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Kennedy's Hugs: A Life Full of Miracles, Touching Millions
After her terminal diagnosis, Kennedy's life would never be the same. But even as her body broke down, her heart never failed, nor did her ability to love. With each precious passing day, more people witnessed her faith and kindness uniting her community and spreading to millions around the world. Now you can experience firsthand this incredible true story of unfailing optimism, real miracles, and Kennedy's inspiring legacy of love.
- GenresNonfiction
352 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2016
19 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 4, 2017
Love, Kennedy.
Really, that's all you can do after reading Kennedy's Hugs: love the girl the book is all about. Love her for loving people, loving the world, and loving life in a way that many of us will never experience.
I never knew Kennedy, never heard of her story until I floated across her movie, Love, Kennedy, on Facebook. As soon as I heard the premise of it, as soon as I saw the trailer, I knew I had to see the movie. I just knew.
But life got in the way. Work, school, and busy schedules prevented me from heading down to the theaters and buying myself a ticket. On the very last day it was in theaters, though, with no transportation available to me and no one to go with, I strapped on my track shoes and ran the 3.2 miles to the nearest theater. And boy, was it worth it. The movie was spectacular in every way, just like Kennedy was.
Once I found out there was a book, I knew I needed it to read it. Crying, laughing, pondering, marveling were in store for me within its pages. Some of the stories in it were in the movie, while many others were brand new glimpses into the life of the Hansen family. All of it was raw, emotional, honest truth from the mouth of Kennedy's father about his little girl.
Just read it. Kennedy's promises haven't proven false yet, and I'm sure you'll be touched by her story just as the rest of the world has been.
Really, that's all you can do after reading Kennedy's Hugs: love the girl the book is all about. Love her for loving people, loving the world, and loving life in a way that many of us will never experience.
I never knew Kennedy, never heard of her story until I floated across her movie, Love, Kennedy, on Facebook. As soon as I heard the premise of it, as soon as I saw the trailer, I knew I had to see the movie. I just knew.
But life got in the way. Work, school, and busy schedules prevented me from heading down to the theaters and buying myself a ticket. On the very last day it was in theaters, though, with no transportation available to me and no one to go with, I strapped on my track shoes and ran the 3.2 miles to the nearest theater. And boy, was it worth it. The movie was spectacular in every way, just like Kennedy was.
Once I found out there was a book, I knew I needed it to read it. Crying, laughing, pondering, marveling were in store for me within its pages. Some of the stories in it were in the movie, while many others were brand new glimpses into the life of the Hansen family. All of it was raw, emotional, honest truth from the mouth of Kennedy's father about his little girl.
Just read it. Kennedy's promises haven't proven false yet, and I'm sure you'll be touched by her story just as the rest of the world has been.
December 16, 2016
What a beautifully told story! I am in awe at all that happened to this wonderful girl and the power of her hugs! I am so grateful for this families courage to share her story. This is one book everyone needs to read!
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January 28, 2019The actual writing of this book is painful, but the story is well worth reading. It is inspiring and strengthening to the soul
February 10, 2018
Although it needed an editor, this is an inspiring and very worthwhile book. It is the true story of a Utah family who loses their teenage daughter, Kennedy, to Batten disease. It is kind of exhausting to read because you know that she dies, but it is ultimately beautiful because there is so much of faith, hope, and love, the kindness of others, and eternal perspective to her story.
June 2, 2017
After watching this movie last week and being able to actually meet the people that this story happened to, I knew I needed to find the book they had written about their experiences. I'm so glad I did! I was hoping for more stories about Kennedy and her amazing but short life and that's just what I got.
I loved the way that this book talks about the miracles that happened to their family. I liked the way they shared them, but when something was too sacred to them, they just said as much and kept going with the story. That being said, they had some amazing miracles happen to them, from being able to have Kennedy at all, to the way that their other two children came into their family. Wow! I constantly found myself amazed at all the things that happened in their lives. It really reinforced to me that there are no coincidences, everything happens for a reason.
As I read the things that happened to Kennedy in her short life, I both laughed and cried. The last several chapters were very touching and really just awesome! I know things like this happen to people, but you don't often find people willing to share something like this. I love that the family is willing it's almost like they are inviting you into their life and home. I love that Kennedy is still touching people, both through this book and the new movie (Go see it!), it's something she would want.
I loved the way that this book talks about the miracles that happened to their family. I liked the way they shared them, but when something was too sacred to them, they just said as much and kept going with the story. That being said, they had some amazing miracles happen to them, from being able to have Kennedy at all, to the way that their other two children came into their family. Wow! I constantly found myself amazed at all the things that happened in their lives. It really reinforced to me that there are no coincidences, everything happens for a reason.
As I read the things that happened to Kennedy in her short life, I both laughed and cried. The last several chapters were very touching and really just awesome! I know things like this happen to people, but you don't often find people willing to share something like this. I love that the family is willing it's almost like they are inviting you into their life and home. I love that Kennedy is still touching people, both through this book and the new movie (Go see it!), it's something she would want.
September 28, 2020
It's definitely one you will need to watch the movie before you read the book. A few parts were a little jumbled and not quite put together. But overall...I cried. I can't explain why I got so emotional (I know why but I can't say why) but reading this book taught me lessons that I did not know I needed to learn. It also helped me identify what questions I should be asking myself as a person, to help me grow in areas that I know I need to be working on.
His advice on following the spirit really hit me. The way he words that helped something click in me. I appreciated that he repeated that several times throughout the book. I needed those constant reminders.
Kennedy's story has touched my heart. Her family's story has touched my heart. I grew up in a neighboring city and went to the neighboring high school, graduating before she would have. So close, yet so far, so I never got to meet her. But her story, her life, has forever changed me.
Thank you to the Hansen Family for sharing their journey, their story, HER story.
His advice on following the spirit really hit me. The way he words that helped something click in me. I appreciated that he repeated that several times throughout the book. I needed those constant reminders.
Kennedy's story has touched my heart. Her family's story has touched my heart. I grew up in a neighboring city and went to the neighboring high school, graduating before she would have. So close, yet so far, so I never got to meet her. But her story, her life, has forever changed me.
Thank you to the Hansen Family for sharing their journey, their story, HER story.
January 18, 2019
I would highly recommend this book to any person wishing to grow their faith in the plan of Salvation but especially those dealing with death or grief. I was familiar with this story and had seen the movie but this book added a level of depth and spirituality I couldn't have dreamed of. I loved it and it eternally changed me. Kennedy's story reminded me so much of my daughter Holland's experiences and yet they were so unique and taught me in a different way. And so I recommend it in a way that will allow you to invite Kennedy's spirit into your life. Please please take the time to read this story.
August 3, 2021
This book touched very close to home. Many of Kennedy's experiences and miracles mirrored our story. Many times I didn't think I could read any further, but I kept on reading and in a way it helped bring some closure in some experiences we had with my own special need son's death. Beautiful story and I applaud them for being able to write it all down.
February 11, 2023
Such a touching book
I watched the movie first and decided I had to read this book. Kennedy and her family are such a strong, faithful, spiritual family that has touched my heart and soul. I will definetly will be reading this book again, just so I know I didn't skip over something. I will be telling my family to read this too and go have p!enty of tissues on hand.
I watched the movie first and decided I had to read this book. Kennedy and her family are such a strong, faithful, spiritual family that has touched my heart and soul. I will definetly will be reading this book again, just so I know I didn't skip over something. I will be telling my family to read this too and go have p!enty of tissues on hand.
August 31, 2017
Yes, we saw the movie and met the parents and actors in this incredible true-to-life miracle story--then to read the book was truly a spiritual experience confirming God's hand in our lives. We'd experienced some similar things with our daughter, so it was especially poignant. Highly recommended.
May 24, 2019
A very powerful story of a family’s faith and resilience in the face of a daughter’s declining function and eventual diagnosis of the rare, horrible Juvenile Batten Disease. The working of the Holy Spirit was evident throughout their journey.
July 12, 2017
Loving
I baby sat the Hansen Boys when they were growing up and feel a special love for this family and their amazing journey! What a wonderfully written inspiring tribute?
I baby sat the Hansen Boys when they were growing up and feel a special love for this family and their amazing journey! What a wonderfully written inspiring tribute?
August 7, 2017
This book touched me heart & soul. I loved the testimony of heaven, eternal family's and living a life of love that it brought.
October 4, 2017
Loved it! It was a tear jerker.
April 21, 2018
I loved this book. So many tears!
May 8, 2019
Amazing
This book is amazing. I oaugh d I cried and I felt everything. May god forever be with this family it’s amazing to see just how someone can forever change lives
This book is amazing. I oaugh d I cried and I felt everything. May god forever be with this family it’s amazing to see just how someone can forever change lives
October 18, 2019
Wonderfully written. Sad but happy! I read Love, Kennedy. Same story.
Tells of the family's struggles and faith while coping with Kennedy's terminal disease.
Tells of the family's struggles and faith while coping with Kennedy's terminal disease.
December 29, 2019
5 stars for the story and message, 1 star for the writing.
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February 7, 2018"You always listen to the spirit, which is a higher power, and if you do, you will know exactly what to do." This book all started off with two people Heather and Jason who fell in love. They had planned out their life, but the plan went a different direction. They end up having a daughter named Kennedy. Having kids was a very big struggle. They ended up adopting a little boy, and they had to bring him back. But she finally got a little sister, and they became best friend. Kennedy was a very spiritual person, and really loved the church. She ended up getting diagnosed with Batten Disease which is very rare. There is only so many people who had it, but they ended up getting connected to another family that was going through the same thing. Even though Kennedy was very limited to what she could do, she always knew her Heavenly Father was watching over her. Their family went to a high school football game one night, and Kennedy fell in love with the cheerleaders. There was a cheerleader that came up to Kennedy, and asked if she wanted to cheer with them, and gave her pon poms. Nothing made Kennedy happier. She ended up getting on the team, and it was amazing for her. She built super special relationships by this opportunity they gave her. The theme for this book is to always be kind, and push forward. You never know what people are going through, so always be aware.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a good book to read especially because I am a cheerleader, and seeing how much Kennedy looked up to them was so cool to see. Another thing is the type of trust she had in her Heavenly Father was incredible. She never stopped pushing forward, and always had faith. Her drive to everything was also something that inspired me to be better everyday. I feel like others should read this because at the end of the day, it makes you want to be a better person. It is a very spiritual book, but it has a good message.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a good book to read especially because I am a cheerleader, and seeing how much Kennedy looked up to them was so cool to see. Another thing is the type of trust she had in her Heavenly Father was incredible. She never stopped pushing forward, and always had faith. Her drive to everything was also something that inspired me to be better everyday. I feel like others should read this because at the end of the day, it makes you want to be a better person. It is a very spiritual book, but it has a good message.
April 15, 2018
Great book, with a beautiful message and story about a young girl battling a disease with such a brave face. The reason I am giving this book 4 stars instead of 5 is if you were following the Facebook page a lot of the excerpts are from there and I felt that would have been nice to know. As I felt like I was re reading quite a few of the stories, but other than that Jason and Heather are such talented writers and inspiring people.
February 19, 2021
A young girl knows she is going to die but spends her remaining days helping others.
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