BLURB:

Brynn Kwan is desperate for her high school persona to be real. That Brynn is head of the yearbook committee, the favorite for prom queen, and definitely not crumbling from a secret disability that’s rapidly wearing her down. If no one knows the truth about her condition, Brynn doesn’t have to worry about the pitying looks or accusations of being a faker that already destroyed her childhood friendships. She’s even willing to let go of her four-year relationship with her first love, Oliver, rather than reveal that a necessary surgery was the reason she ignored his existence for the entire summer.

But after Brynn tries to break up a fight at a pep rally and winds up barred from all her clubs and senior prom, she has nothing left to prop up her illusion of being just like everyone else. During a week-long suspension from school, she realizes that she doesn’t quite recognize the face in the mirror—and it’s not because of her black eye from the fight. With a healthy sister who simply doesn’t understand and a confused ex-boyfriend who won’t just take a hint and go away like a normal human being, Brynn begins to wonder if it’s possible to reinvent her world by being the person she thought no one wanted: herself.

My Thoughts:

I am thrilled to have received an ARC of “Conditions of a Heart”. This book is an absolute must-read for everyone. I’ve noticed an increasing number of books featuring protagonists with chronic or mental illnesses, and it’s wonderful to see this diversification in the literary world. “Conditions of a Heart” is a touching and realistic portrayal of these important issues. I was deeply moved by Brynn’s story and felt a strong connection to Mangle, the author, who also faces chronic illnesses. The book provides valuable insight into the struggles of living with a chronic illness (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), highlighting not only its impact on the protagonist, but also on their family and friends. It was truly an enlightening read. I found myself rooting for Oliver and Brynn throughout the entire book, and my heart ached for Brynn, considering how young she is to face such challenges. This book is truly exceptional, and I commend Mangle for shedding light on this condition and bravely sharing her experiences through this art form.

Happy Reading Folks!