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Heart Transplant
School bullying is universally decried, bemoaned, and condemned. Newspapers, magazines, television, and movies all reflect the ugly truth ... bullying is not only on the rise, but becoming more dangerous every day. Whether it's a teenager committing suicide as a result of a Facebook posting or a group of schoolchildren taunting another autistic child and filming it for the "entertainment" of others, the longest-lasting, deepest-scarring impact of bullying is emotional, not physical. Failure to understand this has handicapped an already-insipid series of failed "solutions."Heart Transplant is aimed at actually *changing* the way we deal with perhaps the most critical issue for children and parents alike today. To accomplish this mission, an entirely new medium was created. Neither a graphic novel nor a self-help book, it uses elements of both to deconstruct bullying, and to offer both teens and their parents the true "facts of life." Nine-year-old Sean's only experience with parenting was the series of men his alcoholic mother made him call "Daddy." He knows he doesn't belong ... anywhere. And never will. He sees himself as others see Outsider.When Sean comes home from school one day, he opens the door to a pair of corpses — his latest "father's" attempt at dope-dealing ended badly. The police arrive, the bodies are bagged, and the "Welfare lady" is telling Sean how much he's going to love his new foster home when an older man suddenly crosses the threshold. He tells the social worker that he's the father of the dead man, so that makes him responsible for his "grandson." And he offers Sean a come and live with him, or take his chances with foster care.Life with the man Sean comes to call "Pop" is Paradise compared to the past. A brilliant and hardworking student, Sean finally has someone to show his report card to ... and he listens to Pop harder than he ever did to a teacher. Still an Outsider, yes, but now there's one place on earth where he knows he's always welcome. And always safe.But puberty brings Sean into a new world; a world where he is bullied every day ... a world where his status as "Outsider" is confirmed in endlessly cruel ways. He never complains, but Pop quickly discovers the truth. When Sean protests that "It didn't hurt." his real father responds that he knows that's a lie ... because when his son is hurt, he hurts, too. This is Sean's first experience with empathy, and his first understanding of emotional abuse.His understanding of bullying comes later ... when Pop shows him not only its true roots, but its antidote. Pop gives his son what he needs A heart transplant. It is not until after Pop's death that Sean learns the special sacrifice his father had made to give him that transplant, and that final understanding is Sean's ultimate legacy.Timely and confrontational, HEART TRANSPLANT is the gripping story of young boy's transformation from bullied "outsider" to true manhood. The universality of this work is such that what Sean learns is communicated to bullied children and their parent(s) alike. It speaks with a truth that cannot be denied, but also with a response that can be replicated.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2010
4 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Vachss
138 books891 followersAndrew Vachss has been a federal investigator in sexually transmitted diseases, a social-services caseworker, a labor organizer, and has directed a maximum-security prison for “aggressive-violent” youth. Now a lawyer in private practice, he represents children and youths exclusively. He is the author of numerous novels, including the Burke series, two collections of short stories, and a wide variety of other material including song lyrics, graphic novels, essays, and a “children’s book for adults.” His books have been translated into twenty languages, and his work has appeared in Parade, Antaeus, Esquire, Playboy, the New York Times, and many other forums. A native New Yorker, he now divides his time between the city of his birth and the Pacific Northwest.
The dedicated Web site for Vachss and his work is
www.vachss.com. That site and this page are managed by volunteers. To contact Mr. Vachss directly, use the "email us" function of vachss.com.
The dedicated Web site for Vachss and his work is
www.vachss.com. That site and this page are managed by volunteers. To contact Mr. Vachss directly, use the "email us" function of vachss.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 28, 2017
Can a message in a book really change our culture? The message in this book about bullying is, "If the bully were ostracized, if the bully was the lowest-status person, if the bully was someone no one wanted to associate with, bullying could not spread." According to this book, In order to change the culture, you have to start in the culture. You can't start from the outside. The secret is total bombardment of society with your message.
This book is a start, a part of something bigger, etc. Read this book, embrace the message and bombard your loved ones and students with it. Leave this book where others will find it. Buy an extra copy to leave somewhere else for someone else to find.
The most difficult part will be discerning who the book is for. Adults, high schoolers, or middle schoolers? Could it be read to younger students, how young? Under what circumstances? That is another part of what makes this book beautiful and the story powerful; it will give you pause as you ponder its meaning and intended audience.
This book is a start, a part of something bigger, etc. Read this book, embrace the message and bombard your loved ones and students with it. Leave this book where others will find it. Buy an extra copy to leave somewhere else for someone else to find.
The most difficult part will be discerning who the book is for. Adults, high schoolers, or middle schoolers? Could it be read to younger students, how young? Under what circumstances? That is another part of what makes this book beautiful and the story powerful; it will give you pause as you ponder its meaning and intended audience.
May 11, 2014
This is a book about bullying. This is not a topic that normally attracts me but I am on an Andrew Vachss reading spree and I bought this used book online some time ago when I was simply gathering in Vachss books. This is a coffee table size graphic novel that has been hidden away on my bookshelf since I bought it about a year ago. It was published in 2010. I have just finally finished the Burke series of novels and am wandering around looking to see what else Vachss has done.
This is the short (99 page) very graphic story of a boy who is bullied but is taught by a loving stepfather that bullies will seek another target if their selected target strikes back or in other ways does not accept the bullying. According to this , bullies do a cost-benefit analysis to judge “Can I get away with this without paying a high cost?” As a result, if the victim resists, the bully will find another easier victim. So the goal is to make children bully-proof rather than to modify bullying behavior.
There is a 6½ page essay at the conclusion of the book by Zak Mucha, LCSW, about bullying. This very academic undertaking contrasts with the relatively straightforward presentation of the graphic novel.
This book can be read in one hour but must be considered in the context of other information sources. The book was a benefit to me because it made me want to learn more about the topic of bullying. I have heard about bullying, of course, but had not thought much about the cause and cure of a disability that is portrayed as epidemic.
This book solidifies the Vachss reputation as a child advocate. But I am not sure how this book can be best used. Maybe it is just one of many resource books about bullying that those dealing with the problem will come across. Since it is a graphic book, my stereotype pigeonholes the reader as younger and less educated but I am not sure if that stereotype holds. But my limited vision does not see how this book fits into the big picture.
On the front flyleaf of the dust cover, Vachss is quoted from a 2002 interview:
I am not sure if this book could help a reader who is being bullied but it could help draw people into being interested in the issue of bullying. That would be a good thing. I feel unqualified to assess the value this book since I do not feel like I am part of the target audience. On the other hand, I am someone who does not know very much about bullying and I have been somewhat energized on the topic by having read this book. So, for me in a small way, the book worked. My attraction to the book was because of my familiarity with the author and not because of my interest in the topic. All my own uncertainty is reflected in what might be a lowered rating of three stars. It could be a much better book than that.
This is the short (99 page) very graphic story of a boy who is bullied but is taught by a loving stepfather that bullies will seek another target if their selected target strikes back or in other ways does not accept the bullying. According to this , bullies do a cost-benefit analysis to judge “Can I get away with this without paying a high cost?” As a result, if the victim resists, the bully will find another easier victim. So the goal is to make children bully-proof rather than to modify bullying behavior.
There is a 6½ page essay at the conclusion of the book by Zak Mucha, LCSW, about bullying. This very academic undertaking contrasts with the relatively straightforward presentation of the graphic novel.
Timely and confrontational, Heart Transplant is the gripping story of young boy's transformation from bullied "outsider" to true manhood. The universality of this work is such that what Sean learns is communicated to bullied children and their parent(s) alike. It speaks with a truth that cannot be denied, but also with a response that can be replicated.
This book can be read in one hour but must be considered in the context of other information sources. The book was a benefit to me because it made me want to learn more about the topic of bullying. I have heard about bullying, of course, but had not thought much about the cause and cure of a disability that is portrayed as epidemic.
This book solidifies the Vachss reputation as a child advocate. But I am not sure how this book can be best used. Maybe it is just one of many resource books about bullying that those dealing with the problem will come across. Since it is a graphic book, my stereotype pigeonholes the reader as younger and less educated but I am not sure if that stereotype holds. But my limited vision does not see how this book fits into the big picture.
On the front flyleaf of the dust cover, Vachss is quoted from a 2002 interview:
Aberrance functions only within support groups. If aberrance is marginalized, it can’t metastasize. So, school bullying: if the bully were ostracized, if the bully was the lowest-status person, if the bully was someone no one wanted to associate with, bullying would not spread. When the culture actually supports bullying, when the culture considers bullying a sign of masculinity, then it spreads.
I am not sure if this book could help a reader who is being bullied but it could help draw people into being interested in the issue of bullying. That would be a good thing. I feel unqualified to assess the value this book since I do not feel like I am part of the target audience. On the other hand, I am someone who does not know very much about bullying and I have been somewhat energized on the topic by having read this book. So, for me in a small way, the book worked. My attraction to the book was because of my familiarity with the author and not because of my interest in the topic. All my own uncertainty is reflected in what might be a lowered rating of three stars. It could be a much better book than that.
November 1, 2010
Like everything by Andrew Vachss, this graphic novel is intense. Vachss tells stories from the city's (any city's) underbelly ... the dark corners where nice people don't go, unless they get lost. And the dark corners of their own lives that they don't admit exist within themselves.
The book opens with a lot of sharp insight into the lives of our children, the parts of their lives that we pretend don't exist, the parts that we've tried to banish from our memories, unless, of course, we were on the receiving end. From the bottom, the truth remains bright and clear and hurting.
You don't know where the story is going until you get there, which is a particular skill Vachss wields like a double-edged knife, whispering it close to your throat before you even realize it's there.
I'd tell you to enjoy this book, but I know that you can't. Won't. But you'll think about it long after you've put it down.
The book opens with a lot of sharp insight into the lives of our children, the parts of their lives that we pretend don't exist, the parts that we've tried to banish from our memories, unless, of course, we were on the receiving end. From the bottom, the truth remains bright and clear and hurting.
You don't know where the story is going until you get there, which is a particular skill Vachss wields like a double-edged knife, whispering it close to your throat before you even realize it's there.
I'd tell you to enjoy this book, but I know that you can't. Won't. But you'll think about it long after you've put it down.
February 22, 2013
I think this book is one that any adult who works with bullied youth needs to have on hand. Beautiful artwork and the story hit me right in the heart, no pun intended.
February 27, 2012
I was hunting around for a graphic novel on bullying when I stumbled across Heart Transplant at my local public library. Score! I was taken by in by this line from Andrew Vachss from the inside jacket, "So what if the most 'man' you can be is when you protect somebody weaker than you, and the least 'man' you can be is when you prey on them?" Powerful stuff. Took it home and devoured it early one Saturday morning.
Frank Caruso's illustrations are totally arresting, and Vachss' narrative about a young boy who is a victim of bullying both at home and school is definitely an unpredictable one. It's not a neat & tidy package with easy answers. I like that.
Frank Caruso's illustrations are totally arresting, and Vachss' narrative about a young boy who is a victim of bullying both at home and school is definitely an unpredictable one. It's not a neat & tidy package with easy answers. I like that.
October 17, 2014
*This review contains spoilers!*
"Heart Transplant" is a contemporary life graphic novel that depicts the negative nature of bullying through the eyes of a bullied victim named Sean. Sean has been bullied most of his life and his parents don't do anything about it. One day, Sean's parents are murdered and an old man comes to Sean and claims he is willing to care for him. The old man knows Sean has no where else to go. Sean decides to stay with the man. The man tells Sean to call him "Pop". The man becomes more like a father to Sean than his real 'father' ever was. Sean and Pop live together for many years caring for one another. One day, Sean sees Pop attacked by three men on the street. Instead of running away, Sean decides to jump in and help Pop. Although Sean is injured, he felt that what he did was worth everything to save Pop. Pop decides to teach Sean how to fight back bullies oppression by taking him to work out at a gym. Sean takes this knowledge and punches a bully at his middle school. Pop is okay with Sean's fighting back. The story cuts forward to when Sean is a junior in college. A doctor tells Sean that Pop died of a heart condition. Sean counters that Pop never died of a heart condition, as he knew his kind spirit. At Pop's funeral, Sean sees the three men who attacked Pop. Sean goes up to them and hugs them and tells them to see him if they need anything.
I really liked this book. I admired how the concept of a 'heart transplant' was figurative, like how Pop helped Sean throughout the story. I also liked how Sean took Pop's method of helping others in a time of need by being kind to the three men, even though they were the ones who attacked Pop. Sean thinks "My tears weren't for what I had had just lost, but for what I'd been so blessed to have found". Sean is blessed to have met Pop as he taught him a valuable lesson.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a story with a message that can be applied in multiple ways, but one way is more obvious than the others. I would also recommend this book if you are passionate about finding ways to stop bullying.
"Heart Transplant" is a contemporary life graphic novel that depicts the negative nature of bullying through the eyes of a bullied victim named Sean. Sean has been bullied most of his life and his parents don't do anything about it. One day, Sean's parents are murdered and an old man comes to Sean and claims he is willing to care for him. The old man knows Sean has no where else to go. Sean decides to stay with the man. The man tells Sean to call him "Pop". The man becomes more like a father to Sean than his real 'father' ever was. Sean and Pop live together for many years caring for one another. One day, Sean sees Pop attacked by three men on the street. Instead of running away, Sean decides to jump in and help Pop. Although Sean is injured, he felt that what he did was worth everything to save Pop. Pop decides to teach Sean how to fight back bullies oppression by taking him to work out at a gym. Sean takes this knowledge and punches a bully at his middle school. Pop is okay with Sean's fighting back. The story cuts forward to when Sean is a junior in college. A doctor tells Sean that Pop died of a heart condition. Sean counters that Pop never died of a heart condition, as he knew his kind spirit. At Pop's funeral, Sean sees the three men who attacked Pop. Sean goes up to them and hugs them and tells them to see him if they need anything.
I really liked this book. I admired how the concept of a 'heart transplant' was figurative, like how Pop helped Sean throughout the story. I also liked how Sean took Pop's method of helping others in a time of need by being kind to the three men, even though they were the ones who attacked Pop. Sean thinks "My tears weren't for what I had had just lost, but for what I'd been so blessed to have found". Sean is blessed to have met Pop as he taught him a valuable lesson.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a story with a message that can be applied in multiple ways, but one way is more obvious than the others. I would also recommend this book if you are passionate about finding ways to stop bullying.
March 4, 2024
We first meet Sean as a nine-year-old, who lives a marginalized existence with a single mother who is more interested in her current boyfriend and her bottle of booze than her own child. When he discovers his mother and her boyfriend murdered, he is saved by Pops who is the father of the drug-dealing boyfriend, who takes him in and raises him. Despite the new stability, Sean is still bullied and an outsider at school. Pops tries some old-school methods of making Sean a man and taking him to a boxing gym to teach Sean skills to fight his bullies. Next, we see Sean as a college student who learns some truths about Pops and the lessons he taught him when he was a child.
This coffee table-sized book is quite clearly a “message” book, that didn’t quite hit its intentions as stated by the author on the inside flap or in the afterword written by a social worker. Bullying is often supported by a society that does nothing to stop it, for when aggressors go unchecked, it becomes culturally acceptable (Trump!!). While the author’s lesson is worthy, the story narrative does not match. Pop encourages or turns a blind eye to Sean’s theft, provides liquor to a minor on several occasions, and teaches him to fight back physically instead of teaching other coping mechanisms. While I am not opposed to learning how to defend yourself ( I actually think it’s a good idea), it does not match the author’s intended purpose of changing the greater bullying culture.
I came away from this book feeling dissatisfied. I liked the purpose and the sketchy dark-hued illustrations that were evocative of a rough-edged childhood, but it fell flat for me. I can see merit in teachers reading it, but I could not truly recommend it to older youth for the mixed messages it presented.
My review can be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2016/11/1...
This coffee table-sized book is quite clearly a “message” book, that didn’t quite hit its intentions as stated by the author on the inside flap or in the afterword written by a social worker. Bullying is often supported by a society that does nothing to stop it, for when aggressors go unchecked, it becomes culturally acceptable (Trump!!). While the author’s lesson is worthy, the story narrative does not match. Pop encourages or turns a blind eye to Sean’s theft, provides liquor to a minor on several occasions, and teaches him to fight back physically instead of teaching other coping mechanisms. While I am not opposed to learning how to defend yourself ( I actually think it’s a good idea), it does not match the author’s intended purpose of changing the greater bullying culture.
I came away from this book feeling dissatisfied. I liked the purpose and the sketchy dark-hued illustrations that were evocative of a rough-edged childhood, but it fell flat for me. I can see merit in teachers reading it, but I could not truly recommend it to older youth for the mixed messages it presented.
My review can be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2016/11/1...
October 19, 2013
It irritates me that all our top-shelf adjectives have become so hyperbolically bloated that they no longer have any real meaning. So I'll resort to post-hyperbole non-irony, and say that this book is fucking wonderful, people. Emotionally and morally complex, thought-provoking, and executed beautifully, this story of bullying and redemption is probably all too familiar to its target audience, but it comes with a bit of a twist ending that sheds new light into the ongoing conversation about bullying. Highly recommend this one to anyone interested in this topic, in graphic explorations of it, and anyone with a heart beating in their chest.
July 16, 2016
There are times that I find graphic novels (or comic books as I still think of them) to be confusing. When I'm not sure which panel is next because they don't line up exactly. Or sometimes they rely a bit more on the visual or don't have the space for all the words. This book gave me that problem a couple of times, but not so much that I couldn't follow the story. And it was a really good story.
Read for a reading challenge. A book that was on display at the library.
Read for a reading challenge. A book that was on display at the library.
December 9, 2013
Beautiful. Forget the subject if you can. Remember this is a graphic novel (it's not an essay, it's a piece of art). A great one, enjoy it. Let yourself to it, don't over think it, and leave it alone if you are looking for something more easy or simple.
May 15, 2016
A wonderful book. It starts out like so many others and I was uneasy that it might turn into something horrible. But a story of absolute love and giving, such that it was, was touching. I'll have to share with all my Irish-American friends.
April 27, 2017
One of the best books on bullying I have ever read. Takes you behind the scenes so you can see all the indirect ways bullying can erode self confidence at a critical time in the life of a young child.
December 12, 2017
Interesting read. Emotional illustration. Don't support the message. Bullying is terrible behavior. Should never be tolerated. The authors suggest that the best solution is to punch back--physically hurt the bully to show you'll not be bullied. Can't find a single respected school, medical or governmental organization that recommends this tactic. Often leads to escalation vs resolution. If you or someone you know is being bullied, stopbullying.gov is more useful read.
NOT recommended.
NOT recommended.
March 14, 2012
This graphic novel was compelling. The main point of the story is bullying. The main character, Sean, describes in the first half of the book about how bullying and stereotypes go hand in hand. As the story goes on, he talks about his life. He grew up with many “daddies”. His mother would make Sean call any new boyfriend she had “daddy”. The most current one she had would make Sean break into houses because he was little and wouldn’t be put into jail. Sean didn’t wasn’t too though. Every time he would try and make him break into a house Sean would say no. Sean knew his place in life though. He knew that he didn’t belong anywhere. As a result in living in a bad neighborhood, Sean came home one day after school and found both his parents shot in the living room. He then had to move in with his step-grandfather. The step-grandfather was nicer than any daddy he ever had; even his mother. The grandfather wasn’t an alcoholic and would treat Sean with respect. A moment that I thought was memorable was when the grandfather bought Sean a Christmas present. Sean felt he had to buy his grandfather something, so he ended up buying him a new winter coat the following Christmas. As Sean’s life went on, he ended up going to university and making something with his life. As a few years passed, I assume he needed a heart transplant. I say this because the grandfather ended up passing away, and when Sean went to the funeral, he saw three met that knew his grandfather. They were talking about something that made it seem like the grandfather gave his own heart away to Sean. Not only was this story a page turner, it was real. Everyday people get bullied and kids grow up in unstable households. This graphic novel showed all aspects of what bullying can do to someone.
June 2, 2012
I like this book, but am having a hard time figuring who I would recommend it to. It's too mature for kids, but not quite relatable for teens. I suppose it could work for the right middle school student, but I would still be cautious to advise parents to read it first. I am not sure I would have “bought” it as a teen, but as an adult who works with teens in the library, I appreciate it.
It is also too bad the book is so large. It doesn’t fit on the shelf with the other books, and even though I have moved it to and from prominent displays since September it still hasn’t been borrowed once. I don’t think the title really fits the subject well either. The first reaction people have is that it is an organ donor story. While there might be a lesson in these criticisms about not judging books by their covers and not fitting in with everyone else, it doesn’t make it any easier on me to get this book taken home by a reader.
It is also too bad the book is so large. It doesn’t fit on the shelf with the other books, and even though I have moved it to and from prominent displays since September it still hasn’t been borrowed once. I don’t think the title really fits the subject well either. The first reaction people have is that it is an organ donor story. While there might be a lesson in these criticisms about not judging books by their covers and not fitting in with everyone else, it doesn’t make it any easier on me to get this book taken home by a reader.
October 5, 2011
This powerful story is narrated by a tormented youngster whose harassers include his step father, his mother, and school kids. When his step father's father takes him in, the boy's new life unfolds in a quiet building of his self-esteem. His transformation away from being a target progresses unevenly, as in life, and is realistically incomplete by the conclusion of the book.The dialog is beautifully understated; the rough-style artwork enhances the text. Other reviewers have criticized the absence of a clear message and strategies for the bullied. I prefer this poignant slice of experience that speaks to kids' own lives without the formulaic "Teen Novel Problem / Solution." We have plenty of those.
April 28, 2017
Nothing like sitting in a library, looking up, and seeing this next to Stephan King's 'Dream Catcher' under a plaque: 'Night Terrors'.
Really? Night Terrors?
*pffft*
. . .okay, you got me.
And so I began to read.
It's very interesting! What a take on bullying and how to deal with it. And the art looked so raw- as if it was pure memories and emotion were slapped upon the pages. Moving and touching.
I really could not stop grinning at the Irish references and the nod to boxing.
All and all, I didn't receive any 'night terrors,' just an interesting lesson many have to learn the hard way- you are either prey or the predator.
Bravo, Sirs, bravo.
Really? Night Terrors?
*pffft*
. . .okay, you got me.
And so I began to read.
It's very interesting! What a take on bullying and how to deal with it. And the art looked so raw- as if it was pure memories and emotion were slapped upon the pages. Moving and touching.
I really could not stop grinning at the Irish references and the nod to boxing.
All and all, I didn't receive any 'night terrors,' just an interesting lesson many have to learn the hard way- you are either prey or the predator.
Bravo, Sirs, bravo.
May 22, 2014
I really loved this. The art was absolutely perfect. The essay that closes it draws some important parallels between bullying and emotional abuse.
The one qualm I had with the book was the protagonist's hatred of "thieves" coupled with his decision to use a stolen credit card number to buy a coat for his Pops. No note is made of the irony in this gesture, and for a kid who grows up to be quite perceptive by the book's end, I couldn't buy that disconnect as realistic.
The one qualm I had with the book was the protagonist's hatred of "thieves" coupled with his decision to use a stolen credit card number to buy a coat for his Pops. No note is made of the irony in this gesture, and for a kid who grows up to be quite perceptive by the book's end, I couldn't buy that disconnect as realistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2010
Very moving, beautifully-illustrated novel about bullying, and how a young boy overcomes his victimization with the help of his foster father. Excellent for teens, or for parents to read with preteens. I liked it so much I bought an extra copy for my nephew's school library.
Heart Transplant by Andrew Vachss
Heart Transplant by Andrew Vachss
June 23, 2011
One loving step grandparent can make up for a whole world of hurt. In addition to the illustrated story, this book contains an essay explaining the effects of bullying and emotional abuse on one's psyche, which puts the actions of the loving step parent into an even better light.
February 15, 2012
Interesting take on the bully story. It has some good things to say, but I don't know if it will find the intended audience. Parents and teachers should be sure to read the essay at the end of the book.
July 30, 2015
don't know exactly why i liked this book so much. the images were very compelling, but somehow the story--which normally would leave me unmoved with its undertone of violence--found a spot in my heart and mind...
June 8, 2019
Hits home. Don't sleep on Zak Mucha's essay, either.
April 17, 2011
"Heart Transplant," a graphic novel by Andrew Vachss, comes in a deceptive package - a large coffee table book? an oversized picture book? Neither seems appropriate for the tough message it attempts to deliver. "Heart Transplant" deals with the important issue of bullying. Vachss attempts to get at the "heart" of this matter with a philosophical introduction (on the inside jacket); a story that mostly works but doesn't support its bookends; and a long, dry, esoteric end note. Sean, the nine year old narrator, begins by telling us how the media portrays bullying and then shows us the inaccuracies of these portrayals. He himself is brutalized by his mother, his step-father, the kids at school. When his mother and his step-father are murdered, the father of his step-father takes him in.
To Vachss' credit, he always keeps the reader guessing and does not reveal what needs to be revealed until he is ready. For instance, we are never really sure if the man Sean eventually calls "Pop" is sincere and good. "Pop" teaches him to trust, to understand himself, and eventually how to defend himself. However, he also, in a way, teaches him to steal and to avoid, among other things. How does stealing someone else's identity to buy something for someone you love make the gift a good gift? The fact that Pop even asked for a coat that his "son" had no means to purchase didn't seem so perceptive or loving to me. How does skipping school or avoiding it all together solve the issue? Also, the connection between the quote on the inside cover and the end note matter, to the story itself, seems tenuous. How does Sean become part of a new "culture" here? By becoming "stronger," which it is only suggested that he does, how is the issue of bullying solved? It only allows him to beat on the guys who beat on him? How does that solve or change anything, except for him? The bullies will just move on to another victim. The ending abruptly shifts from him beating up a bully for the first time to Pop's death when he is in college. We never have the chance to see Sean develop and see what he eventually becomes. Vachss doesn't take enough time to fully flush out the story and the character.
So what has the potential to be important and well-done, ultimately fails. There is some value in reading "Heart Transplant," however, as it does get the reader to think about this issue and examine his or her place in it. It had the potential to so much more, however.
To Vachss' credit, he always keeps the reader guessing and does not reveal what needs to be revealed until he is ready. For instance, we are never really sure if the man Sean eventually calls "Pop" is sincere and good. "Pop" teaches him to trust, to understand himself, and eventually how to defend himself. However, he also, in a way, teaches him to steal and to avoid, among other things. How does stealing someone else's identity to buy something for someone you love make the gift a good gift? The fact that Pop even asked for a coat that his "son" had no means to purchase didn't seem so perceptive or loving to me. How does skipping school or avoiding it all together solve the issue? Also, the connection between the quote on the inside cover and the end note matter, to the story itself, seems tenuous. How does Sean become part of a new "culture" here? By becoming "stronger," which it is only suggested that he does, how is the issue of bullying solved? It only allows him to beat on the guys who beat on him? How does that solve or change anything, except for him? The bullies will just move on to another victim. The ending abruptly shifts from him beating up a bully for the first time to Pop's death when he is in college. We never have the chance to see Sean develop and see what he eventually becomes. Vachss doesn't take enough time to fully flush out the story and the character.
So what has the potential to be important and well-done, ultimately fails. There is some value in reading "Heart Transplant," however, as it does get the reader to think about this issue and examine his or her place in it. It had the potential to so much more, however.
January 21, 2018
This is a well done and surprisingly heavy read that I think deserves a lot more credit than it gets. I picked it up originally because I was a huge fan of the Burke series and was willing to try pretty much anything Mr. Vachss wrote. To be honest, this book seemed to come out of left field when I first heard about it, but after reading this book (and learning more about Mr. Vachss' other jobs) it's obvious that it's not.
This is a quick read compared to his other books but almost more so than some of the other things he has written it will stick in the back of your mind and make you think about it long after it's done. This is a great book that will leave your heart tender and your thoughts full.
This is a quick read compared to his other books but almost more so than some of the other things he has written it will stick in the back of your mind and make you think about it long after it's done. This is a great book that will leave your heart tender and your thoughts full.
January 6, 2011
Stunning title on the subject of bullying among children & teens. Fantastic read, recommended for all teens & adults who work with teens. An amazing book about a young boy with what looks like a hopeless future ahead of him, rescued by a step-grandfather who gradually teaches him to think for himself & stand up to bullies. Read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2015
Far too often we relegate graphic novels into the "Lesser Than" . Books such as Maus and Heart Transplant defy such labels.
Heart Transplant was touching, and if the ending was a bit of a "happily ever after", well, my aching soul needs that every now and then.
The story and the illustrations are beautiful. READ IT!
June, 2015 - I reread this and it is fantastic!
Heart Transplant was touching, and if the ending was a bit of a "happily ever after", well, my aching soul needs that every now and then.
The story and the illustrations are beautiful. READ IT!
June, 2015 - I reread this and it is fantastic!
March 17, 2025
I hate bullies and bullying. This book tells the story of bullying from the victim's viewpoint. It is sad, terrifying, and ultimately heartwarming. I think it is a book for teachers to read. It was hard to read, but worth it.
August 3, 2019
Heart Transplant is an excellent graphic novel that tackles the difficult subject of bullying realistically as seen from the eyes of a victim. Better than the novel is the afterword, “The Rules of Engagement” by Zac Mucha, LCSW, which provides a flinty analysis of the psycho dynamics behind bullying - physical, verbal or cyber - and how it affects victims.
December 23, 2019
This graphic novel is a psychological masterpiece. The authors speak very eloquently about what drives bullying and the inner thoughts of victims. At the same time, some of the scenes in this book are not appropriate for young children so I would reserve this book for high school students or college students instead.
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