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 story about Johnny who gets a new heart. It was interesting.
5 stars
Hi Karley, I’m glad you enjoyed the book and found it interesting. Thanks for your review!
Tamsyn
There is 2 sides to this story- both very moving. Niamh who is grieving the death of her twin brother and Jonny, looking for a heart donor. Tamsyn has written this story very well and I found the story moving. I even cried at the end…
I have also recommended this story to my friends.
5 stars
I cried too Kaitlyn.
Thanks, Phoebe. I cried when I wrote it too 🙂
Tamsyn
Thanks, Kaitlyn. I cried when I wrote it too
🙂
Tamsyn
An amazing book that has been written very, very well. Tamsyn did a great job on it and I can’t wait to read her next book. I would definitely recommend it for girls or boys who like adventure, love and comedy. Read it because you will love it!!
5 stars
Thank you, Phoebe. Very glad you enjoyed the book!
Tamsyn
When I picked up the book, I first thought that it would have been interesting to read. The blurb was enticing enough and it seemed like a really good book.
I felt like screaming when Jonny just wouldn’t explain why he wanted to talk to Niamh about the transplant, instead he kept making it worse which really twisted the story – which I liked.
Another thing about the story is how both sides of the story are told by different people. One perspective is a grieving sister struggling over the death of her brother whilst the other perspective is a boy who just came out of hospital with a new heart.
The introductions of different characters were great too, such as Leo being perceived as the better sibling over someone like Niamh – or how Em was portrayed in the hospital.
I really enjoyed this story and I think it’s one of the only books that gets you wanting to read more and more.
Hi Ramy, Your review has just given me goose bumps. It makes me want to read it again. Thank you
Hi Ramy, thanks for taking the time to write a review. I’m very happy the book made you want to read more and more – that’s all an author wants!
Tamsyn
It is a fantastic book and there are 2 sides to the story: one, someone upset for their brother and someone looking for a donor. I have 2 sides to me so I found it interesting.
When they were texting it was funny.
4 1/2 STARS
Thanks, Peter. Very pleased you enjoyed it (and thought the messages were funny)
Tamsyn