives! Absolutely amazing!
4 STARS!
æInstructions for a Second-Hand HeartÆ by Tamsyn Murray is one of the most heart-breaking novels I have read, engulfed in themes of sadness, amusement and most importantly the power of friendship.
I had discovered this fabulous book as part of the Bolton ChildrenÆs Fiction Award 2018. After reading the blurb, I was immediately fascinated and therefore automatically wished to read it. It was a mind-blowing and I wanted to read it every second spared and in one sitting!
For readers who have not read the book, I would certainly recommend it. Here is what the book is about.
æJonny isnÆt like normal teenagers. Every day he wakes up in hospital, kept alive by a machine. Every day he wonders if this is the day theyÆll find a donor match for his heart. Every day he wonders if this is the day heÆll die.
Every day Niamh fights with her perfect brother Leo. Every day Niamh dreams of a life without Leo. But all that changes on the day of the accident: the day everything falls apart.Æ
(WARNING: If you are very emotional then you will cry whilst reading this book û but it is enjoyable).
It was slightly weird to discover that Jonny and Niamh had this æconnectionÆ between them, due to Jonny having LeoÆs heart. However, if there is one thing I dislike about the book is probably that it contains a lot of romance (IÆm not a big fan of this).
This novel is enchanting and æcaptured my heartÆ, and I had enjoyed every moment of it (and would certainly re-read it!) At moments it may have been me laughing out loud or may have left me in tears. My favourite character is Emily, as she was a valiant character, and a true caring friend towards Jonny. I call her valiant as she suffers from acute myeloid leukaemia û an aggressive form of cancer. It was a stab in the heart when I had discovered Em died at such a young age û she was great.
This book brought me closer to the reality of life and inspired me of my goal to become a surgeon to save so many lives, to see a smile on their face û to change their lives forever positively as I believe æevery life is worth fighting forÆ. Therefore, I would like to thank the author Tamsyn Murray for writing such an incredible book that generates tension. Thank you.
On this occasion, I would also like to wish you luck for the Bolton ChildrenÆs Fiction Award 2018. I would love for you to win as I believe you have worked hard towards producing this heart-breaking masterpiece. Good luck!
Best wishes,
Muhammad year 8