REVIEW: Change of Heart by Shari Maurer

Title: Change of Heart
Author: Shari Maurer
Format: hardcover, 286 pages
Genre: Young Adult
Source: library
Published: April 2010 by Westside Books

In a world where the most stressful thing seems to be winning a soccer game or what to wear in the morning, you take some really basic things for granted.

Like the love of your parents.

Or hanging with your friends.

Or the beating of your heart.

When you’re 16 years old, it never occurs to you that you might die. Emmi Miller’s got a fabulous life. She has tons of friends, does great in school and is an all-star soccer player who played in Europe last summer. It even looks like Sam Hunter, a totally cute baseball player, might be interested in her. And then she gets a virus. No biggy, right? Until the virus goes to her heart and weakens it so much that, without a transplant, Emmi will die.

Will Emmi get a heart in time? Is Sam too good to be true? What about her new friend Abe, who has also had a transplant and guides her through these scary times — is he just being supportive or is there more going on between them? And will Emmi realize it before it’s too late?

Why I Read this Book: Since I first heard about this book earlier last year, I’ve been wanting to read it. I’m one of those people that likes a good emotional read every now and then. Sometimes I just need a good cry. I knew Change of Heart would be one of those books.

What I Liked: Change of Heart was one of the most emotional, yet heartbreakingly touching stories I’ve read. It brought me to tears it was so moving. It’s one of those books that leaves a huge impact on you long after the last page has been turned. Readers will definitely take something away after reading it – whether it’s live life to its fullest, cherish those around you or better yet donate life. (The author is a huge advocate for the Donate Life organization, as its mission has affected her and her family personally – see her website for more information.)

Change of Heart is told in first person narrative, from Emmi’s POV. This was important for me, and I don’t think it would have worked any other way, because it enables the reader to truly understand what Emmi was going through. This brought me in as a reader and connected me with Emmi’s character while she went on her journey during this hard, painful and scary time. Even though you’re not in her shoes, you feel what she feels and it strikes a cord with you.

Emmi’s character develops immensely throughout the book. She’s one person in the beginning and comes out a different person at the end. Here’s a snippet from the prologue:

Looking back to how it was before everything changed, I think I’d have done things differently. I’d have stopped to enjoy the smell of the cut grass on the soccer field – and been nicer to my brothers. I’d have eaten that hot fudge sundae, even when I felt kind of fat. But it’s easy to analyze this stuff when you have the perspective I do now.

I love the cover and how it and the title of the book ties into the story. I like how there’s more than one meaning behind the title.

What I Didn’t Like: Emmi was a little irrational at times but I suppose that’s to be expected, especially with someone who just found out that they have a life-threatening heart condition.

Overall Impression: Change of Heart was an emotionally charged read. Once you read this book, you’ll have a different outlook on life and what really matters. I recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike. This book carries a strong message of love, courage, hope, and friendship. Read this one when you’re ready for a good cry and have the tissues ready.

The Book Vixen’s Rating: