Jonny needed a new heart, but he wished someone else didn’t have to die just so he could live. Well… Truly live. He was technically alive while he was in the hospital, but it wasn’t much of a life being connected to a machine that acted as his heart. Though Jonny had made some good friends, he missed his life outside of the hospital and longed for a time when he would not feel sick and tired all the time. Besides, he hated to see his parents so worried. He wished he could just get a new heart so he could move on and start the rest of his life already.
Neve was sick of her twin brother. Leo was just so good at everything — music, school, making friends — and she felt like she was living in his shadow. Until she wasn’t. When Leo suddenly died from a freak accident while their family was on vacation, Neve realized she didn’t really want him gone, but it was a bit too late for that realization. The good news is that Leo had discussed his desire to be an organ donor and his parents followed through to honor his wishes. The better news is that his heart was a match for Jonny, who had a rare blood/tissue type that made finding a donor especially difficult. And while that all seemed to work out pretty well, the good news certainly didn’t take away the grief.
I don’t like spoiling plots, and I don’t really feel like I can say much more without ruining the experience for y’all. But, based on the book description it’s pretty obvious that Neve and Jonny meet up and help one another through this difficult stage in their lives. Readers who enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars and/or Somebody Up There Hates You should definitely check out Instructions for a Second-Hand Heart. Murray’s depiction of chronic illness and the stages of grief were spot-on, and this bitter-sweet romance is sure to stick with readers long after they turn the last page.
Happy Reading!
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