Seven From Heaven: The Miracle of the McCaughey Septuplets

by Kenny McCaughey, Bobbi McCaughey, Gregg Lewis

A Story Of Simple Faith And An Extraordinary Family. The date was November 19, 1997, and with the births of the only living septuplets in the world, Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey and their children became one of the most famous families in America. Their story is not only of the history-making births, but also of the support of the community of Carlisle, Iowa, and of the Christian faith of a family that has captured the imagination of the nation and the world.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Memoir, Autobiography, Religion

280 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1998

Reviews

[R. L. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book so many times and I enjoy it every time! I need to get my own copy ASAP! Being born around the same time as these miracles, I have been particularly interested in following their stories! Highly recommend!

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated by the large families who have become household names, the Dilleys, Duggars, Gosselins, McCaugheys, etc., so I took the opportunity to read this book, despite it being a bit dated, as the septuplets are now teenagers.
As suggested by the title, the McCaughey's are devout Christians who praise God whenever possible for the miracle of 7 healthy babies. While the later health concerns for some of the children aren't mentioned in this book because it ends before they are a year old, the mere fact that Mrs. McCaughey was able to carry them as long as she did and that all 7 were born alive, is a testament to God's will. Their faith is also why the national media only hears about them around the time of the septuplets' birthday each year, as their parents chose not to comprimise their morals or ability to raise their family as they see fit by exploiting their children for the biggest paycheck.
A lot of what is in this book was covered in the media appearances the McCaugheys did soon after the children's birth, but I enjoyed learning about some smaller details that wouldn't fit in an abbreviated magazine article but give substance to a book. Having Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey alternate in telling segments of their story was a smart idea, because each parent obviously had a unique perspective on the whole thing, so the dual voices told a more complete picture.
All in all, a good book to read to put a smile on your face and renew your faith in God and the miracles He provides.

[Monta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book the year after I had my son, Joshua, in 1998! I remember seeing this miracles on the news shows while I was in recovery from my c-section as they were beginning to leave the hospital as they were born in October. I always knew that if she could do it with 7 and an older child than two would be a breeze. It helped me get through those endless night of breast feeding! Not our babies are in 5th grade and what I wouldn't give for those sleepy moments wondering if this too shall pass!

[Courtney Gorden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on an old bookshelf at the condo I am staying at this week. The cover caught my attention and I grabbed it. I read the book in 2 days. It is the story of a mom and husband from the time they find out that they are pregnant with SEVEN babies, all the way through the pregnancy and through the first 9 months of the babies lives. It was very interesting reading about how they felt, all the details, and the problems they encountered with the media. Quick, easy read. Made me more grateful for my kids. And the fact that they come one at a time for me. :)

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book that gives insight into the problems of birthing multiples. I liked the way they switched from "Kenny" to "Bobbi" in passages. It made the husband-wife partnership more alive. However, most of the book was not as exciting as Multiple Blessings (by Kate Gosselin). And you have to see the picture on the cover close up--adorable!!!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! I was mesmerized by Bobbi and Kenny's neverending faith in God. Loved reading about the many miracles that I believe were a result of their faith!

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved reading this book. I remember loving watching the updates on the McCaugheys as a kid, and so it was fun to learn more about them. Their faith came through so strong in this book, it was awesome, and I really loved seeing them stand so firm in their convictions.
I wasn't really expecting that many medical details, so that was not my favorite, but I understand why they put so many in.

Overall, I enjoyed learning more about this family.

[Maggie Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow.

[Lyndon]

Very interesting story of the 1997 births of seven babies to the McCaugheys, a national sensation at the time. The septuplets are now 21!

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told from a his/her perspective. It was really good. Very interesting and well written. And I'm pretty sure it's more miserable to be 30 weeks pregnant with 7 babies than 41 weeks pregnant with a 10 pounder. And to be on bed rest for 21 weeks - that's a long time. I knew that their church helped out when their babies were born, but they had people coming over in shifts 24 hours. These people were sleeping through the night WAY before their babies were. It made me feel sad for Octomom and her hired nannies. You really feel for them as they try to balance their desire for privacy with America's interest/their need for help/wanting to share their faith. So, good book about an incredible event from otherwise very normal people.

[Melissa Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure why the mother kept saying she wasn’t sure all of the babies would make it and that if only 4 were there in the end it’s ok. It seemed like she really didn’t trust god and want all of those babies. Kinda disappointing. The Dad seemed way more positive. Glad they are all healthy and happy and god was in their lives.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a huge fan of John and Kate Plus Eight on TLC, I thought I would really like this book. It turned out to be just an okay book. It mostly focused on the pregnancy and the media attention...and very little on the babies.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all the hype of multiple births right now it was really interesting to read about it from one family's perspective. There was a lot I had never thought about that they had to deal with! This book was a happy and inspirational book.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, easy read, if not the most astonishing writing style.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. I enjoyed reading about their faith and how many times their prayers would be answered almost immediately! I'll give this book to anyone who wants to read it. :)

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a great story about how mircales STILL happen. :)

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the McCaughey family and the birth of their septuplets and their first year. They seem like a nice family with good values.

[Dara S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bobbi and Kenny share their faith through Bobbi's preganancy and the birth of the world's first surviving set of septuplets.

[Humkeb · Rating 1 out of 5]

This all happened in Iowa!

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intresting look at the story of the McCaughey, who discovered that they where expecting seven babies and how they delt with it. Not the best but not bad.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I turn to this book when I want to cheer myself up. Who doesn't like seeing pictures of cute babies?

[Tammy]

Love this book!

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit self-indulgent, but ok.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book would like to have read more about the kids. Maybe they will write another, sharing more about the kids and who they are. I would recommend this book.

[Mary]

Awesome book. Loved reading about a part of history I saw on TV. How wonderful that they gave God credit on almost every page.

[Laurie Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I love to read nonfiction and it was great to get some insight into how these people managed their experience of being blessed with seven babies all at once. Can you imagine?

[Rhonda Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me cry as I followed along with their pregnancy journey. Some things were very familiar -- clomid and a shot in the keester to release "ripe" eggs. I loved the way they tried to tackle everything as a team even though one would make a call on issues as they arose (keeping every baby, not talking to the media -- oops, Kenny wasn't so good about this). Kenny trying to be a parent and get all the housework done while Bobbi was on bed rest. Having a great family and church network to help, I think, made all the difference. But it was also wholesome to read about this couple with faith, as opposed to the Jon & Kate Plus 8 reality TV debacle. They said something about having date night and connecting as important, and that is so true of any couple. God couldn't have chosen a better place for the septuplets.

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seven from Heaven: The Miracle of the McCaughey Septuplets
by Kenny McCaughey, Bobbi McCaughey, Gregg Lewis

The parents take turns telling this tale of fertility treatments gone wild.

It's funny how that people may not want something, but once they get it they cling to it as fiercely as if they needed it in the first place. I certainly didn't want four cats--I don't know that I wanted any cats--but after they came in the house then I couldn't turn them out.

Apparently it's the same way with babies. Very interesting.

Not as great a book as I'd hoped; I kind of got the impression that everyone was telling them "Oh, you got to write a book about that" and so they did. But it wasn't one of Cheryl Strayed's "Beating heart that you have to rip out of your chest" kind of books.

[Jatina Altmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Bookclub rating was a 3.96

I vaguely remember this story on the news as a kid. They definitely were America’s family for a season. As much as their temporary fame was overwhelming or frustrating it did help them meet some needs they would not have got otherwise. Although I wanted a large family I’m not sure if I could’ve handled it as well as Bobbi (getting it all at once). Her and her husband’s honesty felt sincere and they seemed open about their private life (as much as someone could be about personal things). I’m sure this book could be an encouragement to anyone going through similar circumstances. After finishing the book I had to look the family up and see if there had been follow-ups and was pleased to see there were.

[Molly Kremer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so interesting to read. I was really intrigued with all Bobbi had to go through during her pregnancy. She went into a lot of detail. Once the babies were born, the book had less detail and seemed a little more disjointed. As an Iowan who would’ve been only about 9-10 years old when the septuplets were born, I remember my Mom talking about them occasionally and thought it was cool it was happening in our home state! Would be cool to have a follow up to this book now that the kids are grown!