I had to sit there for quite some time after reading this book to really gather my thoughts. I think there was such an impressive amount of imagery and just sheer originality that my mind is still blown. The book starts out with a couple in love and within the first year of marriage there is immense change and they must separate. The animal mutations in this book would almost seem plausible the way that the author writes it yet so much fantasy at the same time. This book follows this couple and then delves back into the past generations of the wife and about the way these mutations have taken so much from her and her mother even with the best of intentions. The last part of the book reads like a redemption for the wife in this book. I felt that this book was spectacular and really delivered something so different from anything I have ever read before, I will definitely be recommending this book to others. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

This debut is weird and wild and I utterly adored it. From a preposterous premise, Habeck wrests a wholly unique and utterly absorbing story of marriage, motherhood, art, and unfulfilled dreams, and grapples with the question of how we create meaning in spite of and out of great tragedy. I can’t stop talking about this book. Thankfully, I don’t want to.

I'm not sure how to start with this one. Shark Heart is like nothing I've ever read. It's not fantasy, but it's also not contemporary fiction. It's a story about a man that morphs into an animal. When I saw the title I didn't realize it would be a literal "Shark Heart". The concept was okay, but I struggled to connect with it. There were a lot of side character stories that were just thrown in and never circled back. Like, Rachel, but I guess that's true to life. People come into our life, fade away and are only slightly thought of. Maybe I just didn't like too much true to life in a magical book. Again, I can't put my finger on what I didn't like... I did like that I couldn't put it down. I had to know what was going to happen. It was like a car crash you can't just not look. I'll definitely be thinking about this one for a long time. I've even already had a dream about it.

What a beautiful piece of writing this book is. Tender without verging on cheese, artistic without being pretentious. Part of the reason it took me a couple of weeks to finish was that I wanted to savor this, to draw it out longer and relish the words, the style, the story. This is the kind of book that, rather than being a life-changing masterpiece, is instead a quieter, softly glowing gem. The world has space for both kinds of books, and sometimes I appreciate this kind even more.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read the pre-published galley. This is a book I will buy in hardcover; this belongs on my shelf.

Thank you to NetGalley and Marysue Rucci Books for the early reader of this book.

This was a weird book- and so it seems that I really like weird books. With the most bizarre “what if”…. Instead of being diagnosed with cancer, what if you were diagnosed with a condition that transforms you into a great white shark? This book is really about marriage, family, grief, the lack of control we have in our lives…I get what she was doing and what she was saying, but at times it felt a little overwritten with its combination theater scripts/poetry and the constant jumping of time within the generations of the family. It also almost felt like two separate books- about halfway, I really was wondering “what else could happen? It’s gotta be over by now”- it felt like the story was resolving. Even though I was annoyed going into the second half after feeling such resolution, it did connect really nicely (too nicely?) in the end.

I would classify this book as weird-ass magical realism, and it’s most definitely a pretty impressive debut book and a good one for a book club to discuss!

This imaginative novel succeeds first in making what sounds impossible, plausible—a world in which some humans carry mutations that eventually cause them to transform into other animals, such as a great white shark. Habeck succeeds at bringing this gradual transition, and the entire novel, to the reader in very accessible prose that in its seeming simplicity touches on fundamental life experiences—loss, grief, fear, love, hope, dreams—and does so with humor. An authentic voice, a deeply imagined plot, and well-developed characters make this a page-turning read.

First off, that cover is so stunning, couple that with the premise, and you got the reason I picked this book up. Emotional, intriguing, and thought provoking are words I would use to describe this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reader copy of Shark Heart in exchange for a fair review. This review will appear immediately on Goodreads.
This was a page turning, stay up late, read in one or two shark bites kind of book. Lewis and Wren are newlyweds when they receive a devastating diagnosis - Lewis will slowly change into a Great White Shark. Suspend your belief for a moment or two - this book in written so naturally that its easy to do. Anyone who has had a loved one go through a devastating and grave disease will understand the metamorphosis into something nearly unrecognizable as that person's loved one. How many of us have had a parent with Alzheimer's where the changes can one day be so subtle but then the next dealing with rage and confusion as the disease progresses? This is how I approached the fantasy aspect of this book.
Lewis is an actor and high school director and much of the book is written as a play - which I really liked, although it might not be for all.
In the end, this book is about relationships, love, loss, and coping. The cover is gorgeous and the premise sucks you in immediately. I yearned for a little more between Lewis and Wren past mid point. I felt strongly about a resolution at the end (avoiding spoilers) that I felt should have happened but didnt. Despite the little bit of letdown, I think this would make and excellent book discussion. I would recommend it to patrons looking to step outside their normal reads. A well done debut! I give it 4+ stars so I will mark it as a 5* to round up and encourage others to read.

I was feeling down last week, and figured it would be a lark to read the book about a man who turns into a shark. Reader, I was wrong. Emily Habeck’s debut novel, Shark Heart, is the most emotionally devastating book I’ve read in a long time. A real “stay up past your bedtime” book.

Newly married Lewis and Wren receive some earth-shattering news; over the coming months, Lewis will literally turn into a great white shark. Lewis, a drama teacher and failed Broadway actor, reflects on his legacy, as Wren prepares herself for her lonely fate. This is the central story, but we also learn of Wren’s upbringing, as well as the traumatic youth of Wren’s mother, Angela.

I was initially drawn to Shark Heart because I enjoy stories of magical realism. But this slipped into the background, and I absolutely fell in love with Wren and Angela. Yes, they inhabit a fictional world where humans turning into animals is a possibility, but the incredibly real issues of life, death, rebirth, and love echo through these pages. Those who have lost loved ones to degenerative diseases will find something familiar, and hopefully comforting, in these pages.

Shark Heart was an incredibly welcome surprise. Habeck’s writing is gorgeous and hypnotic, and her beautiful characters are strikingly vivid. Highly recommended.

Where to begin! I think what I enjoyed most about Shark Heart was how original the storyline was. Set in a near dystopian future, people can mutate into animals at random, or even get pregnant with them! This concept was completely foreign to me but also rather intriguing. A young couple, Lewis and Wren, have to cope with the uncertainty or change and the future when Lewis is diagnosed with a Great White Shark mutation shortly after their marriage. Eventually Wren has to decide whether to let the sea take Lewis or to find a way to join him there as he transforms. This story tests the bonds of love and “til death do us part”. It was a great read and overall I loved it. I would have just liked some more backstory on why these mutations started occurring in the human population in general.

This novel was consistently charming. The novel arose from a great and daring inspiration, one of the best ‘what if’s’ I’ve come across, but as I read I couldn’t help but feel the story itself stayed in a safe and predictable zone of happenings, rather than taking full advantage of the setup.

I’m very, very surprised at the review I'm about to give for this book. When I read the summary, I expected to think it was a one star book for me. When I read the first few chapters, I didn’t think it would change at all. Slowly I found myself getting more and more drawn into it, thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it, and enjoying the characters.

Shark Heart is unlike any book I’ve ever read before. Newlyweds Wren and Lewis should be enjoying their lives together, when Lewis is suddenly diagnosed with a rare mutation that will leave him turning into a great white shark within a year or less. The couple have to navigate the loss of their marriage - not due to lack of love, but due to this mutation - and the loss of Lewis’ humanness.

Parts of the book read like a screenplay and like poetry which at first I found corny and weird, but I learned to love. I found it beautiful, for what the characters were going through.

Throughout the book we learn a lot about the backstory of the characters and what the future holds for both of them. I loved following their lives and their stories so much more than I thought.

Shark Heart is such a different book, and it surprisingly works very well. This is one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

Thank you very much to Simon Element, S&S / Marysue Rucci Books and NetGalley for the eARC!

I think this book was above my education level, not gonna lie. I don’t think I could fully comprehend the complexities of the writing style, which was unfortunate. I feel like I’m giving the author a more negative review because of this. The writing was beautiful I was just left feeling a little bored.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of "Shark Heart" by Emily Habeck. I went into the book only having skimmed the description; I was most intrigued by the title and stunning cover. I was pleasantly surprised with the adventure that awaited me and absolutely loved this book. The main characters, Lewis and Wren, are dealing with the sad reality of a genetic mutation causing Lewis to turn into a great white shark. I liked that the author made intelligent assumptions about the reader and the ability to accept that these types of mutations are commonplace in the future. The book was broken up into sections and also dives into the life of Wren's mother as a young girl. When the parts ultimately entwine, it was a beautifully done reflection on life and what meaning we take from it. I loved this book and can't wait to read more by this author!

There must be something in the water! After the success of the documentary "My Octopus Teacher" and the release of the novel "Remarkably Bright Creatures," I was immediately caught by the premise of "Shark Heart." Habeck's writing is richly exquisite, and the themes of motherhood, love, loss, grief, and rebirth are all touched on with a delicate, gentle hand. I found myself wondering, however, whether viewing these themes through the lens of magical realism adds anything to the final result. Ultimately, to me, Lewis' metamorphosis was more of a gimmick than anything else. I'm glad I read it, though some of my colleagues simply chuckled and shook their heads when they read the jacket copy.

This one was a little too far outside my comprehension right now. That said, the writing is intricate and gorgeous, and the story is artfully woven and got me thinking. This is the rare DNF that I made a note to circle back to. I recommend you give it a go.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.

(4.5 stars) So, this one will sound a bit crazy at first, but give it a chance... A new husband (Lewis) is diagnosed with Carcharodon carcharias, a condition that will cause his body to mutate over time into that of a great white shark. As his wife, Wren, struggles to deal with his diagnosis, she works out possible ways to keep in touch after he changes.

This is a love story, as it is billed, but it’s a whole lot more as well. This is a book about transformation…how life is full of the unexpected and how we as humans (and sharks) cope with changes. It is a multi-layered story, with glimpses into the past and how love and loss shape our lives. It’s a beautifully written, quirky debut with lots to love.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing me with this e-ARC.

Thanks to publishers S/ Marysue Rucci Books and NetGalley for this advance reader copy of "Shark Heart" by Emily Habeck. I love reading debut novels and am so grateful I got an early peek at this unique story. It wasn't what I was expecting, and I am so glad. The storylines were captivating and the writing style was interesting to read. I bet the audiobook is going to be a special treat for listeners!

I wasn't completely sold on the "sharK" diagnosis, but I let the author take me along for the ride. I like to suspend reality when I read and these storylines allowed for that easily.

Cannot wait to see what else Habeck thinks up in the future.

I'm not sure i would recommend this to everyone. This book is definitely one that will appeal to a certain type of reader. ⠀
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On the surface, this is a magical realism book, about a married couple who receive the diagnosis that the husband is turning into a great white shark. As the process is happening, the couple grapple with coming to terms with with the diagnosis, having so little time left together, and the husband's personality and demeanor changing. ⠀
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At its core, this is a story that deals with grief and losing your loved ones (not necessarily physically, more like the ESSENCE of them).⠀
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I understood what this book was trying to do, and I will say the second half of the book really gripped me, but overall I'm not sure if the story as a whole hit the mark for me. ⠀
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I think the format style of the book is what really threw me off. We have bits that read like a screenplay, other parts that read almost like poetry, and then other pages that are just a sentence or two long. I feel like there was too much time spent on how to creatively tell this story, and not enough time spent on actually telling the story. I think it would have been more impactful for me if the story was just told in a regular book form, if that makes sense.⠀
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I did like the characters in the book and the animal comparisons (using the animal behavior to showcase the loved ones "losing" their sense of humanity). ⠀
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Overall, I would recommend this to lovers of magical realism and those who love stories that are multigenerational, that deal with the grief of watching their loved one succumb to their illness. ⠀
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This is one that lingers with me in a good way. One of my signs of a good book is not only that lingering after I finish reading, but one that can be read on several levels and Shark Heart is that. It’s imaginative, graceful, and there are layers. Habeck creates a world where people can mutate into animals, apparently randomly, so on one level it’s a story of heartbreaking loss. There are intimations about how we treat our world and how we treat those with illness or who differ from the norm. The characters are memorable. At first, the narrative is straightforward, even with its fantastical elements. Then it takes a turn. At first, I wasn’t sure about the structure, but by the end, I couldn’t imagine it any other way and really appreciated the backstory. The way it’s told gives added context to Wren’s character. It’s a lovely and impressive debut with definite cinematic potential.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon Element, an imprint of Simon & Schuster for the e-ARC.