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Searching for David's Heart: A Christmas Story
When her older brother, David, dies in an accident, Darcy feels responsible for his death. Then she meets the boy who received David's heart in an organ transplant, and learns that life truly does go on.
A journey of faith, hope, and love.
Life at Darcy's house isn't always easy. Money is tight, and her parents argue a lot. Darcy's shy and quiet with most people, but it's not like that with her brother, David. He and Darcy are soul mates. Until David gets a girlfriend, that is, and starts to treat Darcy as if she were a pest. Darcy is hurt and humiliated, and one day after a huge fight, Darcy runs off. David chases after her and is killed in a shocking accident. Darcy is sure his death is her fault.
Then Darcy's parents decide to donate David's heart for transplant. Darcy believes that if she can find David's heart, even if it's beating in someone else's body, she will have found her brother, and in some way he will still be alive. And so the search for David's heart begins.
A journey of faith, hope, and love.
Life at Darcy's house isn't always easy. Money is tight, and her parents argue a lot. Darcy's shy and quiet with most people, but it's not like that with her brother, David. He and Darcy are soul mates. Until David gets a girlfriend, that is, and starts to treat Darcy as if she were a pest. Darcy is hurt and humiliated, and one day after a huge fight, Darcy runs off. David chases after her and is killed in a shocking accident. Darcy is sure his death is her fault.
Then Darcy's parents decide to donate David's heart for transplant. Darcy believes that if she can find David's heart, even if it's beating in someone else's body, she will have found her brother, and in some way he will still be alive. And so the search for David's heart begins.
220 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1998
46 people are currently reading
1066 people want to read
About the author
Cherie Bennett
134 books154 followersA popular novelist, playwright, and newspaper columnist, Cherie moves effortlessly from genre to genre, writing powerful and entertaining work, whether in literary hardcover teen fiction, mass market paperback fiction, for the stage, film and television, and for her nationally-syndicated teen advice column.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
December 19, 2017
This heartwarming story was a win for the grade seven and eight English class where I help out as a resource teacher two periods a week. In fact, as we finished the book today there were a lot of tears- boys and girls and teachers. The students thought it was amazing to read a book from 1998 because they had not even been born. Hahaha! So it rocked their world that a book from the "old days" could be that good!
January 2, 2009
this was the best book i have read in a long time :D
i loved it SOOO much ! it made me cry for joy and for sorrow on every page!! best ever
i loved it SOOO much ! it made me cry for joy and for sorrow on every page!! best ever
December 18, 2009
Have you ever lost someone very close to your heart? Did that person mean so much to you that when they were gone it was almost to much to bear? If so, then the book Searching for David's Heart can totally relate. The novel, Searching for David's Heart, by Cherie Bennett filled my heart with not only sadness, but also happiness.
By far, my favorite part of the story was the characters. Each of them were unique, and it was almost as if they were real people. One of my favorite characters in book was David. Though he was not there throughout the story, David was an excellent character. He was caring, funny, and loving. I sort of want him to be my brother! Another character that I enjoyed getting to know in the book was Sam. He was just a good friend, and an amazing magician. I thought that his comedic yet sweet character, made the book really enjoyable.
Cherie Bennett's writing style is much different than other books I have read from other authors. She writes with great detail, but also doesn't make it confusing. I loved reading this book because she would make the pictures and characters jump right off the page!
One major aspect that I loved about the book was all of the different settings where the main plot occurred. The author of Searching for David's Heart didn't limit the locations where of the story could go. The setting of this book took place at a house, school, and even at a carnival! I loved traveling to the different locations in the story as if I was actually there.
Overall, I would highly recommend Searching for David's Heart to any type of reader. It is a wonderful story about love, friendship, and courage.
By far, my favorite part of the story was the characters. Each of them were unique, and it was almost as if they were real people. One of my favorite characters in book was David. Though he was not there throughout the story, David was an excellent character. He was caring, funny, and loving. I sort of want him to be my brother! Another character that I enjoyed getting to know in the book was Sam. He was just a good friend, and an amazing magician. I thought that his comedic yet sweet character, made the book really enjoyable.
Cherie Bennett's writing style is much different than other books I have read from other authors. She writes with great detail, but also doesn't make it confusing. I loved reading this book because she would make the pictures and characters jump right off the page!
One major aspect that I loved about the book was all of the different settings where the main plot occurred. The author of Searching for David's Heart didn't limit the locations where of the story could go. The setting of this book took place at a house, school, and even at a carnival! I loved traveling to the different locations in the story as if I was actually there.
Overall, I would highly recommend Searching for David's Heart to any type of reader. It is a wonderful story about love, friendship, and courage.
January 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book however I needed lots of tissues.
February 12, 2014
This was a very heartwarming story that I would recommend to anyone. It is adventurous and sweet. The characters and writing were amazing and I sat and read the book till I finished. Ans yes I cried! Its a classic and everyone should read this novel. .
November 29, 2025
I love this book so much with all my heart 💖💖
August 19, 2021
Very heartwarming children's story. Lots of good messages to take away and had a very emotional ending.
December 25, 2024
i remember reading this as a kid, didn’t remember the incest or racism though
November 1, 2013
I read the book Searching for David’s Heart. The book is written by Cherie Bennett. I found this book laying around my house. I read the back cover and it sounded like it would be a book that would get me interested. The first couple of chapters in the book were very boring but essential to the story. Once the action started I couldn't keep the book down.
The beginning of the story takes place in Appleton, Wisconsin. In the end of the book the setting is Miami. The book is written in first person point of view. The narrator is Darce, she is also called Dee Dee. During the story you can see Darce’s pain and difficulty dealing with her brother David’s death.
The main characters are Darce, Sam, David, and Winston. At Darce’s house things are stressful. Darce’s father is a cop and recently lost out on a promotion. Money is very tight. Her mother is nurse and works a lot of hours to help bring money in. Her parents argue. David is Darce’s older brother. She also has a younger brother named Andy. He isn't mentioned a lot in the story. Darce and David were really close until David got a new girlfriend named Jayne. Darce hated her. David and Darce grew apart and fought all the time because of her.
David gets in a tragic car accident running after Darce. After that Darce felt like a murderer and that his death was her fault. She couldn't live knowing that she killed her brother. One day Darce and her best friend Sam were thinking of how to make Darce feel better. Then Darce said that her brother is somewhat still alive, and that his heart was beating in another man. Darce and Sam decided that they were going to run away and find David’s heart. The name of the man with David’s heart is Winston and he lives in Miami. Their journey to find David’s heart was quite interesting.
I think that the author's theme in the book is love. Darce never wants to give up on her brother’s love and she is determined to find her brother’s heart full of love. In the end all of Darce’s family is loving and happy that they finally got to meet Winston.
I really enjoyed reading the book. I would recommend the book to anybody in high school. The book had some challenging words, but I think they were described in the book really well.
The beginning of the story takes place in Appleton, Wisconsin. In the end of the book the setting is Miami. The book is written in first person point of view. The narrator is Darce, she is also called Dee Dee. During the story you can see Darce’s pain and difficulty dealing with her brother David’s death.
The main characters are Darce, Sam, David, and Winston. At Darce’s house things are stressful. Darce’s father is a cop and recently lost out on a promotion. Money is very tight. Her mother is nurse and works a lot of hours to help bring money in. Her parents argue. David is Darce’s older brother. She also has a younger brother named Andy. He isn't mentioned a lot in the story. Darce and David were really close until David got a new girlfriend named Jayne. Darce hated her. David and Darce grew apart and fought all the time because of her.
David gets in a tragic car accident running after Darce. After that Darce felt like a murderer and that his death was her fault. She couldn't live knowing that she killed her brother. One day Darce and her best friend Sam were thinking of how to make Darce feel better. Then Darce said that her brother is somewhat still alive, and that his heart was beating in another man. Darce and Sam decided that they were going to run away and find David’s heart. The name of the man with David’s heart is Winston and he lives in Miami. Their journey to find David’s heart was quite interesting.
I think that the author's theme in the book is love. Darce never wants to give up on her brother’s love and she is determined to find her brother’s heart full of love. In the end all of Darce’s family is loving and happy that they finally got to meet Winston.
I really enjoyed reading the book. I would recommend the book to anybody in high school. The book had some challenging words, but I think they were described in the book really well.
June 21, 2024
I read this book for the first time when I was 9 years old, and almost 9 years later, I decided to read it again. I remember the impact it had on me, and it was the first book to ever make me cry. Holding it in my hands again, and reading it, even though I already knew the story, still made me cry. The ties this book has from the very first page till the last, is amazing, and the cross references make it very interesting. The writer truly is amazing, and has captivated my heart. I have always felt similar to the way Darcy feels, and I have noticed that I ever since I read this book 9 years ago, I have been trying each day to be more like her brother David, more kind and patient. I recommend this book to every teenager and young adult, for it will teach you countless and unforgettable lessons.
**Searching for David’s Heart** by Cherie Bennett is a touching story about a young girl named Darcy Deeton who embarks on a journey to find the recipient of her deceased brother David’s heart. The novel explores themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and the journey toward healing.
Summary: **spoilers ahead!!**
Darcy Deeton has always been close to her older brother, David. Their bond is tested when David starts dating Jayne, leading Darcy to feel jealous and neglected. After a heated argument, David tragically dies in a car accident, leaving Darcy consumed by guilt and grief. The family is shattered by this loss, each member struggling to cope in their own way.
Darcy’s father, Mr. Deeton, is particularly affected. Before the accident, he was a hardworking man who felt increasingly frustrated and overlooked in his job. He had been passed over for a promotion in favor of a Black colleague, which fueled a deep-seated prejudice. This experience left him bitter and resentful, and these feelings only intensified after David’s death.
Darcy discovers that David’s heart was donated and becomes fixated on finding the recipient, believing it will help her find closure. With her best friend, Sam Denning, she sets out on a journey to track down the person who now carries a piece of her brother. They discover that the recipient is a young Black boy named Winston.
After leaving home, Darcy and Sam embark on a poignant journey to find the recipient of her brother David’s heart, driven by Darcy's desperate need for closure and a way to cope with her overwhelming grief and guilt. Sam, her loyal best friend, supports her every step of the way, providing both practical help and emotional comfort.
Their journey begins with extensive research. They visit the hospital where David was treated, hoping to gather information about the organ donation process. They encounter bureaucratic obstacles and confidentiality issues, making it difficult to obtain any concrete leads. Despite these setbacks, Darcy remains determined, and their persistence eventually pays off when they learn that David’s heart was donated to a young boy named Winston, who lives in another town.
Setting off on a road trip, Darcy and Sam face numerous challenges. They have limited funds, forcing them to be resourceful. They take on odd jobs to earn money for gas and food, and occasionally rely on the kindness of strangers who offer them meals or a place to stay. These encounters vary from heartwarming to awkward, but each one teaches them something new about resilience and the goodness of people.
When they finally reach Winston’s town, Darcy is a bundle of nerves. They locate Winston’s house and are welcomed warmly by his family, who live modestly but with an abundance of love and resilience. Winston's family shares their story with Darcy and Sam, detailing Winston’s struggles before the transplant and the miraculous change since receiving David’s heart. Winston himself is a lively, hopeful boy who now dreams of a bright future thanks to his new heart.
Spending time with Winston and his family, Darcy witnesses the profound impact David’s heart has had. She learns about Winston’s newfound ambitions and his gratitude for the second chance at life. These moments are both heartwarming and bittersweet for Darcy, as she grapples with her loss while finding comfort in the life her brother’s heart has saved.
Throughout their journey, Darcy reflects deeply on her relationship with David. She confronts her feelings of guilt and sorrow, gradually coming to terms with the fact that she cannot change the past. The support of Winston’s family and Sam’s unwavering companionship help Darcy begin to forgive herself and find peace.
As their visit comes to an end, Darcy and Sam prepare to return home, carrying with them a sense of closure and renewed hope. Darcy realizes that David’s spirit lives on through Winston and that her brother’s legacy is one of love and generosity. This journey not only helps Darcy heal but also brings her closer to her family, particularly her father, who starts to overcome his prejudices and embrace a more compassionate perspective.
Darcy is initially nervous about how her father will react to the news that a Black boy received David’s heart, given his past experiences and prejudices. However, as she spends time with Winston and his family, she begins to see the impact David’s heart has had on Winston’s life. Winston’s health and spirit are transformed, and he dreams of a bright future thanks to David’s heart.
When Darcy shares her experience with her father, he is initially resistant. His prejudices and grief create a barrier to fully accepting the situation. However, the undeniable humanity and gratitude of Winston’s family slowly break through his defenses. Meeting Winston and seeing the tangible impact of David’s gift forces Mr. Deeton to confront his own biases.
Witnessing the love and appreciation Winston’s family has for David’s heart helps Mr. Deeton realize that his prejudices are baseless and harmful. The experience of seeing the joy and new life that David’s heart has brought to Winston helps to soften his heart and let go of his resentment. This transformative moment allows him to start healing from his grief and opens the door to a more compassionate and understanding outlook.
Darcy’s journey to find David’s heart not only helps her cope with her loss but also bridges the gap between her father’s prejudices and a newfound acceptance. The family begins to heal together, with Mr. Deeton learning to embrace a future free from his past biases. Darcy’s quest brings her peace and closure, knowing that David’s heart continues to beat and bring joy to another family.
In the end, Darcy finds solace in the fact that David’s spirit lives on through Winston, and her father’s transformation reflects the broader themes of love, forgiveness, and the capacity for change. The story concludes with a renewed sense of hope and unity for the Deeton family, as they move forward, honoring David’s memory with love and compassion.
**Searching for David’s Heart** by Cherie Bennett is a touching story about a young girl named Darcy Deeton who embarks on a journey to find the recipient of her deceased brother David’s heart. The novel explores themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and the journey toward healing.
Summary: **spoilers ahead!!**
Darcy Deeton has always been close to her older brother, David. Their bond is tested when David starts dating Jayne, leading Darcy to feel jealous and neglected. After a heated argument, David tragically dies in a car accident, leaving Darcy consumed by guilt and grief. The family is shattered by this loss, each member struggling to cope in their own way.
Darcy’s father, Mr. Deeton, is particularly affected. Before the accident, he was a hardworking man who felt increasingly frustrated and overlooked in his job. He had been passed over for a promotion in favor of a Black colleague, which fueled a deep-seated prejudice. This experience left him bitter and resentful, and these feelings only intensified after David’s death.
Darcy discovers that David’s heart was donated and becomes fixated on finding the recipient, believing it will help her find closure. With her best friend, Sam Denning, she sets out on a journey to track down the person who now carries a piece of her brother. They discover that the recipient is a young Black boy named Winston.
After leaving home, Darcy and Sam embark on a poignant journey to find the recipient of her brother David’s heart, driven by Darcy's desperate need for closure and a way to cope with her overwhelming grief and guilt. Sam, her loyal best friend, supports her every step of the way, providing both practical help and emotional comfort.
Their journey begins with extensive research. They visit the hospital where David was treated, hoping to gather information about the organ donation process. They encounter bureaucratic obstacles and confidentiality issues, making it difficult to obtain any concrete leads. Despite these setbacks, Darcy remains determined, and their persistence eventually pays off when they learn that David’s heart was donated to a young boy named Winston, who lives in another town.
Setting off on a road trip, Darcy and Sam face numerous challenges. They have limited funds, forcing them to be resourceful. They take on odd jobs to earn money for gas and food, and occasionally rely on the kindness of strangers who offer them meals or a place to stay. These encounters vary from heartwarming to awkward, but each one teaches them something new about resilience and the goodness of people.
When they finally reach Winston’s town, Darcy is a bundle of nerves. They locate Winston’s house and are welcomed warmly by his family, who live modestly but with an abundance of love and resilience. Winston's family shares their story with Darcy and Sam, detailing Winston’s struggles before the transplant and the miraculous change since receiving David’s heart. Winston himself is a lively, hopeful boy who now dreams of a bright future thanks to his new heart.
Spending time with Winston and his family, Darcy witnesses the profound impact David’s heart has had. She learns about Winston’s newfound ambitions and his gratitude for the second chance at life. These moments are both heartwarming and bittersweet for Darcy, as she grapples with her loss while finding comfort in the life her brother’s heart has saved.
Throughout their journey, Darcy reflects deeply on her relationship with David. She confronts her feelings of guilt and sorrow, gradually coming to terms with the fact that she cannot change the past. The support of Winston’s family and Sam’s unwavering companionship help Darcy begin to forgive herself and find peace.
As their visit comes to an end, Darcy and Sam prepare to return home, carrying with them a sense of closure and renewed hope. Darcy realizes that David’s spirit lives on through Winston and that her brother’s legacy is one of love and generosity. This journey not only helps Darcy heal but also brings her closer to her family, particularly her father, who starts to overcome his prejudices and embrace a more compassionate perspective.
Darcy is initially nervous about how her father will react to the news that a Black boy received David’s heart, given his past experiences and prejudices. However, as she spends time with Winston and his family, she begins to see the impact David’s heart has had on Winston’s life. Winston’s health and spirit are transformed, and he dreams of a bright future thanks to David’s heart.
When Darcy shares her experience with her father, he is initially resistant. His prejudices and grief create a barrier to fully accepting the situation. However, the undeniable humanity and gratitude of Winston’s family slowly break through his defenses. Meeting Winston and seeing the tangible impact of David’s gift forces Mr. Deeton to confront his own biases.
Witnessing the love and appreciation Winston’s family has for David’s heart helps Mr. Deeton realize that his prejudices are baseless and harmful. The experience of seeing the joy and new life that David’s heart has brought to Winston helps to soften his heart and let go of his resentment. This transformative moment allows him to start healing from his grief and opens the door to a more compassionate and understanding outlook.
Darcy’s journey to find David’s heart not only helps her cope with her loss but also bridges the gap between her father’s prejudices and a newfound acceptance. The family begins to heal together, with Mr. Deeton learning to embrace a future free from his past biases. Darcy’s quest brings her peace and closure, knowing that David’s heart continues to beat and bring joy to another family.
In the end, Darcy finds solace in the fact that David’s spirit lives on through Winston, and her father’s transformation reflects the broader themes of love, forgiveness, and the capacity for change. The story concludes with a renewed sense of hope and unity for the Deeton family, as they move forward, honoring David’s memory with love and compassion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2011
This was a book that I was unsure about. I knew that it was about organ donation and since I had bad feelings about the subject I was not sure I would like the story. I read the story in one night and cried through most of it. It did not change my mind on organ donation, but it was good. The main character Darcy loves her older brother and idolizes him. He is involved in a car accident and dies. She feels responsible and goes to see who got her brother heart. Her best friend is weird, but oh so loveable. I could picture Sam so well. It is a true test of faith and friendship to travel so far with unknown results. I was on the edge of my seat at the end wondering what would happen next. This is a must read for all parents and teens about what matters most in life. Darcy thinks her father hates her because he is so hard on her. She feels let down when she doesnt get the computer she asked for. Her family has no money, her father is always in pain, she is made to go visit her grandmother in the nursing home who cant speak or commuicate after her stroke, the mother works double shifts, the beloved son and brother dies, they no longer go to church and are not much like a family. All things that kids need to hear about and read.
December 25, 2022
-kinda cringey. i've read better middle grades. this isn't how kids act. the main character is obnoxious
-why is she possessive over her brother?? emotional incest?
-basically, the dad can be racist cuz his life is hard
-the middle, after her brother died did make me sad and i did start to get a bit more invested
-some parts are still really cringe (like the scene with amazin') and unrealistic but like, it is a pretty old middle grade
-her dad is such an asshole
-i do feel bad for her and she's just a kid but like why's she such a brat. She's rude to sam too, who literally came all the way to Florida. I understand people grieving are not exactly really nice all the time but i guess just from the outside, it's easy to get annoyed with her.
-just because she's black they assumed she was the housekeeper?
-the part with her head on Winston's chest made me sad
-i get what the author was trying to do but this was not the way to do it
-why is she possessive over her brother?? emotional incest?
-basically, the dad can be racist cuz his life is hard
-the middle, after her brother died did make me sad and i did start to get a bit more invested
-some parts are still really cringe (like the scene with amazin') and unrealistic but like, it is a pretty old middle grade
-her dad is such an asshole
-i do feel bad for her and she's just a kid but like why's she such a brat. She's rude to sam too, who literally came all the way to Florida. I understand people grieving are not exactly really nice all the time but i guess just from the outside, it's easy to get annoyed with her.
-just because she's black they assumed she was the housekeeper?
-the part with her head on Winston's chest made me sad
-i get what the author was trying to do but this was not the way to do it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2010
This book will always be close to my heart. So, so touching and heart-breaking...it was a true tear-jerker. The only thing I have a hard time figuring out, not that I've had a few years to reflect on this story- after thinking back for the first time in months, I remember that this girl was 12 years old. She had left, run away from HOME, with her 12 year old best friend...now, how realistic is this?
That being said, this story means so much to me, and I'm proud to call it an asset to my bookshelf.
That being said, this story means so much to me, and I'm proud to call it an asset to my bookshelf.
April 15, 2011
One of the most amazing books I have ever read in my entire life! It was very heart warming and inspirational, I almost cried at the end it was very moving. I don't know what else to say other than fantastic that was the whole book. here is the books definition...
Searching for David's Heart- A(n) very,interesting,heart warming,Christmas story,sad!
Definition 2-
AMAZING!!!!!!
:)
PS: I wish I could do more than five stars thats how good it was.
PPS:Read the epilouge it's a very important part to read after you finish the book!
READ THE BOOK FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!
Searching for David's Heart- A(n) very,interesting,heart warming,Christmas story,sad!
Definition 2-
AMAZING!!!!!!
:)
PS: I wish I could do more than five stars thats how good it was.
PPS:Read the epilouge it's a very important part to read after you finish the book!
READ THE BOOK FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!
October 20, 2011
I never knew it was possible to cry with both joy and sorrow. Then I read Searching for David's Heart. Darcy loves her older brother, but her world is crushed when he dies. Her heart takes a journey as she searches for her brother's transplanted heart in an intertwinement of Houdini magic, friendship, and sneaky bus rides. This heartwarming book is the perfect story to cuddle up with by a fire on a rainy day. For all book lovers, this is a touching, beautiful gem.
May 18, 2016
I absolutely love this book. I cry every single time I read it and not just tears, violent sobs. It is amazing and I highly recommend it to everyone.
March 29, 2014
My all time favorite book as a child! I've read this countless times and I've never tired of it. Heartwarming story
December 11, 2015
Great story for young people. I think I read it to my kids when they were in upper elementary.
February 9, 2017
Wow..
April 16, 2024
I was just thinking of this book. I read it over and over again in 5th grade it was my all time favorite. I may be bias because it takes place in Wisconsin.
March 2, 2011
This was recommended to me by a friend, who in her words, was crying throughout the entire book. Normally I do not read books such as these. Something that has this kind of cover and/or recommended by any friends (a guide I never seem to follow consistently). But well, since it was a one-book deal (if it were a series things would be different) and it was practically shoved into my hands, I had a read, because really it’s not like there's anything else to do in school.
From my friend’s brief synopsis, I deduced one thing: this is a really old trope, worn for years, beaten to death and bled out on the pavement for years and years. It basically summed up as Survivor's guilt, protagonist does something stupid that leads her to go on a journey (where she/he relies on wits to survive,) of searching for herself and for atonement, in the end everything is neatly tied up and people emerge as better people. I even guessed the main character would be a preteen girl. That there is not the best of signs, but I read it anyway.
Basically, this girl, what’s-her-name...Darcy is painted as a poor 12-year-old girl who lacks self-confidence with a bitter (newly racist after losing out on a promotion, and subsequently hurting his back) father, a hero for a brother and a wallflower for a mother. And at first her brother's awesome...but then he buys his first set of love-goggles. Darcy becomes insanely jealous, which is something I shall never understand. And then there’s Darcy’s sassy 12-year-old friend named Sam who can do magic tricks and pick locks, and who memorized the dictionary. Little Sam is by far the most sensible, and more memorable of anyone in the entire book, if a bit ... peculiar and often downright unbelievable as a boy of 12. I was 12 once, and I know how they think. It’s almost certainly not: It worries me that their vote counts as much as yours or mine. (I’m paraphrasing a little, but it’s nearly exactly what he said, and I remember because 12-year-old boys don’t talk like that. But allowances can be made.)
So Darcy gets her big hero of a brother killed after he was being a bit of a jerk like older siblings tend to be. He says something he shouldn’t have said to Darcy’s archenemy aka his new squeeze, and Darcy storms off saying terrible last things to him as any upset little girl tends to do, and her brother darts out after her, into the path of an oncoming car. The all-popular, all-perfect jock falls into a coma, and then they pull the plug and donate his heart.
Understandably, Darcy is in therapy. The story picks up months later and things at home are worse than they were now the beacon of light that was her older brother is gone, and she thinks she was the one who snuffed it. She goes so far as to call herself a murderer, that she’d killed her brother on purpose. This warrants some thinking, and perhaps yeah... I do recall her wishing her brother dead being one of her last words. If only I could reach into the book and shout into her face, “You weren’t driving the car, were you? You do not control what happens in the universe, right? You didn’t push him in front of the car, did you?” But I couldn’t. And because most of this guilt is in her head, no one else knows she feels this way. At this point she hasn’t spoken to Sam in months, and one day, she just does. And Sam, quite obviously crushing on her, doggedly hangs around, and is partially responsible for giving her the mother of all silly ideas.
She decides to go find her brother’s heart, I think because she thought it would mean that he was still with her...some of him at least. And that would mean he was still alive. And I get that, I do, and her determination, though a little misguided, is admirable, but everything leading up to finding his heart is just too ... silly.
She gets on this bus with Sam, packing a book, peanut butter mush sandwich, some money (Gee, wonder where she got that if her family was as dirt poor as she said) and whatever else people bring in backpacks when they run away from home. Worse, she actually doesn’t plan to come back. The kids meet this sweet, albeit very gullible old lady, give her fake names saying they’re from a circus, and Sam cons her into buying them dinner. And then Darcy realizes the old lady is dirt poor, too, so she stops Sam, and very kindly leaves some money for the old lady. None of this matters because when the bus makes a pit stop near a carnival, they get themselves stuck in a Ferris Wheel and the bus leaves without them. I don’t see how this can happen (swine bus driver), but the author gently brushes this aside with an “oh well,” because it makes things interesting to have the kids stranded without possessions.
Sam suggests turning back, and I admittedly didn’t want this to happen, because really, what sort of book is that? They don’t, and end up performing Houdini’s Metamorphosis, upstaging another performer and winning a lot of money in bets. Thank goodness, he knew how to do that, huh? Clever, but I did not fall into the suspension of belief shroud because really, Cherie wasn’t trying, and it wasn’t the most subtle introduction to Sam’s talent (I’m the great Sam-dini!). Then the clever kids hitchhike in a truck with a donkey, because at least they are sensible enough to avoid bus depots where there’ll be less gullible cops. Following which they become stowaways in a furniture truck, and then hop into a taxi, finally ending up in Miami, Florida.
Then they meet the heart-transplant recipient and his family, spend the night with questionable folk who ran away from home, and eventually Darcy confronts the boy, who she perceives (and accuses) as an ungrateful brat who goes about taking people’s hearts and just ... living. Basically, she loses it, and things start becoming incoherent, and it’s the boy’s mom being terribly sympathetic to strangers who just stormed into her home and insulted her son. They shouldn’t have to, but these poor folk spend most of their time trying to explain that they really aren’t the ungrateful fiends she thinks they are. Being super nice folk, the family (who might I mention, is rich) change the Christmas plans to accommodate (let’s face it, the real brat here) Darcy and take her home to ...uh...what’s it, Houston? Wisconsin? Some town. Here’s the real kicker: The nice family who has Darcy’s brother’s heart? African American. And as mentioned above, Darcy’s father is ... racist. Consequently, he come to grips that his generalization and prejudices were all BS and he breaks down in tears. The author also subtly notes that, “LOOK! HEY LOOK! A White Lutheran family, A Catholic African-American family and a Jewish family (Sam) all together in love and harmony on Christmas day! We’re all the same! Get it? LOOK AT THIS! Me inserting good values and themes and ‘many colors to make a rainbow’, did you notice?”
Verdict: 3 stars is a stretch. But I understand there’s been a movie adaptation?
From my friend’s brief synopsis, I deduced one thing: this is a really old trope, worn for years, beaten to death and bled out on the pavement for years and years. It basically summed up as Survivor's guilt, protagonist does something stupid that leads her to go on a journey (where she/he relies on wits to survive,) of searching for herself and for atonement, in the end everything is neatly tied up and people emerge as better people. I even guessed the main character would be a preteen girl. That there is not the best of signs, but I read it anyway.
Basically, this girl, what’s-her-name...Darcy is painted as a poor 12-year-old girl who lacks self-confidence with a bitter (newly racist after losing out on a promotion, and subsequently hurting his back) father, a hero for a brother and a wallflower for a mother. And at first her brother's awesome...but then he buys his first set of love-goggles. Darcy becomes insanely jealous, which is something I shall never understand. And then there’s Darcy’s sassy 12-year-old friend named Sam who can do magic tricks and pick locks, and who memorized the dictionary. Little Sam is by far the most sensible, and more memorable of anyone in the entire book, if a bit ... peculiar and often downright unbelievable as a boy of 12. I was 12 once, and I know how they think. It’s almost certainly not: It worries me that their vote counts as much as yours or mine. (I’m paraphrasing a little, but it’s nearly exactly what he said, and I remember because 12-year-old boys don’t talk like that. But allowances can be made.)
So Darcy gets her big hero of a brother killed after he was being a bit of a jerk like older siblings tend to be. He says something he shouldn’t have said to Darcy’s archenemy aka his new squeeze, and Darcy storms off saying terrible last things to him as any upset little girl tends to do, and her brother darts out after her, into the path of an oncoming car. The all-popular, all-perfect jock falls into a coma, and then they pull the plug and donate his heart.
Understandably, Darcy is in therapy. The story picks up months later and things at home are worse than they were now the beacon of light that was her older brother is gone, and she thinks she was the one who snuffed it. She goes so far as to call herself a murderer, that she’d killed her brother on purpose. This warrants some thinking, and perhaps yeah... I do recall her wishing her brother dead being one of her last words. If only I could reach into the book and shout into her face, “You weren’t driving the car, were you? You do not control what happens in the universe, right? You didn’t push him in front of the car, did you?” But I couldn’t. And because most of this guilt is in her head, no one else knows she feels this way. At this point she hasn’t spoken to Sam in months, and one day, she just does. And Sam, quite obviously crushing on her, doggedly hangs around, and is partially responsible for giving her the mother of all silly ideas.
She decides to go find her brother’s heart, I think because she thought it would mean that he was still with her...some of him at least. And that would mean he was still alive. And I get that, I do, and her determination, though a little misguided, is admirable, but everything leading up to finding his heart is just too ... silly.
She gets on this bus with Sam, packing a book, peanut butter mush sandwich, some money (Gee, wonder where she got that if her family was as dirt poor as she said) and whatever else people bring in backpacks when they run away from home. Worse, she actually doesn’t plan to come back. The kids meet this sweet, albeit very gullible old lady, give her fake names saying they’re from a circus, and Sam cons her into buying them dinner. And then Darcy realizes the old lady is dirt poor, too, so she stops Sam, and very kindly leaves some money for the old lady. None of this matters because when the bus makes a pit stop near a carnival, they get themselves stuck in a Ferris Wheel and the bus leaves without them. I don’t see how this can happen (swine bus driver), but the author gently brushes this aside with an “oh well,” because it makes things interesting to have the kids stranded without possessions.
Sam suggests turning back, and I admittedly didn’t want this to happen, because really, what sort of book is that? They don’t, and end up performing Houdini’s Metamorphosis, upstaging another performer and winning a lot of money in bets. Thank goodness, he knew how to do that, huh? Clever, but I did not fall into the suspension of belief shroud because really, Cherie wasn’t trying, and it wasn’t the most subtle introduction to Sam’s talent (I’m the great Sam-dini!). Then the clever kids hitchhike in a truck with a donkey, because at least they are sensible enough to avoid bus depots where there’ll be less gullible cops. Following which they become stowaways in a furniture truck, and then hop into a taxi, finally ending up in Miami, Florida.
Then they meet the heart-transplant recipient and his family, spend the night with questionable folk who ran away from home, and eventually Darcy confronts the boy, who she perceives (and accuses) as an ungrateful brat who goes about taking people’s hearts and just ... living. Basically, she loses it, and things start becoming incoherent, and it’s the boy’s mom being terribly sympathetic to strangers who just stormed into her home and insulted her son. They shouldn’t have to, but these poor folk spend most of their time trying to explain that they really aren’t the ungrateful fiends she thinks they are. Being super nice folk, the family (who might I mention, is rich) change the Christmas plans to accommodate (let’s face it, the real brat here) Darcy and take her home to ...uh...what’s it, Houston? Wisconsin? Some town. Here’s the real kicker: The nice family who has Darcy’s brother’s heart? African American. And as mentioned above, Darcy’s father is ... racist. Consequently, he come to grips that his generalization and prejudices were all BS and he breaks down in tears. The author also subtly notes that, “LOOK! HEY LOOK! A White Lutheran family, A Catholic African-American family and a Jewish family (Sam) all together in love and harmony on Christmas day! We’re all the same! Get it? LOOK AT THIS! Me inserting good values and themes and ‘many colors to make a rainbow’, did you notice?”
Verdict: 3 stars is a stretch. But I understand there’s been a movie adaptation?
April 26, 2020
Darcy's life isn't very easy. Her parents worry about money and jobs as well as arguing with one another. Darcy is not very close with her dad and her younger brother is a pest. But, Darcy and her older brother are best friends. David has always been there for Darcy until he got a girlfriend, his little sister then seemed less important. One night after Darcy had a bad birthday celebration she went to a Jazz concert to spy on David and his girlfriend. When she overheard them talking she got mad at David and they had a terrible argument. Darcy ran of and when David ran after her he was hit by a car and killed. Darcy blamed herself for his death she never dreamed anymore and told herself that if it weren't for her then David would be alive. David's heart is donated for transplant and Darcy decides that if she can find her brothers heart, he would still be alive in a way. Darcy convinces her best friend Sam to runaway to Miami with her. This is were David's heart was donated. Darcy and Sam pack up and sneak a way on a bus ride were they end up at the wrong stop when they don't get back on the bus in time. After sadness and confusion Sam and Darcy sneak in a Horse trailer that gets them to Florida. At last Darcy and Sam track down Winston Pawling who got David's heart. When Darcy sees him, her anger takes over and she feels that Winston is not even grateful for David's heart. When Darcy and Sam meet Winston and his parents it is Christmas Eve. Darcy tells Winston and his mom about her brother and cries and cries she still can't believe what had happened. Mrs. Pawling calls Sam and Darcy's Parents so they can fly home for Christmas. Winston tells Darcy that he thinks of David as his hero. And to have an even happier ending, Darcy gets home to her family who she now knows loves her.
December 29, 2022
Beautiful book. I really appreciate when children's books have all the elements of a good story, but are written in an accessible format. This book made me, a grown woman, stop and reread parts because it created a whirlwind of emotions. And I needed to reread parts to identify and engage each emotion fully. The story itself was interesting and the plot carried well. The characters were neither good not bad. You admired aspects of them, but grew to understand their weaknesses. But, like Katherine Applegate, Bennett's writing elevates the story. Her use of imagery, dialogue and metaphors are the parts I keep tucked in my heart and mind. I like the realism of this story. There is no magic that can fix all mistakes and I love that the story doesn't wrap up all perfectly neatly. I expected a more cookie cutter ending and was glad I was wrong.
Despite the open ending, the foundation of the family's love and forgiveness is established, and that is a satisfying conclusion. It is up to each reader to decide what the ending means. After all, it is human nature to find ways to make sense of the tragedies and injustices of life. Your conclusion may say more about yourself than you realize.
Despite the open ending, the foundation of the family's love and forgiveness is established, and that is a satisfying conclusion. It is up to each reader to decide what the ending means. After all, it is human nature to find ways to make sense of the tragedies and injustices of life. Your conclusion may say more about yourself than you realize.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2023
I remember reading this book when I was much younger. I decided to pick it back up a few weeks ago and my heart remembered each word. This book will definitely tug on your heartstrings.
It's a straight-forward tale - a young man loses his life, and his heart is donated to another boy, in need. His sister, desperate for some closure, decided to track down his heart.
Reading this as an adult is way different as a child. When I first read the story, I was Team Darcy, all the way. How dare David have a new girlfriend and choose her over Darcy? And it totally made sense to run away, with a best friend, to track down David's heart. Clearly, this is no longer the case. That said, the author does an amazing job in writing this story as a young child, confused by her own grief.
During my re-read, I also picked up on the complications surrounding racism, in the story. As a child, this went over my head. But reading about her father's sentiments towards African Americans and then having the recipient of David's heart being an African American was a small shock. I really appreciated the peace Darcy's father seemed to have made concerning his own biases.
It really is an excellent read for younger readers.
It's a straight-forward tale - a young man loses his life, and his heart is donated to another boy, in need. His sister, desperate for some closure, decided to track down his heart.
Reading this as an adult is way different as a child. When I first read the story, I was Team Darcy, all the way. How dare David have a new girlfriend and choose her over Darcy? And it totally made sense to run away, with a best friend, to track down David's heart. Clearly, this is no longer the case. That said, the author does an amazing job in writing this story as a young child, confused by her own grief.
During my re-read, I also picked up on the complications surrounding racism, in the story. As a child, this went over my head. But reading about her father's sentiments towards African Americans and then having the recipient of David's heart being an African American was a small shock. I really appreciated the peace Darcy's father seemed to have made concerning his own biases.
It really is an excellent read for younger readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2018
Darcy was very close to her older brother David. There relationship was very special to Darcy, but she begins to feel threatened when she meets David’s girlfriend. Darcy becomes fearful that David is being taken away from her by his new girlfriend, and their relationship starts to change. This leads to a huge fight that unfortunately ends in David’s death. She is obviously heartbroken by the loss of her brother, and feels guilty, thinking she was the cause of her brother’s death. Knowing that her parents chose to donate David’s heart, Darcy decides that as long as his heart is still beating somewhere, her brother is still out there. And so begins her journey to find David’s heart. Although it takes her some time, it is heartwarming when Darcy finally has her moment with the person who carries David’s heart with them.
December 2, 2018
You'd think there was no way to dislike the main character in a book, but there is. This book is proof. The author has no idea what kids are really like. I'm sure there are people who would disagree, but the "protagonist" was not even likable at the end of the story. The whole point of the book was to find her brother's heart, and she does, but even after finding it, she is still ungrateful. It takes several more chapters for her to finally come around and realize that she shouldn't actually hate the person who now has David's heart just because she's the reason her brother is dead. I only gave the book two stars because of the atrocious and unrealistic portrayal of kids and the poor use of dialogue. The book takes way too long to redeem itself, probably to ensure that the reader finishes it, wanting that happy ending. It is a happy ending, but it's too little, too late.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2011
This was a very special story. So many deeper meanings in what was happening. The grandma, being sick now, had given them lists of books to read...but was unable to communicate presently. The brother dying in an unfortunate accident and the sister left behind blaming herself for what happened to him. The angst with her father...when he told her that she was selfish and only thought of herself at her birthday, my heart broke because she couldn't think of herself because she was tormented about the loss of her brother. Her desperate search to find some part of her brother was heart wrenching. If we could only do that...but his heart was donated and the possibility was powerful. I understood her depression and felt for the way she constantly put herself down. Crazy how we do that...some of us most of the time. A person's heart that is still beating means the person is still alive...hummm. Deeper meanings in this and when I think about it, I can see that we also keep the person alive with our memories of them. Also, with loss, there are many who tell us that time heals everything...but really it doesn't. We just learn to adjust to the loss of someone very special to our hearts. When I read the emotions of her father about losing his son, my heart broke. He had been sad because he didn't get a promotion which their family desperately needed. But there is no comparing that with the loss of a child. Oh, how we all wish that we had just one more day or hour to speak to the one that is gone forever. Then the daughter feeling like she didn't belong anywhere. As if her anchor was her brother and now she was an 'unjoined' person from anything in the world. After losing my family, I went on a quest to press through to the other side as if there was a line between here and there that I could cross...cross over to the parallel universe. And the constant berating of oneself as useless...of no earthly value. She was so depressed that she couldn't see any good that her live had...even while helping the older lady, she was calling herself worthless. Thinking that your parents don't care about you...as if you could die and they wouldn't miss you. It is that way with children that are left when a sibling dies...I know this first hand. Everything about my brother became angelic and I felt like the devil...wanted to be the one that died instead of the one left alive with parents that would rather have him than me. It's a perception thing but very real for the one that is experiencing the loss. As if the parents lost a child...but no one remembers that she lost a sibling. Tough. She didn't want to tell anyone what really happened that night. She kept having panic attacks. Her body was manifesting a physical response to an emotional injury. Counseling doesn't help this type of situation...really, only the truth can but it is rare for knowing who to trust the truth with. Beautifully written in the frame of mind of a child experiencing loss. It brought me back to when I was young...so much we don't understand at that age. Seeing someone else have a happy family when she felt that she wasn't a part of hers any longer and her family didn't have so many nice things. When we are in a down place, it is easy to see that others have so much more than we do. But grief makes us feel as if we have lost everything and will forever be poor...in spirit and in reality. She wanted to die and was punishing herself for what had happened. Often when there is tramatic death in the family, one or more members will spiral into masochism. Very powerful and so often exactly what we do when trying to deal with the loss. it is easier to be hard on oneself then to think of the pain of having missing parts in your heart because of grief. She even felt jealous of the boy that had David's heart...as if she would be better if she had his heart. When she mentioned this to the boy, he told them more details of what his life has been. In reflection, it is easier to see that he had suffered as well. And when he brought them to the treehouse and showed them David's picture in his place of honor, it became very clear that he was thankful for the life given him by transplant. Ultimately, his parents gave them tickets home and surprised them by coming along as well. They wanted to thank David's parents for allowing his heart to be donated. The pain goes both ways because David had to die for the boy to live...so many mixed emotions...it is truly a gift to meet the donar's family. She wanted to find David's heart to be closer to a part of him. But what she received were valuable lessons in the grace of others. She was able to listen to David's heart...and hear as if he was telling her he forgave her for running away and saying she hated him...wishing he was dead. Oh my...what a tear jerker...to only have just one moment to speak again to the departed. There were other strings in this story and part is the magic of metamorphosis...if you believe in yourself...put one foot in front of the other...you can fly. You can do anything and your life has meaning...just as the one that lost their life. There is reason to live and there is reason to take care of yourself. You are more loved than you realize and you are important. Even if your sick relative can't respond to you they can hear you. Read to them, talk to them, stay close, let your hearts be knit together. For one day, they will no longer be with you and it will be up to you to remember them. Keep them in your memory...share with others if you can...but always keep them near your heart. In that way, they will always be close to you and will even speak to you so you are not alone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2017
Incredibly touching. Almost brought me to tears several times (and that rarely happens for me). Also, I was really impressed with how close I felt to these characters by the end of such a short book. I was drawn to them right off the bat, and as the plot moved forward, I only got more invested in them. This book touches on difficult topics with so much care, but still manages to be so funny (didn't expect that) and... exciting? Dunno if that's the right word, but the plot really pushes itself forward.
Would definitely recommend it. I know this is technically a children's book, but it blew me away, and I think anyone would enjoy it.
Also, did anyone else wish that Meemaw's list of books would be included at the end for us? Or was it just me?
Would definitely recommend it. I know this is technically a children's book, but it blew me away, and I think anyone would enjoy it.
Also, did anyone else wish that Meemaw's list of books would be included at the end for us? Or was it just me?
November 27, 2023
Searching for David's Heart: A Christmas Story" had potential but fell short in execution. The lack of depth in character development, predictable plotlines, pacing issues, and the missed opportunity to capture the true essence of Christmas left me feeling unsatisfied with the overall reading experience. Despite its good intentions, this book unfortunately did not resonate with me as I had hoped it would.
While the premise of the story seemed promising—a narrative centred around the theme of love, loss, and the spirit of Christmas—it failed to deliver the emotional depth I anticipated. The plot felt predictable, lacking the depth and complexity needed to truly engage the audience. The characters, though relatable, didn't undergo significant development, leaving them feeling somewhat one-dimensional and failing to evoke a strong connection.
While the premise of the story seemed promising—a narrative centred around the theme of love, loss, and the spirit of Christmas—it failed to deliver the emotional depth I anticipated. The plot felt predictable, lacking the depth and complexity needed to truly engage the audience. The characters, though relatable, didn't undergo significant development, leaving them feeling somewhat one-dimensional and failing to evoke a strong connection.
December 30, 2018
Darcy and David are brother and sister, they love each other dearly although times are hard and their family is struggling.
But when David gets a girlfriend Darcy is jealous and she loses her temper and a tragic accident ensues.
David dies but he is an organ donor so in a way his heart lives on.
Riddled with guilt Darcy and her friend Sam set out to try and find the new owner of her brother's heart to see who was given the gift of life over Christmas.
A touching, tender story about love, guilt and above all forgiveness.
But when David gets a girlfriend Darcy is jealous and she loses her temper and a tragic accident ensues.
David dies but he is an organ donor so in a way his heart lives on.
Riddled with guilt Darcy and her friend Sam set out to try and find the new owner of her brother's heart to see who was given the gift of life over Christmas.
A touching, tender story about love, guilt and above all forgiveness.
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