Customer Reviews

Mr. Right and My Left Kidney

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Joan Saltzman's book is as much about hearts as it is about kidneys. It's a quirky love story that also (and almost coincidentally) provides a window into the intimate details of organ transplantation. Joan writes unflinchingly about the medical issues as well as--and especially--the emotional and psychological hurdles that she, as wife/donor, and John, as husband/recipient, had to overcome. And she does it all with such pragmatic, stoic good humor that you will find yourself laughing out loud even at the most critical junctures. The subtext is the story of Joan's life before finally meeting her mate (at age 46!!), vignettes about her childhood and family that are both hilarious and poignant. This book is about a heroic act, but it's also a real story about real people, warts and all; it's heart-warming without being sentimental. I loved reading it!

I glanced at Mr. Right and My Left Kidney as soon as it arrived and I couldn't put it down. Finished it in two sittings. Saltzman tells her story in a funny, but honest and very moving way. Most enjoyable book I've read in a very long time.

Joan Saltzman's wonderful book is about real people, told candidly with insightful humor about herself, her family, and a culture that told women that if they're not married by age 30 and living happily-ever-after, something must be horribly wrong! The charm of this delightful book is that Joan's voice is an honest voice, and most of us have been in her shoes, even if the particulars are different. Joan did find Mr. Right, and married him. That story would be a great read in and of itself. What's marvelous about Mr. Right and My Left Kidney is that when happily-ever-after gets complicated, the author artfully describes the back-and-forth mental tennis match between what she knows she must do and what she feels about doing it. This book is refreshing precisely because the author doesn't hold back: the good intentions as well as the "not-so-nice" thoughts that all of us experience in loving someone are there for the reading. It's a great book!

This book is delightful! Who would have thought a story
about a kidney transplant would be so absorbing. It is
funny and real and moving and instructive. Anyone who
has experienced frustrations finding a good man, and
getting a commitment would relate to this book. If
you know and love Philadelphia, you will adore this
book. And, if you have every had any issues related to
organ donation, this is tremendously helpful as to what
a living donor needs to consider. Friends gave the
author good advise to use her own voice, it is an
engaging and amusing one.

The title tells you right up front that this is a love story involving a kidney transplant. While I am generally a sucker for any love story, this one is particularly gripping because in so many ways, the author is forced to ask, "How much should love require?" Are we willing to give up our true nature to sustain our mother's love and approval? Are we willing to lower our standards to attract a mate--any mate? Are we willing to sacrifice our health to keep a loved one alive? These questions and others were so well written, and crafted into the narrative that I read this book in one evening. The writing, and the subject make this a book you will not forget.

Mr. Right and My Left Kidney is a charming, frank memoir about love in middle age. As a disclaimer, I met author Joan Saltzman professionally right before the book was published, and ordered it because she was interesting enough to get to know her better through her writing. The book made me laugh out loud in several places. The writing is her own unique voice, compelling and full of the wisdom of a smart woman willing to plunge into life with gusto and good humor. Like other reviewers, I read it in a couple of sittings. It has special appeal to Baby Boomer females who had Ginny dolls and baseball gloves. Beautifully done!
Marsha H., Prescott, Arizona