Casey Schillinger is on the brink of death when she receives a much needed heart transplant. Three years down the road, Casey’s life may have improved physically, but in other ways, things haven’t returned to normal. She suffers from insomnia due to terrifying nightmares and unable to keep herself out of illegal activity. This isn’t who she used to be and now she’s determined to find out what she has become.
“But, no matter how hard she tried, the beating of the heart pounded in her ears, carrying with it a taunt that demanded her attention. It was as though nothing could compete with the sound of the foreign organ beating inside her, and it angered her.”
The idea of The Recipient is captivating at first – are you really just accepting one part of a person when you accept a donated organ, as Casey did? Or, is there more to it? In some ways, the book lives up to its thrilling appeal as you begin to wonder what turns Casey’s life will take, especially as she begins to show a willingness to learn more about her donor’s past. Yet, in other ways, there were some issues with switching a character’s point of view, although the story remains third person. Also, there is mention to Casey being agoraphobic although it’s rarely exhibited due to her frequent outings.
If you are drawn to the theme of donor recipient gone bad, this book will appeal to you. Despite the book’s flaws, it does provide a sense of mystery and intrigue that is worth considering for your next read.