“Second Ticket To The Dance is one of the most inspiring, honest and moving books I have read this year! Whether you are facing health challenges or are taking care of a loved one with serious health issues, you will find this book an uplifting companion through your own healing journey. Alan Kalmanoff is undoubtedly a talented and brilliant writer! His candid account of his heart transplant and getting a second chance to life is delivered in this beautiful book through many of his “nightwires” to his friends and family. Through honest documentary, Second Ticket To The Dance touches its readers deeply with its messages of joy, gratitude and inspiration. Most of all, the messages in this book convey a profound sense of hope that deeply connects us all.” ~ Cara Newman

As one of the editors of Bella Online, I receive regular requests for book reviews. However, this book is such a unique book that stands out from the rest as it has truly moved me and connected with me at a profound level with its messages of love and humanity. Second Ticket To The Dance is about living, honest account of living and overcoming challenges. I appreciate Mr. Kalmanoff’s candid yet very profound writing style. Never once sugar coats his challenges, Alan brings his readers inspiration and optimism by staying true and connected.

The load of a heart transplant or any other serious health challenge is never experienced alone. Candice, the author’s wife, a doctor, and the wonderful mother of their two daughters is another integral part of this book. Taking care of a family member with serious health issues is never an easy task. Yet, besides some frustration, I see so much love in their honest communication. Even though I have never met this woman, I have so much respect for her strength, love and dedication. Though it is much needed, there are not many books currently available that provide documentation from a caretaker’s point of view. I sincerely recommend this book for anyone who is taking care of a loved one.

The two drawings of Annalise Amylia, the author’s younger daughter, perhaps are the most precious pages in this book. The pictures said it all. Through the innocent eyes of a child whose daddy was going through a heart transplant, the pictures portrait the side of heart transplant that affects its recipient’s family especially children.

The last part of Second Ticket To The Dance is about the author’s heart donor. Through the written communication with the donor’s family, I see so much humanity, love and connection in the writings of both parties. Through a family’s lost, another family gains a new lease of life with a new heart.

I highly recommended this book not only for anyone who is facing health challenges or taking care of a loved one, but for everyone of us who is willing to look at life differently with more appreciation and real life inspiration.

“Each life is worth living, there can be no question, but we cannot explain any one life, or life as a whole. It is presented and it exists, no more is certain, and that much rests only within my consciousness and its perception, and within yours.” ~ Alan Kalmanoff

Editor's Recommendation


Reviewed by Cara Newman
Bella Online Editor
An electronic review copy was provided by the author. Thank you.