Heartbreak and Other Organ Failures: A Novel

Sisters Kaley and Zoey take a madcap road trip in this tender young adult debut about illness, family, and hope.

There is no one in the world that Kaley loves more than her older sister, Zoey, who has developmental disabilities and medical complications. When the sisters learn that Zoey needs a new kidney but is at the bottom of the transplant list, they set off on a madcap family road trip to find their estranged father, who might agree to donate. Nothing will stand in Kaley’s way—with Zoey’s health stable, Kaley can follow her boyfriend to an out-of-state college next fall.

Then Kaley learns that her mom has her own plans for the sisters’ futures. Kaley must reconcile the caretaker role she was born into with the desire to discover her own identity, and decide what she’s willing to do for the person she loves most.

Heartbreak and Other Organ Failures is a coming-of-age adventure set in the fast lane and a heartfelt, hilarious celebration of sisterhood.

"Kaley’s drive to do right by her sister and herself models tender siblinghood and familial care throughout this emotionally affecting story that balances hardship with moments of irrepressible joy."—Publishers Weekly