In A Heartbeat - Review

First came the bestselling book, then the Oscar nominated movie - the story of Michael Oher and the family who adopted him has become one of the most talked-about true stories of our time. But, until now, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy have never told this astonishing tale in their own way and with their own words.

For Leigh Anne and Sean, it all begins with family. Leigh Anne, the daughter of a tough-as-nails U.S. marshal, decided early on that her mission was to raise children who would become "cheerful givers." Sean, who grew up poor, believed that one day he could provide a home that would be a "place of miracles." Together, they raised two high-spirited children - Collins and Sean Jr. - who shared their deep Christian faith and their commitment to making a difference. And then one day Leigh Anne met a homeless African American boy named Michael and decided that her family could be his. She and her husband taught Michael what this book teaches all of us: everyone has a blindside, but a loving heart always sees a path toward true charity.

Michael Oher's improbable transformation could never have happened if Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy had not opened their hearts to him. In this touching, funny, and profoundly inspiring book, the Tuohys take us on an extraordinary journey of faith and love - and teach us unforgettable lessons about the power of cheerful giving. (excerpt inside book cover).

My Review:

This book picks up where the first book and movie the Blind Side left off and then some. You get the inside story of Sean and Leigh Anne's childhood and upbringing and learn how giving has led them to the story we have all come to know and love. Their heart warming generosity is overwhelming and I loved this book from the very first page. It makes me want to become a better person and I think that is the point behind this book.

"If there is one meaning we'd like you to take from our story, its' this: the person you just walked past is the one who could change your life. So, every once in a while, stop and turn around. Find out about that person.

Eight years ago we didn't go out looking to adopt a child - a miracle simply hit us in the face and we didn't run from it. We can tell you from personal experience that the kid you never looked for can be the most surprising blessing in the world.

Love, we've learned, can come into your life in a heartbeat. But the people who are your family aren't always the people who are blood related to you, and loving someone unconditionally is a lot easier that we make it out to be.

Give love and you will always get it back. That's our story, that's our message." (pg 263-264)

I received In A Heartbeat by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy with Sally Jenkins, compliments of B & B Media Group and must say, it's hard to not want to read their personal story. Not just for the story behind the Tuohy family but to learn how giving to help others truly does bring out the very best in all of us. I would easily rate this book a perfect 5 stars.

For more information about this book, the authors and where to purchase a copy, please click on the link below:

In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving

by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy with Sally Jenkins

Henry Holt and Company/July 13, 2010

ISBN: 978-0-8050-9338-4/288 pages/hardcover/$24.00

http://us.macmillan.com/HenryHolt.aspx