In a Heartbeat is told in alternating voices: that of Eagan, an energetic and enthusiastic young figure skater who has died in a tragic on-ice accident and is stuck in the in-between and that of Amelia, a contemplative young artist awaiting a heart transplant. Once Amelia receives her new heart, she begins to have new thoughts and experiences and desires that she never had before....she wants a purple lollipop (Amelia hates purple, but it was Eagan's favorite color). Eagan's chapters are spent looking back on her life and thinking about things that were said and what was left unsaid. Amelia's chapters are spent thinking about who her donor could have been and how she (Amelia) is different now with her new heart. Will Amelia get to thank her donor's parents? Will Eagan's parents be willing to meet Amelia? Will Amelia's body accept the donor heart?
There is closure for both characters, but there are also strings left open to interpretation, which I really liked in this story.
There are very few books written on organ donation for teens (at least, not many I could find in my quick search on Amazon), so this definitely fills a niche in YA lit, and it is worth the read.
Happy Reading!!
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