Catherine Ryan Hyde is the perfect author for fans of Jodi Picoult. This novel raises the issue of tissue memory, and what a profound effect it can have on the person who receives an organ donation. "Second Hand Heart" is very gripping and moving. It doesn't end the way you'd want or expect it to, but after the initial disappointment, you realise that if it had had the perfect "Hollywood" ending, it wouldn't have been realistic at all. Overall, this is a thoroughly good read.

I really enjoyed reading 'Second Hand Heart' and this is the first book i've picked up by this author and from reading this, i want to read some of her others. This girl has been preparing herself to die but then this heart comes along, which brings both characters together, in which also they learn from each other. This was my holiday book so it did take me a while to finish as i had to find back where i was. The story is split into their perspectives: Vida and Richard, and i think she has displayed and shown their voices really well and their experiences.