I recently read In a Heartbeat, by Loretta Ellsworth, through Around the World Tours.Summary: Eagan, a 16 year old figure skater, makes one tiny mistake at her competition, and bangs her head and dies on the spot. With her death comes a new beginning for 14 year old Amelia, who receives Eagan's heart through a transplant, and a shot at a new life, one without illness and restraints with this new, fully functioning heart. After the transplant, Amelia has taken on strange new characteristics - an interest in figure skating, a rocky relationship with her mother - all traits from Eagan. Have these traits somehow carried on to Amelia through Eagan's heart? This story is told from alternating points of view, both Amelia, who is trying to discover who her donor is, and Eagan, from the afterlife, who looks back on her life and memories.
My Thoughts: I thought this book was fascinating! The chapters alternate between the two girls with their two stories running parallel. Eagan narrates from the afterlife, though her story is not linear like Amelia's. Eagan's portion of the story is a reflection of her life, and is scattered with various memories, most of them reflecting on the poor relationship she had with her mother, and her now trying to come to terms with it. Her narration and the setting she is in was really reminiscent of The Lovely Bones. Amelia's story is linear, though, and takes us through the time of the transplant surgery, up through her discovery of the donor family (Eagan's) and their grievances. Both girls suffer from guilt, pain, heartbreak... yet ultimately find love and peace as well. Though this story was quite short, somewhere around 200 pages, I found it to be very well developed, with two very strong lead characters with such distinct voices. Such an interesting topic to read and learn about, don't you think? I'd recommend this one.
The Bottom Line: Really interesting stuff here with great character development. A great YA read that isn't just fluff. This has substance.
My Rating: 4/5
this sounds very interesting, great review
ReplyDeleteMy Blog
Sounds great.. wd love to get hold of it some time!!
ReplyDelete~Paromeeta/Paalok
this sounds like a great read, thanks for putting it on my radar with your wonderful review =)
ReplyDeleteReally Steph, I feel the book sounds lovely indeed!
ReplyDeleteTerrific review. I liked this novel too -- http://laughingstars.net/2010/05/22/in-a-heartbeat-explores-a-teens-experience-with-organ-donation/ I was especially intrigued with the way she wove in the concept of cellular memory. Fascinating topic!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I liked this one too!
ReplyDeleteYou might also want to read Heart to Heart by Lurlene Mcdaniel. It is very similar but still a great read.
They must have both gotten an idea from some journal that talked about cellular memory.
thanks for the review steph. i've never heard of this book or author. it sounds interesting; i'm going to look for into it.
ReplyDeletethanks for your last comment on my teaching post. i'm glad you got out in time (unlike me!). i am seriously thinking about an MA in library science though. have a great weekend :)
-michelle
I just read this, and I had similiar thoughts as you. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Hadn't heard of this one, but it sounds fascinating! I really like The Lovely Bones, so will check this one out.
ReplyDelete