I'm going to be thinking about this novel for a long time. Heartbreaking, touching, sensitive, beautiful. Bittersweet. ( )

This was a an easy book to slip in and out of. The premise felt new, or at least new to me. I can't recall that i've read many books with quite the mix of subjects as this one.

I don't think I've read a book where one of the characters is interested in taxidermy or virtual reality, so both of those were interesting topics to read about in a YA novel.

I appreciated that the relationship between Emmitt and Becca is very subtle and doesn't have the feeling of instalove to it.

The one thing that I found quite disappointing is my lack of connection to the characters. I rated this as highly as I did because I felt it was a unique approach to difficult suject matter, but I felt a whole lot of nothing emotionally for the family and the grief they're going through. I can't quite put my finger on why, I just didn't.

Still enjoyed reading this overall, though.

*I won a copy of this book in a Librarything Giveaway* ( )

Heart Sister is a heart breaking novel that tells the story of Emmitt, who has lost his sister and is looking for closure. Michael F. Stewards writing style was extremely captivating and thoughful. The characters were well crafted and realistic. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and I'm looking forward to read more from the author. ( )

Realistic and riveting. There is so much going on in Heart Sister that the pages seemed to turn themselves. Heartfelt and emotional, I couldn't help feeling so much sympathy for Emmitt and everyone involved in his film project. The book is a bit of a downer, but still an enjoyable read for lovers of YA. ( )

I'm writing this right after I finished reading Heart Sister. It's such a touching story. Emmitt's twin sister Minnie dies in an accident, and she was registered as an organ donor, so she saved lives after her death.
Emmitt's whole life is turned upside down. The people he thought were his friends stop talking to him. His father won't say Minnie's name, and his mother has completely clocked out - she won't get off the couch.

Emmitt likes to make films and comes up with the idea to track down the people who received organs from Minnie. He wants to make a film to help his parents feel better. He wants this so bad that he does some crazy things to track these people down. He imagines how inspiring the film will be, but when he meets each person, learning each story, things aren't so perfect.
It's his "heart sister" he is the most concerned with. Unfortunately, although they exchange letters, Emmitt's heart sister does not wish to meet him. But Emmitt won't give up that easy as he tracks down Minnie's heart despite the recipient's wishes, and he gets into a bit of trouble, only to find out something devastating.
Heart Sister is such a touching story filled with unique characters, and touching moments. I loved the idea for Emmitt's project, and I loved some of the people he met. It was heartbreaking that his parents essentially abandoned him, leaving him so desperate to fix things. In the end, Emmitt really needed to go on this journey to let go of his sister. I was so touched throughout the book, and I won't forget it.