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The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae
Ailsa Rae is learning how to live.
She's only a few months past the heart transplant that - just in time - saved her life. Life should be a joyful adventure. But . . .
Her relationship with her mother is at breaking point.
She knows she needs to find her father.
She's missed so much that her friends have left her behind.
She's felt so helpless for so long that she's let polls on her blog make her decisions for her. And now she barely knows where to start on her own.
And then there's Lennox. Her best friend and one time lover. He was sick too. He didn't make it. And now she's supposed to face all of this without him.
But her new heart is a bold heart.
She just needs to learn to listen to it . . .
She's only a few months past the heart transplant that - just in time - saved her life. Life should be a joyful adventure. But . . .
Her relationship with her mother is at breaking point.
She knows she needs to find her father.
She's missed so much that her friends have left her behind.
She's felt so helpless for so long that she's let polls on her blog make her decisions for her. And now she barely knows where to start on her own.
And then there's Lennox. Her best friend and one time lover. He was sick too. He didn't make it. And now she's supposed to face all of this without him.
But her new heart is a bold heart.
She just needs to learn to listen to it . . .
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2018
264 people are currently reading
4466 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Butland
17 books826 followersStephanie Butland is a writer, who is thriving after breast cancer. (She used to say she was a survivor, but that was a bit lacking in joie de vivre.)
Although she’d never have chosen it, her dance with cancer has changed her life in many positive ways. Now she is happier, healthier, and more careful with her precious life and the precious people and things in it.
Her writing career began with her dance with cancer, and now she is a novelist.
Aside from writing, she works as a speaker and trainer, and she works with charities to help raise awareness and money in the hope that cancer will soon be about as scary as a wart.
She lives in Northumberland.
Although she’d never have chosen it, her dance with cancer has changed her life in many positive ways. Now she is happier, healthier, and more careful with her precious life and the precious people and things in it.
Her writing career began with her dance with cancer, and now she is a novelist.
Aside from writing, she works as a speaker and trainer, and she works with charities to help raise awareness and money in the hope that cancer will soon be about as scary as a wart.
She lives in Northumberland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 554 reviews
April 24, 2018
Stephanie Butland has written a well researched and insightful novel about Ailsa's chronic life threatening heart condition, set in Edinburgh. 28 year old Ailsa has experienced lifelong heart problems which have curtailed and limited what it is possible for her to do, leaving her dependent on the loving care of her tremendous mother, Hayley. She is pessimistic about receiving the heart transplant she needs, and she has good reason to be, her close friend and lover, Lennox failed to receive one and never made it. However, to her complete surprise, she is one of the lucky ones, she receives a new heart, which brings with it life changing challenges as Ailsa becomes free to live a life that has never been open to her. The story goes back and forth in time as it follows Ailsa for the turbulent year after her heart surgery, with a narrative that includes blog entries, email exchanges, news articles and more. There is a focus on mother and daughter relationships, family friends, loss, grief, health, love and the joy of learning to dance for the first time.
There is much on Ailsa's mind, such as finding out about her biological father which Hayley has been less than forthcoming about, but Ailsa refuses to be fobbed off. The parent/carer and daughter relationship enters a fraught phase as Ailsa is finally in a position to become more independent, wanting a job and so much more. A fragile and vulnerable Ailsa began a blog as a coping mechanism for all that she has had to endure, allowing her a forum to express her insecurities, fears and doubts. She has lacked the faith and self belief required to make her own decisions, becoming heavily reliant on people visiting her blog to determine what she does, conducting polls on a variety of issues, such as the name, Apple, for her new heart. We see Ailsa begin to develop the self confidence, instinct and trust required for her new heart to inhabit the life she wants as she carves her own path. She reflects on what it has taken for her to have a life, that someone had to die for her to have a new life. A developing relationship with actor, Sebastian, who has also received a transplant, although a vastly different one, provides much needed succour and support for her.
Stephanie Butland writes a heartwarming story of Ailsa, her life lived under the darkest of clouds until she receives the unexpected gift and light of a new heart. This opens up a series of challenges that Ailsa embarks on such as the tearful but loving shift towards an adult to adult stance with her mother. It is a testament to Butland's skills that this book is emotionally evocative without descending into sentimental schmaltz levels. What is critically important is the contemporary issue of the severe shortage of organs available for transplants, and Butland highlights all the reasons why people should commit to carrying a donor card. A beautifully entertaining and thought provoking story with a lovely central character in Ailsa. Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
There is much on Ailsa's mind, such as finding out about her biological father which Hayley has been less than forthcoming about, but Ailsa refuses to be fobbed off. The parent/carer and daughter relationship enters a fraught phase as Ailsa is finally in a position to become more independent, wanting a job and so much more. A fragile and vulnerable Ailsa began a blog as a coping mechanism for all that she has had to endure, allowing her a forum to express her insecurities, fears and doubts. She has lacked the faith and self belief required to make her own decisions, becoming heavily reliant on people visiting her blog to determine what she does, conducting polls on a variety of issues, such as the name, Apple, for her new heart. We see Ailsa begin to develop the self confidence, instinct and trust required for her new heart to inhabit the life she wants as she carves her own path. She reflects on what it has taken for her to have a life, that someone had to die for her to have a new life. A developing relationship with actor, Sebastian, who has also received a transplant, although a vastly different one, provides much needed succour and support for her.
Stephanie Butland writes a heartwarming story of Ailsa, her life lived under the darkest of clouds until she receives the unexpected gift and light of a new heart. This opens up a series of challenges that Ailsa embarks on such as the tearful but loving shift towards an adult to adult stance with her mother. It is a testament to Butland's skills that this book is emotionally evocative without descending into sentimental schmaltz levels. What is critically important is the contemporary issue of the severe shortage of organs available for transplants, and Butland highlights all the reasons why people should commit to carrying a donor card. A beautifully entertaining and thought provoking story with a lovely central character in Ailsa. Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
April 10, 2018
Ailsa Rae has had a heart transplant. Her relationship with her mother is at breaking point. She needs to find her father. Even her friends have left her behind. And then there's Lennox. Her best friend and one time lover. He was sick too. He didn't make it. How's she supposed to face all this without him.
Ailsa has had to deal with ill health and get used to the restrictions that this places on her lifestyle. She blogs about her life and finds this a coping mechanism. Her relationship with her mother is close and Ailsa could always rely on her. The timeline in this story jumps back and forward of which I found a little confusing at times. I liked how Ailsas blog was used as a storytelling device. This book covers friendship, health, death, grief and much more. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will look out for more from her in the future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bonnier Zaffre and the author Stephanie Butland for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ailsa has had to deal with ill health and get used to the restrictions that this places on her lifestyle. She blogs about her life and finds this a coping mechanism. Her relationship with her mother is close and Ailsa could always rely on her. The timeline in this story jumps back and forward of which I found a little confusing at times. I liked how Ailsas blog was used as a storytelling device. This book covers friendship, health, death, grief and much more. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will look out for more from her in the future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bonnier Zaffre and the author Stephanie Butland for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2018
Initially I was a bit disappointed with this, because Netgalley compared it to Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine which I loved, and this is not even in the same genre. Publishers should really start realizing that comparing books to famous books, when there are no similarities does no-one any favors.
That said, I ended up enjoying this sweet, easy-reading story about a young women, born with heart complications, now trying to adapt to real life after finally receiving a heart transplant. I loved the different formats used to tell the story: blog posts and emails to news reports and letters. The descriptions of Edinburgh was also beautiful. I had an issue with the fact that Ailsa felt much younger than her 28 years, but understood why this was as the book progressed. I personally think this should be categorized as YA, as it addresses a lot of issues relevant to this genre, and some of the plot lines (like the one with her father) were simplified too much for my liking. Even with these issues, I enjoyed this enough for me to add another book by the author to my ever growing to read list.
Does anyone have any recommendations of good books set in Scotland or with Scottish characters. I would love to add some to my audible wish list, and would really appreciate your feedback.
That said, I ended up enjoying this sweet, easy-reading story about a young women, born with heart complications, now trying to adapt to real life after finally receiving a heart transplant. I loved the different formats used to tell the story: blog posts and emails to news reports and letters. The descriptions of Edinburgh was also beautiful. I had an issue with the fact that Ailsa felt much younger than her 28 years, but understood why this was as the book progressed. I personally think this should be categorized as YA, as it addresses a lot of issues relevant to this genre, and some of the plot lines (like the one with her father) were simplified too much for my liking. Even with these issues, I enjoyed this enough for me to add another book by the author to my ever growing to read list.
Does anyone have any recommendations of good books set in Scotland or with Scottish characters. I would love to add some to my audible wish list, and would really appreciate your feedback.
October 25, 2019
Review to come
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 27, 2019
Ailsa Rae has been living on borrowed time for years waiting for a heart transplant. Over the years of waiting it has just been her and her mother since her father cleared out very early in her life. Over the time of waiting for the heart transplant Ailsa has been blogging about her experiences and asking questions of her readers. Personally I found this a very bizarre thing to do. But as long as you can accept this you will see the place it has in this story and settle in to reading the blog as well as Ailsa’s story. Once she gets the heart transplant Ailsa is yearning to get out and get a job, since she has never had one and make a life for herself. However her plans for the future and being independent bring tension into the relationship with her mother. And what about the father she knows virtually nothing about? Should Ailsa seek to find him? The death of her best friend and one time lover Lennox is hard to deal with. When she meets actor Sebastian Morley, who has had a cornea transplant, because of their circumstances they relate to each other as friends. Could it ever be more than that? What does life hold for Ailsa and her new heart she names Apple?
Told with a gentle humour I enjoyed this story and getting to know the quirky Ailsa. However there were times when I felt like telling her to wake up to herself. Both she and her mother Hayley are well fleshed out. I felt a lot of sympathy for Hayley. I imagine it is hard to be a mum and hard to let go when you have been the sole support for so long. Some of the dialogue, banter and emails especially between Ailsa and Seb adds light hearted humorous moments.
I have read and enjoyed a couple of other novels by this author. so I was excited to read this one. It meant I left other books sitting on the coffee table and picked this one up even though it was one of the most recent books borrowed from the library, because I was sure I would enjoy it. And I did, though I admit it took me a little longer than expected to get sucked into this one. It jumps around in time a bit and the blog with its questions asked of Ailsa’s readers was a bit of a distraction. But eventually I settled into it and enjoyed the experience with Alisa, Hayley, Seb and others. An interesting read that definitely highlights the desperate need for people to be organ donors.
Told with a gentle humour I enjoyed this story and getting to know the quirky Ailsa. However there were times when I felt like telling her to wake up to herself. Both she and her mother Hayley are well fleshed out. I felt a lot of sympathy for Hayley. I imagine it is hard to be a mum and hard to let go when you have been the sole support for so long. Some of the dialogue, banter and emails especially between Ailsa and Seb adds light hearted humorous moments.
I have read and enjoyed a couple of other novels by this author. so I was excited to read this one. It meant I left other books sitting on the coffee table and picked this one up even though it was one of the most recent books borrowed from the library, because I was sure I would enjoy it. And I did, though I admit it took me a little longer than expected to get sucked into this one. It jumps around in time a bit and the blog with its questions asked of Ailsa’s readers was a bit of a distraction. But eventually I settled into it and enjoyed the experience with Alisa, Hayley, Seb and others. An interesting read that definitely highlights the desperate need for people to be organ donors.
December 12, 2024
This book was a sweet, easy-reading story about a young woman, born with heart complications, now trying to adapt to real life after finally receiving a heart transplant.
I loved the different formats used to tell the story: blog posts and emails to news reports and letters.
The descriptions of Edinburgh were also beautiful.
Most of all...This is an interesting look at what life would be like if you spent most of it too ill to really live.
The question becomes...
What do you do now that, as long as you take your medications, you’ll live almost normally for many years to come?
I loved the different formats used to tell the story: blog posts and emails to news reports and letters.
The descriptions of Edinburgh were also beautiful.
Most of all...This is an interesting look at what life would be like if you spent most of it too ill to really live.
The question becomes...
What do you do now that, as long as you take your medications, you’ll live almost normally for many years to come?
September 15, 2019
Aisla Rae gets a new heart at the age of 28 after a lifetime of surgeries. The last few years before the transplant she was really sick, as was her first boyfriend, whose Hepatitis went undiagnosed until his liver was in dire shape. Lennox didn’t get the transplant he needed, but she did, and now she has to figure out what to do with her life now that she’s going to have one.
She had been blogging about waiting for her transplant, and now that she’s out of the hospital, she continues to blog, asking her readers to help her with decisions. When she goes to do a radio interview about the importance of getting on the organ donor list and letting your family know what you want done with your body after you die, she meets a handsome actor. She and Sebastian become friends and then more.
The conflict in this story comes from two places mostly. The steroids Aisla has to take make her pack on the pounds, and journalists can’t seem to stop saying nasty things about how much Sebastian’s latest girlfriend weighs. Second, now that she can focus on more than just trying to stay alive, she’d like to meet her biological father. Her mother has spent her whole life taking care of Aisla and has told her almost nothing about him. Though Aisla and her mother are very close, in this case, Aisla still wants to go against her mother’s wishes and meet him.
This is an interesting look at what life would be like if you spent most of it too ill to really live. What do you do now that, as long as you take your meds, you’ll live almost normally for many years to come?
Thanks to NetGally for the opportunity to read this book, which will be released in the States on OCTOBER 19, 2019.
She had been blogging about waiting for her transplant, and now that she’s out of the hospital, she continues to blog, asking her readers to help her with decisions. When she goes to do a radio interview about the importance of getting on the organ donor list and letting your family know what you want done with your body after you die, she meets a handsome actor. She and Sebastian become friends and then more.
The conflict in this story comes from two places mostly. The steroids Aisla has to take make her pack on the pounds, and journalists can’t seem to stop saying nasty things about how much Sebastian’s latest girlfriend weighs. Second, now that she can focus on more than just trying to stay alive, she’d like to meet her biological father. Her mother has spent her whole life taking care of Aisla and has told her almost nothing about him. Though Aisla and her mother are very close, in this case, Aisla still wants to go against her mother’s wishes and meet him.
This is an interesting look at what life would be like if you spent most of it too ill to really live. What do you do now that, as long as you take your meds, you’ll live almost normally for many years to come?
Thanks to NetGally for the opportunity to read this book, which will be released in the States on OCTOBER 19, 2019.
October 26, 2019
“It’s as though she has been given permission to look out of a window that has always been forbidden to her before: she cannot believe how far away the horizon is, how beautiful the view.”
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is the fifth novel by British author, Stephanie Butland. Ailsa Rae knows that reaching the age of twenty-eight with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome is remarkable. Of the fact that she will soon die without a transplant, she’s hyper-aware. But yes, someone else’s misfortune saves her life, and eventually, sporting a new heart, and loaded up with anti-rejection medication, she is discharged from hospital to start properly living. The joy of this is bittersweet: her best friend/ex-boyfriend, Lennox died waiting for a liver some months earlier.
With HLHS, Ailsa’s life was an equation: “I had two questions – first: Can I manage it?; and second: Can I be bothered to recover from it? There are quite a lot of equations in illness, I think, and this is one of the straightforward ones. Does effort plus impact equal value?” Now of course, she can do so much, and she keenly feels the obligation both to look after her new heart and to spend her unexpectedly gained time in a worthwhile manner.
Naturally, life is very different when Ailsa no longer has death looming over her. It takes her quite some time to adjust, to understand that she now has a future to plan for: a home, a job, a career, maybe even a love life. Nor is Ailsa the only one affected: her mother, Hayley has spent twenty-eight years protecting her frail daughter from all possible danger, and it isn’t painless to let go: “Ailsa had been an injured bird, and her mother was the cupped hands that protected her. It might not be as easy as she thinks to fly.”
Butland uses several different formats to deliver the story: the straight narrative runs from October 2017 onwards, with occasional revisits to twelve months previous; this is supplemented by Ailsa’s (award-winning) blog (myblueblueheart), emails, transcripts of radio and blog interviews, web articles, and, ultimately, a letter to her donor. The dialogue she gives her characters s often witty and entertaining.
Many times, Ailsa’s blog has a poll for her followers to vote (with the result shown) on various issues, or decisions she needs to make: simple things (outfits to wear to an interview?); and those more complicated (track down the father who abandoned her at birth?). She explains it thus: “’I feel a bit adrift, sometimes. I like the wisdom of strangers.’ ‘But no one knows you as well as you, surely?’ ‘Honestly? Not this me. I knew ill me pretty well.’”
Ailsa is clever and honest and insightful: she can be quite self-aware and self-deprecating. Butland uses her protagonist to raise topics and issues that might not occur to those unfamiliar with transplant recipients: the massive change in priorities from when one is dying to when one has a future; the expectation to always be feeling happy/lucky; and how to express their (obviously deep and heartfelt) gratitude. “We say ‘thank you’ a hundred times a week, for coffee or change or to someone who puts us through to a helpdesk. Using the same words for this feels invalid.” Funny, moving and thought-provoking, a wonderful read!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and St Martins Press
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is the fifth novel by British author, Stephanie Butland. Ailsa Rae knows that reaching the age of twenty-eight with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome is remarkable. Of the fact that she will soon die without a transplant, she’s hyper-aware. But yes, someone else’s misfortune saves her life, and eventually, sporting a new heart, and loaded up with anti-rejection medication, she is discharged from hospital to start properly living. The joy of this is bittersweet: her best friend/ex-boyfriend, Lennox died waiting for a liver some months earlier.
With HLHS, Ailsa’s life was an equation: “I had two questions – first: Can I manage it?; and second: Can I be bothered to recover from it? There are quite a lot of equations in illness, I think, and this is one of the straightforward ones. Does effort plus impact equal value?” Now of course, she can do so much, and she keenly feels the obligation both to look after her new heart and to spend her unexpectedly gained time in a worthwhile manner.
Naturally, life is very different when Ailsa no longer has death looming over her. It takes her quite some time to adjust, to understand that she now has a future to plan for: a home, a job, a career, maybe even a love life. Nor is Ailsa the only one affected: her mother, Hayley has spent twenty-eight years protecting her frail daughter from all possible danger, and it isn’t painless to let go: “Ailsa had been an injured bird, and her mother was the cupped hands that protected her. It might not be as easy as she thinks to fly.”
Butland uses several different formats to deliver the story: the straight narrative runs from October 2017 onwards, with occasional revisits to twelve months previous; this is supplemented by Ailsa’s (award-winning) blog (myblueblueheart), emails, transcripts of radio and blog interviews, web articles, and, ultimately, a letter to her donor. The dialogue she gives her characters s often witty and entertaining.
Many times, Ailsa’s blog has a poll for her followers to vote (with the result shown) on various issues, or decisions she needs to make: simple things (outfits to wear to an interview?); and those more complicated (track down the father who abandoned her at birth?). She explains it thus: “’I feel a bit adrift, sometimes. I like the wisdom of strangers.’ ‘But no one knows you as well as you, surely?’ ‘Honestly? Not this me. I knew ill me pretty well.’”
Ailsa is clever and honest and insightful: she can be quite self-aware and self-deprecating. Butland uses her protagonist to raise topics and issues that might not occur to those unfamiliar with transplant recipients: the massive change in priorities from when one is dying to when one has a future; the expectation to always be feeling happy/lucky; and how to express their (obviously deep and heartfelt) gratitude. “We say ‘thank you’ a hundred times a week, for coffee or change or to someone who puts us through to a helpdesk. Using the same words for this feels invalid.” Funny, moving and thought-provoking, a wonderful read!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and St Martins Press
February 10, 2018
Ok, confession time. I’m massively biased in this review. Grab your copy of The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae, turn to the last paragraph of the acknowledgments section at the back of the book, and you’ll see why. That bit about Emily Field, that’s me! I was lucky enough to win a charity auction #AuthorsForGenfellTower where Stephanie Butland very generously agreed to allow the highest bidder to be named in her next book. That was pretty brave of Ms Butland. What if my name had been Lord Buckethead?! I’m a massive book lover so the chance to be named and immortalised in a novel was too good an opportunity to miss. I’ve loved seeing my name and character in print!
Stephanie Butland is one of those authors I really warm to. She has a very gentle style of writing, as if she’s talking to you. Her previous book, Lost For Words, is still one of my absolute favourites.
But I digress...onto the book in question. The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae. Without giving anything away, Ailsa Rae is approaching her thirties but she’s lived her entire life wrapped in cotton wool by her mother due to her failing heart. She finally receives a heart transplant and now she’s got some tangible hope of a more fulfilling life...but what do you do when you’re told you’re suddenly free from the burden of an imminent death?
Ailsa has a lot of soul searching to do. And being an adult, let’s face it, isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
This story was so sweet. Really easy to read and very enjoyable. Now that she is well, Ailsa, our protagonist, has to negotiate the changing relationship with her mother, friends and not least of all, herself, as she begins to explore what her life has to offer.
I love how the author has weaved in some beautiful metaphors with the Tango (dance) and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet throughout, to connect the story together. The book also contains very important messages about organ donation. This book is perfect holiday reading.
And I was SOOO relieved that my character in the book is really lovely...phew!
Thank you to Stephanie Butland for the opportunity to be a character. Loved it!
Stephanie Butland is one of those authors I really warm to. She has a very gentle style of writing, as if she’s talking to you. Her previous book, Lost For Words, is still one of my absolute favourites.
But I digress...onto the book in question. The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae. Without giving anything away, Ailsa Rae is approaching her thirties but she’s lived her entire life wrapped in cotton wool by her mother due to her failing heart. She finally receives a heart transplant and now she’s got some tangible hope of a more fulfilling life...but what do you do when you’re told you’re suddenly free from the burden of an imminent death?
Ailsa has a lot of soul searching to do. And being an adult, let’s face it, isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
This story was so sweet. Really easy to read and very enjoyable. Now that she is well, Ailsa, our protagonist, has to negotiate the changing relationship with her mother, friends and not least of all, herself, as she begins to explore what her life has to offer.
I love how the author has weaved in some beautiful metaphors with the Tango (dance) and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet throughout, to connect the story together. The book also contains very important messages about organ donation. This book is perfect holiday reading.
And I was SOOO relieved that my character in the book is really lovely...phew!
Thank you to Stephanie Butland for the opportunity to be a character. Loved it!
November 1, 2019
Moving, inspiring, and heartfelt!
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is a pensive, tender novel that takes us into the life of the courageous, optimistic Ailsa Rae who after living a sheltered, timid life due to a congenital heart defect is struggling to recover, adapt, relearn, and become more adventurous after a heart transplant saves her life.
The writing is direct and sincere. The characters are charming, authentic, and amusing. And the plot using an intriguing mixture of narration, letters, newspaper articles, blog posts, and emails is a delightfully witty, bittersweet tale about life, love, loss, family, friendship, self-discovery, happiness, and taking chances.
Overall, The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is a thought-provoking, romantic, touching tale by Butland that does an exceptional job of highlighting the demand, necessity, and importance of organ donation, and has just the right amount of laughs, tears, endearing characters, and heartfelt storyline to be completely absorbing.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is a pensive, tender novel that takes us into the life of the courageous, optimistic Ailsa Rae who after living a sheltered, timid life due to a congenital heart defect is struggling to recover, adapt, relearn, and become more adventurous after a heart transplant saves her life.
The writing is direct and sincere. The characters are charming, authentic, and amusing. And the plot using an intriguing mixture of narration, letters, newspaper articles, blog posts, and emails is a delightfully witty, bittersweet tale about life, love, loss, family, friendship, self-discovery, happiness, and taking chances.
Overall, The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is a thought-provoking, romantic, touching tale by Butland that does an exceptional job of highlighting the demand, necessity, and importance of organ donation, and has just the right amount of laughs, tears, endearing characters, and heartfelt storyline to be completely absorbing.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2020
I received a free e-copy of The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae from NetGalley for my honest review.
Ailsa Rae, who is 28 years old, hasn't really lived yet. She was born with a congenital heart defect, and wasn't expected to live past her teen years. Now, Ailsa has a new heart and has to learn live a life worth living for.
I loved being able to see Ailsa grow and develop as the story develops. The strength she found to believe in herself and grow as a person was such a wonderful journey. I enjoyed how the story also went from past to present so we learned so much about her.
A joy of a read!
Ailsa Rae, who is 28 years old, hasn't really lived yet. She was born with a congenital heart defect, and wasn't expected to live past her teen years. Now, Ailsa has a new heart and has to learn live a life worth living for.
I loved being able to see Ailsa grow and develop as the story develops. The strength she found to believe in herself and grow as a person was such a wonderful journey. I enjoyed how the story also went from past to present so we learned so much about her.
A joy of a read!
September 3, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book.
As a recent recipient of donor heart myself, I was really excited to read this! It is a pretty realistic portrayal of life before and after a transplant and it brought a tear to my eye once or twice. But it is an uplifting and witty story of second chances. Elisa is a 28 year old who gets a new heart since being born with a bad hard. She is quirky and charming character as she struggles to adjust to her new found health. It was a moving read and it was nice to read something so specific that I can relate to. Unfortunately, I found it a little too long. It was still good but a bit slow in places. Definitely a good read. And it was set in Edinburgh, one of my favorite cities. Thank you for writing about the importance of organ donation!
#NetGalley
#TheCuriousHeartOfAlisaRae
As a recent recipient of donor heart myself, I was really excited to read this! It is a pretty realistic portrayal of life before and after a transplant and it brought a tear to my eye once or twice. But it is an uplifting and witty story of second chances. Elisa is a 28 year old who gets a new heart since being born with a bad hard. She is quirky and charming character as she struggles to adjust to her new found health. It was a moving read and it was nice to read something so specific that I can relate to. Unfortunately, I found it a little too long. It was still good but a bit slow in places. Definitely a good read. And it was set in Edinburgh, one of my favorite cities. Thank you for writing about the importance of organ donation!
#NetGalley
#TheCuriousHeartOfAlisaRae
April 19, 2018
I must confess that this book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting – and that’s largely my fault, because I rarely read the “blurb” before opening a new book. But the fact that it was so very different was entirely a positive – there’s no wallowing here, no tear-soaked tissues (ok – maybe a little gulp from time to time…), instead a very likeable heroine trying to work out how to live and be happy, having been given a future she never expected to have.
The relationships in this book are just wonderful – particular Ailsa’s with mother Hayley, as they adjust from being carer and invalid (or heart and lungs) to a looser and somewhat combative relationship, always coloured with love, as the child becomes an independent young woman who needs to stand on her own feet and make her own decisions. I loved the looks back at her relationship with Lennox – and really enjoyed her developing new one with Seb. The book is heavy on exchanged e-mails – not always a favourite with me, but in this book they’re full of twists and turns and the personality of the correspondents, and I thought they worked really well. The blogging too is very cleverly used – that “wisdom of strangers” helping Ailsa’s decision making until she has the strength to cast it aside and define her own path. I loved the introduction of the tango, its passion and the moments it led to – and the focus on Romeo and Juliet was just wonderful, and rather inspired.
And I really loved the book’s ending – I felt I was watching the characters walk into their future, knew I had to leave them, and wanted to wish them well. A beautiful, uplifting read that I really enjoyed.
The relationships in this book are just wonderful – particular Ailsa’s with mother Hayley, as they adjust from being carer and invalid (or heart and lungs) to a looser and somewhat combative relationship, always coloured with love, as the child becomes an independent young woman who needs to stand on her own feet and make her own decisions. I loved the looks back at her relationship with Lennox – and really enjoyed her developing new one with Seb. The book is heavy on exchanged e-mails – not always a favourite with me, but in this book they’re full of twists and turns and the personality of the correspondents, and I thought they worked really well. The blogging too is very cleverly used – that “wisdom of strangers” helping Ailsa’s decision making until she has the strength to cast it aside and define her own path. I loved the introduction of the tango, its passion and the moments it led to – and the focus on Romeo and Juliet was just wonderful, and rather inspired.
And I really loved the book’s ending – I felt I was watching the characters walk into their future, knew I had to leave them, and wanted to wish them well. A beautiful, uplifting read that I really enjoyed.
October 19, 2019
The Curious Heart of Alisa Rae is a heartwarming look at a transplant patient. Once someone gets a new heart, their life totally changes - they go from being an invalid to learning to do things that they could never do before because of their health. This is Alisa's story from an almost dying 28 year old to a brave and fearless woman who is anxious to live her life to the fullest.
Ailsa has spent all of her life as a heart patient. She was born with a bad heart and has been in and out of the hospital and had numerous surgeries since she was born. She's now 28 and getting closer to death than she ever has before. She can't do anything but lay in bed and try to breath, never knowing if it will be her last breath. Suddenly she gets the word that there is a heart available and it's hers. Once it's transplanted she has to heal in two ways - she has to heal physically and she has to heal emotionally and not be afraid to start living her life as a normal 28 year old woman would.
This is a heartwarming story about learning to live life to its fullest after living a totally confined life. You'll love watching Ailsa grow and become braver and stronger as she realizes that she can have a life and plan a future.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Ailsa has spent all of her life as a heart patient. She was born with a bad heart and has been in and out of the hospital and had numerous surgeries since she was born. She's now 28 and getting closer to death than she ever has before. She can't do anything but lay in bed and try to breath, never knowing if it will be her last breath. Suddenly she gets the word that there is a heart available and it's hers. Once it's transplanted she has to heal in two ways - she has to heal physically and she has to heal emotionally and not be afraid to start living her life as a normal 28 year old woman would.
This is a heartwarming story about learning to live life to its fullest after living a totally confined life. You'll love watching Ailsa grow and become braver and stronger as she realizes that she can have a life and plan a future.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
June 23, 2018
This book was so cleverly written and gives you plenty of food for thought. Ailsa hsd lived with a chronic heart condition all her life.we get an insight into what life is like with a serious illness and the sorts of things you focus on.
A heart transplant totally transforms her life- but it still comes with reflection on the issues that totally consumed her life before. I enjoyed the different ways that the story is delivered and the relationships and worries that are explored.
A heart transplant totally transforms her life- but it still comes with reflection on the issues that totally consumed her life before. I enjoyed the different ways that the story is delivered and the relationships and worries that are explored.
July 14, 2025
I discovered this lingering in my audible library, having no clue when or why I purchased it. Ailsa Rae is a lovely character, born with a heart condition she has spent her whole life being cared for, and making careful decisions based on her energy and health or the lack of it. At 28 years old Ailsa has been the recipient of a successful heart transplant and a chance to live a life. She’s just not quite sure where that life should take her, or how to make decisions for herself so, she asks her blog followers for advice.
Really sweet, with a big message.
I really enjoyed Cathleen McCarrons narration, which makes me wonder if her voice was the reason behind the purchase at the time.
Really sweet, with a big message.
I really enjoyed Cathleen McCarrons narration, which makes me wonder if her voice was the reason behind the purchase at the time.
October 29, 2019
4.5 stars
I enjoyed Stephanie Butland's first book and was looking forward to her second book, The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae. And it did not disappoint! It was such a charming, funny, and emotional read! At twenty-eight years old, Ailsa has a second chance at life after receiving a heart transplant. Her best friend, Lennox, wasn't as lucky as her and died before receiving a liver transplant. Now, Aisla has to face her new life without him.
For the first time in her life she gets a job, meets new people, and goes on adventures that were not possible when she was ill. She finds a purpose in life that she never had before because, without a heart transplant, her life had a short expiration date. I've read other books about heart-transplants, and The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is my favorite by far. I shed a few tears while reading this book but was very satisfied with the ending.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
I enjoyed Stephanie Butland's first book and was looking forward to her second book, The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae. And it did not disappoint! It was such a charming, funny, and emotional read! At twenty-eight years old, Ailsa has a second chance at life after receiving a heart transplant. Her best friend, Lennox, wasn't as lucky as her and died before receiving a liver transplant. Now, Aisla has to face her new life without him.
For the first time in her life she gets a job, meets new people, and goes on adventures that were not possible when she was ill. She finds a purpose in life that she never had before because, without a heart transplant, her life had a short expiration date. I've read other books about heart-transplants, and The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is my favorite by far. I shed a few tears while reading this book but was very satisfied with the ending.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
February 20, 2018
I've been a huge fan of Stephanie Butland's previous books, but this one just didn't do it for me. It's the story of Ailsa, who has recently had a heart transplant and I was expecting an emotive read. I didn't get this though, and, other than Seb, I didn't really like any of the characters or gain enjoyment from the overall story.
It jumps around a fair bit from present to past and it wasn't always obvious this had happened so I found myself having to go back and re-read parts. The story is told through blog posts, email exchanges, the characters themselves and narration and I found this all a bit much as it interrupted any flow the plot might have been gaining. I feel sad to be leaving a low rating for one of Stephanie's books, but I still look forward to her next publication.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It jumps around a fair bit from present to past and it wasn't always obvious this had happened so I found myself having to go back and re-read parts. The story is told through blog posts, email exchanges, the characters themselves and narration and I found this all a bit much as it interrupted any flow the plot might have been gaining. I feel sad to be leaving a low rating for one of Stephanie's books, but I still look forward to her next publication.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2019
Ailsa Rae has spent her life in and out of hospitals and living in fear.
In fear of what? See it's her heart, she's been afraid it will give out on her. She's become weaker and weaker and she was dying. She receives a transplant just in time. You become invested in her life and care what happens.
She's been taken care of by her mother who has devoted her life to her daughter's care and this causes a closeness of the women but her mother hovers and doesn't really seem to be able to break the bond when she doesn't need the level of care she originally did.
Alisa just wants to live a little, be a normal twenty something year old. Dancing,mountain climbing,activities she held herself back from doing when she was unable to.
Before she can do all this she needs to learn to put one foot in front of the other and conquer her fears about starting to life to it's fullest potential again.
Then there's the part about her wanting to find her father who her mother doesn't seem to want to talk about.
An avid blogger she lets her social media polls help to direct her life.
Entertaining,charismatic and eye opening you will remember this for a long time.
Published October 29th 2019 by St. Martin's Griffin.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
In fear of what? See it's her heart, she's been afraid it will give out on her. She's become weaker and weaker and she was dying. She receives a transplant just in time. You become invested in her life and care what happens.
She's been taken care of by her mother who has devoted her life to her daughter's care and this causes a closeness of the women but her mother hovers and doesn't really seem to be able to break the bond when she doesn't need the level of care she originally did.
Alisa just wants to live a little, be a normal twenty something year old. Dancing,mountain climbing,activities she held herself back from doing when she was unable to.
Before she can do all this she needs to learn to put one foot in front of the other and conquer her fears about starting to life to it's fullest potential again.
Then there's the part about her wanting to find her father who her mother doesn't seem to want to talk about.
An avid blogger she lets her social media polls help to direct her life.
Entertaining,charismatic and eye opening you will remember this for a long time.
Published October 29th 2019 by St. Martin's Griffin.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
October 15, 2019
This was a lovely and sweet book and it filled me with pure happiness. Exactly what I needed right now. I fell in love with Ailsa and her mother...and I honestly think that was the true love story. Seb sounded dashing and handsome...but I really loved Ailsa and Hayley
The back and forth timeline isn't as confusing as others have mentioned, but it does mean you need to pay a little attention to the dates.
I really like the way the book dealt with a serious topic (illness, organ donation) in a way that wasn't too heavy.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The back and forth timeline isn't as confusing as others have mentioned, but it does mean you need to pay a little attention to the dates.
I really like the way the book dealt with a serious topic (illness, organ donation) in a way that wasn't too heavy.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 31, 2019
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae has a highly unusual premise, which makes this book stand out from most others. It is also features a strong protagonist and a heartwarming story. Alisa Rae was born with a heart having only three ventricles and as a result, she is in and out of surgery on a regular basis. The book begins with her dying and she is waiting for a transplant that finally comes through for her. Ailsa yearns for an ordinary everyday life like most people have.
The book centers around her life as a organ donor recipient, something I actually knew nothing about so it opened up a whole world for me. We meet Ailsa both before and after her heart transplant and see what such surgery does to a person’s life.
Ailsa has an amazing relationship with her mother Hayley, who happens to be a pharmacist, and is her rock of emotional support. With Hayley, the reader gets a second perspective of the organ donor experience and what a mother goes through with a child having a defective heart. There is actually a third major character — Ailsa has named her new heart Apple and we are regularly updated on how Apple reacts to situations. Ailsa has always lived with Hayley but she feels now, after the successful surgery, that it is time for her to begin her life and be on her own. In that sense, The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is like a coming-of-age story and a story of transformation.
There can be no doubt that Ailsa is a very brave person that has learned to cope with the hand she was dealt. After the transplant, she has to learn how to live though she has always had to lead a very guarded life but now she still has to be because she has to be on immunosuppressant medication for life and cannot afford to get sick. Her life has a new perspective since it now has a future.
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is a well-written feel-good story that will open your eyes to the world of organ donation. We get to know Ailsa Rae in depth and she makes it a stand-out story. The book makes use of blog posts and polls she conducts among her blog readers, which I found realistic as well as entertaining. I highly recommend this book and think it could very well lead to more people checking off the box on their driver’s license to donate their organs.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffen and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The book centers around her life as a organ donor recipient, something I actually knew nothing about so it opened up a whole world for me. We meet Ailsa both before and after her heart transplant and see what such surgery does to a person’s life.
Ailsa has an amazing relationship with her mother Hayley, who happens to be a pharmacist, and is her rock of emotional support. With Hayley, the reader gets a second perspective of the organ donor experience and what a mother goes through with a child having a defective heart. There is actually a third major character — Ailsa has named her new heart Apple and we are regularly updated on how Apple reacts to situations. Ailsa has always lived with Hayley but she feels now, after the successful surgery, that it is time for her to begin her life and be on her own. In that sense, The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is like a coming-of-age story and a story of transformation.
There can be no doubt that Ailsa is a very brave person that has learned to cope with the hand she was dealt. After the transplant, she has to learn how to live though she has always had to lead a very guarded life but now she still has to be because she has to be on immunosuppressant medication for life and cannot afford to get sick. Her life has a new perspective since it now has a future.
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is a well-written feel-good story that will open your eyes to the world of organ donation. We get to know Ailsa Rae in depth and she makes it a stand-out story. The book makes use of blog posts and polls she conducts among her blog readers, which I found realistic as well as entertaining. I highly recommend this book and think it could very well lead to more people checking off the box on their driver’s license to donate their organs.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffen and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 21, 2019
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Decent book the beginning was a bit slow though
May 16, 2018
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is a very different book, not really what I expected at all, and I found it to be something of a departure from her usual writing style. However, once I'd settled myself into the story and begun to find out more about lead character, Ailsa, I was soon intrigued by the plot.
Ailsa is twenty-eight and has a serious heart condition. Serious enough for her and everyone around her to know that it's a possibility that she could die at any time. The only thing that could save her is a heart transplant, and whilst she's been waiting for this to happen, she's become a successful blogger with many followers.
The story is not about Ailsa's wait for a heart, but what happens to her after she's got one. Although she's twenty-eight, she's never had to grow up. She's never had to work, or to look after a house. Even the most mundane of decisions have been made for her by her blog followers; she creates polls for almost everything that she needs to decide. After receiving her new heart, which she christens Apple, she knows that she can no longer be a child-woman, she has to find a job, do some exercise, experience the world and distance herself from her ever protective mother.
Stephanie Butland has clearly researched her subject very well. The reader is given an insight into what it must feel like to have a failing heart, to never quite know what's around the corner. It was the little things like Ailsa not being interested in following TV shows, just in case she doesn't get a chance to see the end that really struck home for me. This also leads into her blossoming relationship with Seb; a famous TV actor who has just had a cornea transplant.
I loved the structure of this novel. I like the different ways of telling the story, whether it's a blog post from My Blue Heart, an email, a snippet from Ailsa's past or a newspaper article.
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is a cleverly crafted story, it's uplifting, often funny, sometimes very emotional, but most of all it is a sensitive and charming story that deals with some serious issues.
Heart-warming, and a lovely read.
Ailsa is twenty-eight and has a serious heart condition. Serious enough for her and everyone around her to know that it's a possibility that she could die at any time. The only thing that could save her is a heart transplant, and whilst she's been waiting for this to happen, she's become a successful blogger with many followers.
The story is not about Ailsa's wait for a heart, but what happens to her after she's got one. Although she's twenty-eight, she's never had to grow up. She's never had to work, or to look after a house. Even the most mundane of decisions have been made for her by her blog followers; she creates polls for almost everything that she needs to decide. After receiving her new heart, which she christens Apple, she knows that she can no longer be a child-woman, she has to find a job, do some exercise, experience the world and distance herself from her ever protective mother.
Stephanie Butland has clearly researched her subject very well. The reader is given an insight into what it must feel like to have a failing heart, to never quite know what's around the corner. It was the little things like Ailsa not being interested in following TV shows, just in case she doesn't get a chance to see the end that really struck home for me. This also leads into her blossoming relationship with Seb; a famous TV actor who has just had a cornea transplant.
I loved the structure of this novel. I like the different ways of telling the story, whether it's a blog post from My Blue Heart, an email, a snippet from Ailsa's past or a newspaper article.
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae is a cleverly crafted story, it's uplifting, often funny, sometimes very emotional, but most of all it is a sensitive and charming story that deals with some serious issues.
Heart-warming, and a lovely read.
October 29, 2019
You can also read this review on my blog illbefinealonereads.
This book is an incredible, unputdownable read.
It has a heartwarming story, it’s incredibly engaging, and it just feels fresh. The characters are amazing, beautifully developed, and the relationships set between them felt organic. The pacing was just to my liking, so I had an easy time connecting to it all and getting lost in the story. The writing played a really big part in how enjoyable the book was for me, it’s really well written, the text flows beautifully, and it’s well structured.
Overall it’s a great read. I recommend this book.
*Copy received through NetGalley
*Rating 4/5 stars
YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON: MY BLOG | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
This book is an incredible, unputdownable read.
It has a heartwarming story, it’s incredibly engaging, and it just feels fresh. The characters are amazing, beautifully developed, and the relationships set between them felt organic. The pacing was just to my liking, so I had an easy time connecting to it all and getting lost in the story. The writing played a really big part in how enjoyable the book was for me, it’s really well written, the text flows beautifully, and it’s well structured.
Overall it’s a great read. I recommend this book.
*Copy received through NetGalley
*Rating 4/5 stars
YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON: MY BLOG | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
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May 3, 2019I know this is a lovely, heartfelt, emotional read but nothing here touched me. Sentimental to the point of maudlin, I just couldn't connect with the characters, the story, or anything about it. I really did try.
And I won this book! (Thank you, Goodreads.) I was so thrilled to win a book, and hadn't done so in a long time. I was thinking: is it my reviews? They can run hot and cold sometimes, but seriously, I am very, very honest in my reviews.
So if this book, about a young woman who's finally got the heart (transplant) she's long wanted, needed, and in an heart strings-tugging kind of way, deserves, along with all the medical, psychological and emotional repercussions that come along with it, isn't for ME, then who is it for?
Perhaps for those who need a tug at their own old cold, hearts, or those who love to read about medical issues and how people can overcome even what seems the worst blow of all - to need a heart! Yes, and for those readers this book can be a blessing. (I read far enough to know how it all works.)
So no stars, a dnf. I am passing this book on to a friend.
And I won this book! (Thank you, Goodreads.) I was so thrilled to win a book, and hadn't done so in a long time. I was thinking: is it my reviews? They can run hot and cold sometimes, but seriously, I am very, very honest in my reviews.
So if this book, about a young woman who's finally got the heart (transplant) she's long wanted, needed, and in an heart strings-tugging kind of way, deserves, along with all the medical, psychological and emotional repercussions that come along with it, isn't for ME, then who is it for?
Perhaps for those who need a tug at their own old cold, hearts, or those who love to read about medical issues and how people can overcome even what seems the worst blow of all - to need a heart! Yes, and for those readers this book can be a blessing. (I read far enough to know how it all works.)
So no stars, a dnf. I am passing this book on to a friend.
March 13, 2020
This was such a great book! Ailsa is experiencing new things after living with a bad heart for twenty plus years. After getting a heart transplant, she is actually living now and experiencing things she has never been able to experience before, like standing in line or getting a job or dating. It was great seeing her character growth and moving from someone who had to get the opinion of her blog readers on every major decision to someone who trusts her gut (and her new heart). The story was very engaging and moving and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
January 25, 2019
A slow starter but it dealt with the themes of organ donation acute illness and death sensitively.
November 16, 2019
Ailsa has spent all of her 28 years living with a damaged heart, and now, thanks to the wondrous gift of a donated one she has the chance to learn how to be a whole person. Not one desperate for every breath she takes, utterly dependent on her mother to care for her, never sure if she will live to see another sunrise.
It's not as easy as she thought it would be, gaining independence, caring for a healthy body, stretching her wings.
Stephanie Butland has written a nicely lighthearted novel about what could be a very heavy subject. She has a deft touch with the subject matter and it makes for a pleasant read.
It's not as easy as she thought it would be, gaining independence, caring for a healthy body, stretching her wings.
Stephanie Butland has written a nicely lighthearted novel about what could be a very heavy subject. She has a deft touch with the subject matter and it makes for a pleasant read.
October 22, 2018
OK. Cute. Reads more like a YA - characters seem younger than stated ages. Also found it bizarre the mother’s smoking is never addressed - for being the only support/closest person who would do anything for her daughter whose heart has been failing & whose body is not getting enough oxygen since the day she (daughter) was born... yet her mother smokes in almost every single scene?
October 28, 2019
Ailsa was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. At age 28, her heart is failing, and she now lives full-time in a hospital Palliative Care Zone. The book starts with the news of a compatible heart and the medical staff rushing Ailsa to the operation room to receive it. The transplant is successful, and the story follows Ailsa as she copes with her new heart and lease on life.
This is a beautifully written story. The life of Ailsa is not unique as so many people wait every day for an opportunity to receive a most needed organ transplant. My cousin and best-friend, Benoît, was born with Cystic Fibrosis. When he was an infant, his parents were told that he would not live past 14 years old. He celebrated his 14th birthday with gusto. Then his parents were told that he would not see age 21, yet he did. As the years went by, more and more treatment options became available, giving Benoît more years to live. In his early 30s, the disease was winning and Benoît was desperately waiting for a lung transplant. No match was found, and he passed away. I still miss him a lot today.
Throughout the book, the organ donation subject comes again and again. A lot of people have a hard time thinking about donating their organs. The author of this wonderful book presents this subject in a very positive manner. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
🙋🏼♀️ A big thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending me a final copy of this moving book. The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae by Stephanie Butland will be available at your favourite bookstore on October 29, 2019.
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