Heart Transplant Hardcover – 26 Oct. 2010

I learned of Andrew Vacchs through two friends (Marc & John) at differing times. He was often mentioned and so I took the bait and started to BUY his books. The first one floored me: it was perfect in it's purpose and structure. To me, it was an easy read as it was in short-story format. A lot of it took me time to digest due to it's honest writing, and of course to it's powerful subject matter. I honestly have not been that moved by a writer in my life perhaps. This book is one of a few where Andrew shares writing credits, but it's also in a 'graphic-novel' format, something I'd usually stay away from. Don't let that deter you - it has a purpose that fits hand-in-glove with the material being presented. Andrew is a force - hard to deny that. His style is both entertaining and educational at the same time. He has a way with words that create specific images or feelings that stir deep. I can't recommend his writing enough, and if you're adventurous, you'll take a leap of faith and find out for yourself.

This book contains some analises on bullying, some interesting, some common knowledge. I was looking for strategies to fight the mental victimism of the bullied and I am not sure I found it here.The comic book story contained in the book is interesting, but not devoid of some stereotypes (the fighting Irish spirit that resurges in the bullied kid; Mario, the presumably Italian or Latino bully - when, in my experience, it was always the Italians who were bullied by waspy Americans kids -, etc.) which deflated its power as a teaching tool and distracted me from its message.

I felt like this book was written to me. Not for me, or even about me. TO me. The sensation is unnerving.So was the book's accuracy, from the numerous bullying cliches laid out in detail, to the straightforward depiction of the root of the problem faced by Sean, the narrator, and others like him. Why doesn't he fight?Certainly not cowardice. Or even lack of skill with his fists - those are just more cliches. What Sean was missing was the knowledge, and the belief, that he himself was worth fighting for. It's one of the many gifts he eventually receives from Pops, who sees the kid's horrendous circumstances and makes an on-the-spot decision to give a damn.Ultimately, I wish the kid I used to be had been given this book. I don't know if it would have changed anything. But the depth of understanding, the message of belief - it would have meant something.

It's been a week since I've read Heart Transplant and I still am shaking my head. It's a timely and important addition to anti-bullying discussions...It's a groundbreaking graphic novel that packs a wallop.Author Andrew Vachss, illustrator Frank Caruso, and commentary by Zak Mucha gang up with provocative text and suitably dark illustrations that convey the psychological complexity of the bully-victim-advocate triangle. There's nothing easy about being bullying, and Vachss' experience in maximum security prison for aggressive-violent youth offenders is evident in the book's tough dialog and storyline. The book's over-sized dimensions were needed to carry it off...and Vachss website lets you know that's only the tip of the iceberg. Caruso's illustrations are an intelligent mix of visualization and graphic technique, with hints of color punctuating bold black and white frames, insets and full page spreads. Eight pages of insightful commentary and resources by Zak Mucha, LCSW (licensed, clinical social worker) round out this hefty tome.The book is something special, but where does it belong? Is it for adults or teens? High School? Middle School? What about the graphic violence and hard-nosed advice? Read it for yourself. Share it with others. Discuss. Decide for yourself. Nobody can do it for you (or should). That's what it's all about. ! Read more

Wow, I received this book today and had to finish it at once! When it comes to bullying and the lies that are out there, This is one for truth! The artwork was amazing! I could go on and on.. Just buy this book right now! Than go to Protect and DONATE!

As ordered, as expected

Bullies. Everyone's talking about them, but Vachss and Caruso are doing something. Teaching what the heart of a bully is, and what your kid needs to be bully proof: heart.

I doubt that Vachss has written anything that was not true to those of us who know.If you haven't read anything of his you've missed something special.If you read one of his titles and didn't understand, then for you I feel sorry