Book Review: Instructions For A Second-hand Heart by Tamsyn Murray

Title: Instructions For A Second-hand Heart
Author: Tamsyn Murray
Published: November 01, 2016
Publisher: Usborne Publishing

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.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. No payments made between me and the publisher.

The first time I saw this book, I'm really curious with the story aside from that, the title and the cover is really catchy. I am glad to be able to read this one.

Instructions for a second-hand heart broke my heart in to many pieces. The first chapters of the book already made me teary eyed, but the story is beautiful. While reading there were times that I had to put the book down because I can't stop myself to react from every surprises in the book, aside from that, it was hard to bring it down. I read it during my break time at work! LOL. I am curious with Jonny and Niamh's story, how will they end up together and what will happen to them once Niamh finds out the truth? How will Jonny tell the truth to Niamh? Will there be a happy ending or not? Those are some of the questions inside my head and I can't stop to come up for more questions.

"Sometimes it helps people if they feel as though they are making a difference in some way, no matter how large or small. Do you see?"

Even if the book has a tragic story, I cherished every part of it. I enjoyed reading this and I loved how the author wrote their story though it was a challenging one because of Jonny's case, the author researched a lot to come up with a perfect book. And because of this, I am currently under "reading slump". It was hard to go back to reading unless I'll read something that is beautiful as this book.

"Life would be so much simpler if I could just be grateful and move on."

My Ratings

Hertfordshire-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.

Source: Goodreads