Book Review: 'A Change of Heart'; By Max Crompton

I thought I'd do something different today and write a book review of someone who has written about their own CHD adventures. 

It's quite rare to find these kinds of books on the market. But I think they're becoming more popular now. Celebrity autobiographies are extremely popular right now, with every comedian and pop star you can name having published their life story. Perhaps there are few people willing to write about their diseases, but I really enjoy (if that is the appropriate word) reading books and blogs written by people in the same boat as me. I've read a few of the books on the market but I never really agree with everything the writer is saying. I suppose it's an extreme circumstance to be in, being disabled, and we all cope with it in different ways. There have been tv programmes about disabled people, which I feel I've had more in common with the person, though more often than not they don't have anything that's even similar to my diseases.

Max Crompton's A Change of Heart: My Heart Transplant Journal at the Freeman Hospital follows Max, a CHD sufferer, in the run up and the after math of his heart transplant. It has probably been the most enjoyable read of the other books I have read in this category. He gives a wonderful insight into his world and his life. He has a good writing style, which is very relaxed and easy to read. You really feel like you are following his own personal journey, which involves more heart aches than the actual heart disease. It is written in the style of a diary. He has written almost every day leading up to his transplant and the aftermath. His loved ones write a few passages while Max is having his transplant, which is also insightful and emotive.

My only criticism is that his conversational style, while very enjoyable, does lend itself to talking about dinner and Max, sounding like a typical man, does describe quite mundane daily activities such as what he had for dinner and so on. It is quite endearing but I must admit it did get a little tiring. My favourite bits of the book were when he delved into philosophical matters, which do show off his intelligence and unique outlook on life, which I found very interesting and thought provoking.  

It is a brilliant read, especially if you have an interest in people with heart disease or transplants, if you're the relative of someone with heart disease or if you yourself suffer from a life threatening disease. Max writes in a very relaxed way that does not make you feel scared or uncomfortable. So if you're looking for a summer book, take a look at A Change of Heart by Max Crompton.