In a Heartbeat...Review

About the book:
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 remarkable 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 blind side, 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 compelling, 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 giving.

Oh. My. Goodness.  I loved the film The Blind Side, but I really loved In a Heartbeat.  Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy share their story, in their words.  The chapters alternate between Sean's voice and Leigh Anne's voice, as well as several chapters they write together.  All three Tuohy children:  Collins, Michael and S.J., as well as Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw each write something as well.

Sean and Leigh Anne share a strong faith in God and a strong belief in making a difference.   I love Sean's Popcorn Theory about noticing others:  that, "you can't help everyone.  But you can try to help the hot ones who pop up right in front of your face."  The Tuohy's didn't plan on stopping to pick up Michael Oher, they didn't plan on giving him a home and they didn't plan on adopting him.  They are very open about the fact that their decision to stop and pick him up changed their lives, in a heartbeat.

The Tuohy's share their stories; how they each grew up and the experiences that shaped them.  They believe in being cheerful givers and in raising their children to be cheerful givers.  In a Heartbeat is an inspiring story about a remarkable family.

I loved the humor.  I loved the honesty.  The little asides, like the one where Leigh Anne says she doesn't actually wear skirts as tight as the ones Sandra Bullock wore in the film, simply make this book more personable.

Thanks to First Wildcard and The B&B Media Group for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more about Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy here.  You can read the first chapter here.  You can purchase your own copy here

Read 7/10

* * * * *
5/5 Stars

Comments

  1. This does sound like a great book! The Tuohy's story is remarkable.

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