Thursday's Child

by Victoria Poole

17-year-old Sam Alden, star high school baseball player seems to have it all. That is, until he starts to suffer from bouts of coughing and weakness which leads to the discovery that he has a life threatening heart disease. As his health deteriorates, Sam struggles to pretend to still be a joyful teenager. But Sam is eventually forced to face facts and the prospect of a need for a heart transplant.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

284 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Sarah "Kat" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was in my late teens and I STILL remember this book. Can't say that about all the books I read at that age. I remember so wanting to know Sam - I think I developed a a little crush on this extraordinary young man and what he endured. I know I cried and still feel a weighted heart thinking about this book. It's sad but makes you appreciate life.

[Abhik Gulati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam told his mother that he wished he felt good when he woke but that wasn’t the case. I don’t want to be sick anymore, alas, an endless chant.
How Mrs. Victoria Poole, a mother, fought, lost here communication, left her other children behind; but she had a mountain scale before anything could have been better.
Sam suffers one struggle after the other, being off the recipient list, countless struggles post-operation. He was the Thursday's child that had to go far.
Sadly(not mentioned in the book), Sam passed away a few years after the events of the book.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of an early heart transplant patient. It's interesting to read first person accounts that took place so long ago and to follow up with them today. Unfortunately, Sam only lived a few years after his transplant.

[Lynda Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago. This is a book you cannot put down once you start reading it. What makes it special is that is a true story.

[Judith the Book Gobbler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome encouraging story! Filled with twists and events, which cause more DRAMA than a true story has a right to do, I would recommend authors to read and study before beginning any thriller!

[Dennis Harrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

a captivating story that really emphasizes on the importance of family and perseverance i can never not finish it once i start reading

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to this book by the Reader's Digest condensed version. It is a remarkable story about the courage of a teenage boy who develops heart disease and has to grow up very quickly. His loving family and his own bold spirit get him through the ravages of the disease and the transplant that saves his life.

[Diane Wachter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thursday's Child by Victoria Poole, RDC-M V 3, 1980, 8/85. Nonfiction, biography.