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In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving
For the first time, the remarkable couple depicted in The Blind Side tells their own deeply inspiring story
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, In a Heartbeat , the Tuohys take us on an extraordinary journey of faith and love―and teach us unforgettable lessons about the power of giving.
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, In a Heartbeat , the Tuohys take us on an extraordinary journey of faith and love―and teach us unforgettable lessons about the power of giving.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2010
36 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Anne Tuohy
5 books13 followersLeigh Anne Roberts Tuohy (née Roberts) is an American interior designer. She is best known for being featured in Michael Lewis's 2006 book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, and its 2009 feature film adaptation The Blind Side. In the film, Tuohy was portrayed by actress Sandra Bullock, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the performance.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/leigha...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/leigha...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
April 25, 2011
In this book, the Touys are basically retelling the story of the movie, The Blind Side, giving the reader more details about their motivation behind adopting Michael Oher and what motivates their continuous generosity to others. While their message is inspirational, especially the chapter on Sean Touy's childhood, I was a bit put off by the air of privilege with which the story was told. Did we really need to know that Michael used Sean's 745 BMW to pass the road test when getting his license? In this economy, I think the message of generosity would have been more meaningful if it had been told with a bit more humility.
All that being said, the thing what I found most encouraging was Michael Oher's determination to rise above his difficult past, never look back, and seize every opportunity to make his own life and the lives of others better. With the headlines constantly featuring athletes who are poor role models, it's refreshing to read how Michael Oher raised the bar!
All that being said, the thing what I found most encouraging was Michael Oher's determination to rise above his difficult past, never look back, and seize every opportunity to make his own life and the lives of others better. With the headlines constantly featuring athletes who are poor role models, it's refreshing to read how Michael Oher raised the bar!
July 10, 2014
After looking at some reviews online, I was sure that I was going to dislike this book. "The Blind Side" is one of my favorite movies so I decided to read it anyway. I was very interested in the story of how a family with such complete opposite lifestyles could just decide to welcome into their lives a young man who they did not know much about (and what they did know was sort was seedy upbringing). I ended up really liking this book, and loving the messages that they were trying to convey.
Just as in the movie, it seems like they have a "why wouldn't we" attitude. I love that they accept small bits of helpfulness as just as important, as huge amounts of helpfulness. In other words, saying hello to someone, smiling at someone, treating someone with respect is not an importance to be over looked. If you don't have the financial means to help, a simple act can go a long way.
One of the things that they talk about talk about is that "too often we confuse the power of giving with the effectiveness of giving. Giving was powerful by itself; it needed no help from the recipient to be meaningful. Giving worked on the giver's heart and made it expand; that was the important thing. What the recipient did with the gift--whether he used it to buy the world or buy whiskey- was up to him." Like Leigh Anne (did at the point of the book), I struggle with that. It is something that no one wants to talk about.
I also, loved when Collins was talking with someone, and said--money can't buy you happiness. The lady responded with something like--well, it can sure buy you a lot of rent for a while. Different views on money are interesting--not wrong, and can be respected when you don't focus on trying to change how someone else feels about it. In other words, you should focus on yourself, and your way of giving--not someone else's way of giving.
In this book we learn that the family "walks the walk" when it comes to giving back, but does not judge what others choose to do. I love that attitude, it is one that I think too many people do not have today.
Ignore the negative reviews--read it and judge the book for yourself.
Just as in the movie, it seems like they have a "why wouldn't we" attitude. I love that they accept small bits of helpfulness as just as important, as huge amounts of helpfulness. In other words, saying hello to someone, smiling at someone, treating someone with respect is not an importance to be over looked. If you don't have the financial means to help, a simple act can go a long way.
One of the things that they talk about talk about is that "too often we confuse the power of giving with the effectiveness of giving. Giving was powerful by itself; it needed no help from the recipient to be meaningful. Giving worked on the giver's heart and made it expand; that was the important thing. What the recipient did with the gift--whether he used it to buy the world or buy whiskey- was up to him." Like Leigh Anne (did at the point of the book), I struggle with that. It is something that no one wants to talk about.
I also, loved when Collins was talking with someone, and said--money can't buy you happiness. The lady responded with something like--well, it can sure buy you a lot of rent for a while. Different views on money are interesting--not wrong, and can be respected when you don't focus on trying to change how someone else feels about it. In other words, you should focus on yourself, and your way of giving--not someone else's way of giving.
In this book we learn that the family "walks the walk" when it comes to giving back, but does not judge what others choose to do. I love that attitude, it is one that I think too many people do not have today.
Ignore the negative reviews--read it and judge the book for yourself.
November 14, 2013
I enjoyed the movie. What they did for Michael seems wonderful. I couldn't finish the book though and I almost never ditch a book even if it is bad. This was just page after page after page of name dropping and bragging and going on and on about all of the good things they've done. It doesn't negate the fact that they've done a lot of good things. They have. It was just too much bragging for me. Leigh Anne's take charge attitude is not nearly as cute or endearing as everyone in the book seems to think.
I decided I was headed towards being done when she recounted the story of how her father taught her just how dangerous guns could be by taking her out in the yard and having her watch as he blew the head off an unsuspecting rabbit. He was too tired at the end of a long day of law enforcement to be bothered with properly putting the gun away from her reach so he demonstrated their destructiveness. Rather than tell the story in horror she brushed it off stating that she learned then and there to stay away from guns. I'm sure the rabbit thought it was an appropriate way to teach gun safety also.
I only gave the book one star because there wasn't anything lower to rate it.
I decided I was headed towards being done when she recounted the story of how her father taught her just how dangerous guns could be by taking her out in the yard and having her watch as he blew the head off an unsuspecting rabbit. He was too tired at the end of a long day of law enforcement to be bothered with properly putting the gun away from her reach so he demonstrated their destructiveness. Rather than tell the story in horror she brushed it off stating that she learned then and there to stay away from guns. I'm sure the rabbit thought it was an appropriate way to teach gun safety also.
I only gave the book one star because there wasn't anything lower to rate it.
January 12, 2012
Leigh Anne Tuohy, played by Sandra Bullock in the movie The Blind Spot, writes of her life and that of her family. A major theme is the goodness of giving - of yourself, your time and your money. Superficially it is quite inspiring. After some reflection though, an unattractive aura of "Aren't we just the greatest family ever?" starts coming through. Not only does it weaken the message, but causes me to question just how truthful the account is.
The best reason for listening to this - and almost enough to raise it a star - lies in the movie backstory.
Still, I wouldn't bother with this one.
The best reason for listening to this - and almost enough to raise it a star - lies in the movie backstory.
Still, I wouldn't bother with this one.
January 24, 2014
Hated this book! I rarely say that, but there just is no nice way to put it.
Started out in the introduction when Mrs. Tuohy says to look around, notice the people you probably don't pay much attention to, a waitress or clerk, and says that you are judging them and thinking yourself better than they are - and parenthetically, "(If you say you don't, you are lying.)" This demonstrate Mrs. Tuohy's extreme bullying, arrogance, and hypocrisy; she seems to think all of us are as arrogant, hypocritical, and naive as she is - As late as her college years, she didn't understand what was wrong with her father's use of "the N- word." I grew up with an incredibly racist family and I knew it was wrong from a very young age - in my early elementary school years I cringed and corrected my parents when they exhibited racism. I have never thought myself better than anyone!
This book is all about horn-tooting and how much money these people have made from their fast food franchises. The fast food franchise ownership, to me, epitomizes their values - they care about nothing as long as it makes them money. Mrs. Tuohy's focus throughout the book is about money, how much things cost, how much money they have, and how much they "help" everybody, an arrogant position to be in, in my opinion.
People throughout the book - her family, friends, even Sandra Bullock - talk about being scared of Leigh Ann. They seem to laugh off her behaviour as "just how she is," but it totally disgusted me. Her husband described one sales job she had where she was a top saler because people were afraid to not buy from her - not a tribute I would ever want to have made about me! The book is full of examples of how she completely controls and bullies her children, her friends, everyone who has the misfortune to run into her! Several times in the book she mentions how her husband just does what she says, even noting that "[she] proposed [marriage] and [he] just did as he was told." Again, doesn't sound like a nice person and certainly not anyone I would want to have around!
Most people see the Tuohy's as shining examples of "Christian giving." I see them as typical of Christians hypocrisy - they so clearly look down on all these people they are "helping." The manner and tone of the book is so arrogant and narcissistic! One "joke" in the book - and repeated by Leigh Ann Tuohy when she spoke at a local women's conference here, where I was first disgusted by her - is about "stupid questions" people ask, such as if she ever expected Sandra Bullock to portray her in a movie. Her "joke" is that these people obviously "rode the short bus to school!" Makes me sick even recounting it here! This does not demonstrate Christian love and acceptance - Tuohy's judgment and arrogance are very close to the surface!
Another story recounting in the book is when the Tuohy daughter threatens football fans in the stands, screaming insults to Michael on the field at a game, with being beat up by Michael if they don't stop - Tuohy recounts this story with pride! Sickening, in my book!
The Tuohys go through life acting as though how they want things to be is the proper and correct way, period. Leigh Ann bullies and rudely interjects herself where it sometimes isn't her business - she very often crosses the line from supporting, assisting, or "helping" to controlling.
Tuohy rubbed me the wrong way at the conference I saw her speak at, but I bought her book - along with my friends who just loved her - to give her a fair shot. I thought surely no one was as despicable as she appeared to me in the short time she spoke. Sadly, after reading her book, she is even more despicable than I initially thought.
Started out in the introduction when Mrs. Tuohy says to look around, notice the people you probably don't pay much attention to, a waitress or clerk, and says that you are judging them and thinking yourself better than they are - and parenthetically, "(If you say you don't, you are lying.)" This demonstrate Mrs. Tuohy's extreme bullying, arrogance, and hypocrisy; she seems to think all of us are as arrogant, hypocritical, and naive as she is - As late as her college years, she didn't understand what was wrong with her father's use of "the N- word." I grew up with an incredibly racist family and I knew it was wrong from a very young age - in my early elementary school years I cringed and corrected my parents when they exhibited racism. I have never thought myself better than anyone!
This book is all about horn-tooting and how much money these people have made from their fast food franchises. The fast food franchise ownership, to me, epitomizes their values - they care about nothing as long as it makes them money. Mrs. Tuohy's focus throughout the book is about money, how much things cost, how much money they have, and how much they "help" everybody, an arrogant position to be in, in my opinion.
People throughout the book - her family, friends, even Sandra Bullock - talk about being scared of Leigh Ann. They seem to laugh off her behaviour as "just how she is," but it totally disgusted me. Her husband described one sales job she had where she was a top saler because people were afraid to not buy from her - not a tribute I would ever want to have made about me! The book is full of examples of how she completely controls and bullies her children, her friends, everyone who has the misfortune to run into her! Several times in the book she mentions how her husband just does what she says, even noting that "[she] proposed [marriage] and [he] just did as he was told." Again, doesn't sound like a nice person and certainly not anyone I would want to have around!
Most people see the Tuohy's as shining examples of "Christian giving." I see them as typical of Christians hypocrisy - they so clearly look down on all these people they are "helping." The manner and tone of the book is so arrogant and narcissistic! One "joke" in the book - and repeated by Leigh Ann Tuohy when she spoke at a local women's conference here, where I was first disgusted by her - is about "stupid questions" people ask, such as if she ever expected Sandra Bullock to portray her in a movie. Her "joke" is that these people obviously "rode the short bus to school!" Makes me sick even recounting it here! This does not demonstrate Christian love and acceptance - Tuohy's judgment and arrogance are very close to the surface!
Another story recounting in the book is when the Tuohy daughter threatens football fans in the stands, screaming insults to Michael on the field at a game, with being beat up by Michael if they don't stop - Tuohy recounts this story with pride! Sickening, in my book!
The Tuohys go through life acting as though how they want things to be is the proper and correct way, period. Leigh Ann bullies and rudely interjects herself where it sometimes isn't her business - she very often crosses the line from supporting, assisting, or "helping" to controlling.
Tuohy rubbed me the wrong way at the conference I saw her speak at, but I bought her book - along with my friends who just loved her - to give her a fair shot. I thought surely no one was as despicable as she appeared to me in the short time she spoke. Sadly, after reading her book, she is even more despicable than I initially thought.
November 8, 2011
So far, this feels like a 'Aren't we great!' type of book. Lots of horn tooting and pretending. The book talks about how poor they were, and I read they started with Sean having an eighteen thousand a year job, and she was working, also. Eighteen thousand a year? That's a lot of money! We started on less than eleven thousand a year. And she says they had a thousand dollar nest egg. But, then says it was borrowed from parents. That's not a nest egg. It's a debt! And the other parents gave them three thousand for a house down payment. Wow. Now they have a house. They don't sound poor. Then later, it mentions how they wanted to help someone, and the friend, Liz, says they can't because she's helping them pay their bills. What? On eighteen thousand a year, and they can't pay their own bills? Well, it sounds like they weren't poor, just poor money managers. Their mortgage payment was less than my rent!
Then they say the went up to twenty-two thousand a year and they still felt poor. Crazy. And that was in 1986 or so. And no kids. I can live on that now, in 2011. With 5 kids home still.
I am not liking this book. The only thing good about it so far is the message that we need to look right outside our doors to help someone, and not necessarily into another country, or deep into any organization, or charity.
Just finished. It seems like they wanted the public to get to know them in reality, and not the fictionalized family in the movie. I can understand that. But, it took too long. I believe the book could have been better shorter. Some of it didn't have anything to do with the point, which is cheerful giving. Still, always interesting to get to another family.
Then they say the went up to twenty-two thousand a year and they still felt poor. Crazy. And that was in 1986 or so. And no kids. I can live on that now, in 2011. With 5 kids home still.
I am not liking this book. The only thing good about it so far is the message that we need to look right outside our doors to help someone, and not necessarily into another country, or deep into any organization, or charity.
Just finished. It seems like they wanted the public to get to know them in reality, and not the fictionalized family in the movie. I can understand that. But, it took too long. I believe the book could have been better shorter. Some of it didn't have anything to do with the point, which is cheerful giving. Still, always interesting to get to another family.
October 2, 2010
Like many people I was touched and moved to tears by the movie "The Blindside" about the Tuohy family and Michael Oher and how they came to be a family. And if you haven't seen the movie yet, you really need to take the time, it is so good. Amazingly, this book is fantastic as well. A movie can only cover so much and as accurate as it was (there are a few licenses taken but the family agrees that it is pretty on the mark) this book delves much deeper into the lives of this incredible family. We get to see Sean's childhood, Leigh Anne's childhood, how they met and their early marriage and then the addition of children to their lives. Through all of this we start to get an understanding of who these people really are and how God worked in their lives to create an environment of giving that helped them arrive at the place where accepting Michael into their lives was the natural next step for them. I ate this book up, finished it in less than 24 hours (which is not uncommon for me with fiction books but incredibly rare for me with non-fiction books). It is so easy to read and follow and is truly a pleasure to delve into. I highly recommend taking a look at the Tuohy family and getting a perspective on giving that could change your life as well.
February 18, 2011
I really enjoyed this book written from the perspective of the Tuohy family, made famous for adopting Michael Oher and his story in the book and movie "The Blind Side". This book is much more the story of their families, how they grew up without much and learned the power of giving from an early age, from generous people in their own lives and how their parents gave of what they had. Many of us look at their story of "wealthy white family adopts homeless black kid" and think "Oh, I could never do something like that". When the truth is, long before Michael came into their lives, they just cultivated and attitude of being open to giving as they saw the needs God put in front of them or the people in their path. Michael crossed their path in many ways, and like a lot of kids, spent a lot of time at their house. Only he needed more,they fell in love with him, and he stayed. But even if he hadn't, there was a lot of encouragement to give back, get involved in your communities and raise your children to be the same(how many families would send their teenager on a mission trip to a garbage dump in Guatemala before letting them go to ritzy sports camp?). Good, uplifting, and often humorous read.
August 25, 2014
If you wonder why I give most books I read 5 stars, maybe it's because I choose good books to begin with! I don't have time to waste on crappy books.
After a book was written about them, and a movie was made about them, it was time for this family to tell their own story! One of the neatest things about the book is their honesty about their family life. No super saints here, just an ordinary family with all the ups, downs, stresses of any family. I mean, what is "normal" anyway?
But yes, God used them to do some very special things. The story of Michael is what propelled them into fame, but really it's about a lot more than that. Lessons for us as readers abound throughout the book if you read carefully: we can do it too. Don't miss the small opportunities while waiting for the big one. Notice the person next to you.
Be prepared to laugh a little, and maybe cry a little too. Let the Tuohy's draw you into their crazy world for a while.
January 3, 2013
I really loved this book and the whole concept of cheerful giving. I am motivated and inspired by people who serve God through simple actions. What I loved best was that they make it seem pretty darn simple that anyone on this planet can cheerfully give, be it a free smile, ten dollars or a million dollars. They live this principle daily and have passed it on to their own children and surround themselves by others who cheerfully give in big and little ways. It just seems like the right way to live this life. I enjoyed reading about the Tuohys' childhoods, the special people that influenced their lives and all the examples they gave of the ways they continue to help others. They have encouraged me to open my eyes wider to those around me.
April 10, 2016
I saw the movie the Blind Side and I really liked the movie, so I decided to read a book written by the real people. This was a easy book to read and I enjoyed reading it. It was interesting to compare the real story with the movie version. Some people might feel like they were bragging a little bit about some of the things they were doing, but I felt like they were just telling their story about giving. They were truthful and said they are not always good givers, for example, they have four nice cars and a private plane. I give this book and four out of five stars because it was very good, but it wasn't amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2011
This book explains the story behind the Blindside, and reveals what great role models the Touhy's are to the children they've mentored and to all of us.
January 9, 2014
It started out good and made me want to be a better giver. Then towards the end it became all about the money. And flaunting that money.
August 29, 2010
This is one of those books I cannot stop thinking about because it has changed my way of interacting with the world. After reading the Blind Side and then seeing the movie, I felt compelled to learn the story of the Tuohy family as told from their viewpoint.
(p 21) "One of our deepest beliefs is beautifully captured in the Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, or 2 Corinthians. The seventh verse of the ninth chapter of 2 Corinthians reads: 'Each one must give as he has decided in his hear, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.' ...we came to believe that a cheerful, spontaneous offering, no matter how small, could be increased and made powerful by God. Our faith helped us understand that it was up to us to be generous and make ourselves available to b used by others. We also became convinced that in order to really give, we had to get our hearts right. We had to learn that it was important to let go of any particular agenda...we often approached charity too formally...If we worrried less about the procedures and methods of giving and concentrated more on a giving stare of mind, we might have more to offer than we knew."
In summary, "do small things with great love."
In addition to this mission above, they also believe in what they call, "The Popcorn Theory," which translates to "You can't help everyone. But you can try to help the hot ones who pop up right in your face." Essentially, you notice others and acknowledge their potential and value as a person.
The Tuohy family believes that true character is measured by how they treat other people and this is the lesson they try to live by daily and impart to their children. Additionally, they believe they were born to make a difference and that leads to their choices to live for something greater than just themselves, which in turn becomes a blessing not only for others, but for them too. (p 60)
They deeply analyzed their thoughts about what it meant to be a cheerful giver and came to realize, "we too often confuse the power of giving with the effectiveness of giving. Giving was powerful by itself; it needed no help from the recipient to be menaingful. Giving worked on the giver's heart and made it expand; that was the most important thing." As Sean Tuohy succinctly states, "My responsibility is to be happy with the act of giving without expecting a result." (p 112)
Another area they believe strongly in doing right, is when it comes to children. They don't want any children to be wronged because children are often dealt a difficult situation and they don't yet have the tools to handle it and are not yet able to be empowered as the decision-makers with the financial ability to make a change that will lead them down a better path. "When we see children--children who have previously been invisible--and see them not just with our eyes but with our hearts and in our souls, it's one of the most critical gifts we can give." (p 262)
I think that in hearing from their daughter, Collins, you can see that the Tuohy's live the example they have thought about because their own birthed children never felt resentment about taking in another child to be adopted. "God puts things and people in your life for a reson. Usually it's to show you a path," according to Collins. She described that she and her brother, S.J., were so comfortable with themselves, about who they were, and about how their parents felt about them, that they felt secure and knew they had a healthy, whole family. That enabledd them to give even more and be blessed even more.
The story really describes not only the times surrounding their life since first encountering Michael Oher, but also their family backgrounds that helped shape the people they became as adults too. The Tuohy's have a long history of helping others. If you believe in the law of attraction, the people around them were some of the most remarkable givers I've heard described too. For example, Miss Sue, Michael's tutor has a heart of gold and endless passion for teaching, "nothing she'd ever done was as rewarding as watching those young men's minds emerge." She not only believed that caring teachers make a difference, but she proved it, "when someone, anyone, was willing to give cheerfully of their emotional energy and time to a kid, it was a game changer."
In the Tuohy's final words, they want to be sure you understand their main message, "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....Love, we've learned, can come into your life in a heartbeat. But the people who are your family aren't alwasy the people who are blood related to you, and loveing someone unconditionally is a lot easier than we make it out to be. Give love and you will always get it back. That's our story, that's our message." (p 263-4)
Now when I go about the community, I really look at others and try to really see them and be in the moment with them. I try to give them the best me I can, even if it's just a smile that we share, though I try to make small talk with salespeople more often than before. And I do find myself smiling more anyways, particularly with my own children as well as those I coach. Their interaction with me could be more special than I realize in that moment. I could really be making a difference and not even knowing it. Though I do believe that I'm also blessed by giving more cheerfully, the best that I can.
I highly recommend this book. I also think it would be worthwhile to check out their foundation at www.makingithappenfoundation.com. If you were touched by the movie, I really think this book will touch you "in a heartbeat."
(p 21) "One of our deepest beliefs is beautifully captured in the Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, or 2 Corinthians. The seventh verse of the ninth chapter of 2 Corinthians reads: 'Each one must give as he has decided in his hear, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.' ...we came to believe that a cheerful, spontaneous offering, no matter how small, could be increased and made powerful by God. Our faith helped us understand that it was up to us to be generous and make ourselves available to b used by others. We also became convinced that in order to really give, we had to get our hearts right. We had to learn that it was important to let go of any particular agenda...we often approached charity too formally...If we worrried less about the procedures and methods of giving and concentrated more on a giving stare of mind, we might have more to offer than we knew."
In summary, "do small things with great love."
In addition to this mission above, they also believe in what they call, "The Popcorn Theory," which translates to "You can't help everyone. But you can try to help the hot ones who pop up right in your face." Essentially, you notice others and acknowledge their potential and value as a person.
The Tuohy family believes that true character is measured by how they treat other people and this is the lesson they try to live by daily and impart to their children. Additionally, they believe they were born to make a difference and that leads to their choices to live for something greater than just themselves, which in turn becomes a blessing not only for others, but for them too. (p 60)
They deeply analyzed their thoughts about what it meant to be a cheerful giver and came to realize, "we too often confuse the power of giving with the effectiveness of giving. Giving was powerful by itself; it needed no help from the recipient to be menaingful. Giving worked on the giver's heart and made it expand; that was the most important thing." As Sean Tuohy succinctly states, "My responsibility is to be happy with the act of giving without expecting a result." (p 112)
Another area they believe strongly in doing right, is when it comes to children. They don't want any children to be wronged because children are often dealt a difficult situation and they don't yet have the tools to handle it and are not yet able to be empowered as the decision-makers with the financial ability to make a change that will lead them down a better path. "When we see children--children who have previously been invisible--and see them not just with our eyes but with our hearts and in our souls, it's one of the most critical gifts we can give." (p 262)
I think that in hearing from their daughter, Collins, you can see that the Tuohy's live the example they have thought about because their own birthed children never felt resentment about taking in another child to be adopted. "God puts things and people in your life for a reson. Usually it's to show you a path," according to Collins. She described that she and her brother, S.J., were so comfortable with themselves, about who they were, and about how their parents felt about them, that they felt secure and knew they had a healthy, whole family. That enabledd them to give even more and be blessed even more.
The story really describes not only the times surrounding their life since first encountering Michael Oher, but also their family backgrounds that helped shape the people they became as adults too. The Tuohy's have a long history of helping others. If you believe in the law of attraction, the people around them were some of the most remarkable givers I've heard described too. For example, Miss Sue, Michael's tutor has a heart of gold and endless passion for teaching, "nothing she'd ever done was as rewarding as watching those young men's minds emerge." She not only believed that caring teachers make a difference, but she proved it, "when someone, anyone, was willing to give cheerfully of their emotional energy and time to a kid, it was a game changer."
In the Tuohy's final words, they want to be sure you understand their main message, "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....Love, we've learned, can come into your life in a heartbeat. But the people who are your family aren't alwasy the people who are blood related to you, and loveing someone unconditionally is a lot easier than we make it out to be. Give love and you will always get it back. That's our story, that's our message." (p 263-4)
Now when I go about the community, I really look at others and try to really see them and be in the moment with them. I try to give them the best me I can, even if it's just a smile that we share, though I try to make small talk with salespeople more often than before. And I do find myself smiling more anyways, particularly with my own children as well as those I coach. Their interaction with me could be more special than I realize in that moment. I could really be making a difference and not even knowing it. Though I do believe that I'm also blessed by giving more cheerfully, the best that I can.
I highly recommend this book. I also think it would be worthwhile to check out their foundation at www.makingithappenfoundation.com. If you were touched by the movie, I really think this book will touch you "in a heartbeat."
July 24, 2017
The Tuohys' generosity, with their love, time, and resources, creates a challenge for the reader - how will we use the resources God has given us and reach out to the people God has brought into our lives? Yes, the Tuohys have particular privileges and quirks, which they readily acknowledge, but they also recognise the responsibilities that they have to use their resources rightly before God and that is a helpful challenge, whatever our situation. A very readable book, which I found enjoyable.
September 7, 2021
An excellent authentic read. I really enjoyed it even though heavily steeped in religion. It somehow didn't feel preachy. The true story behind the blind side and just more of the attitude to cultivate to give more. Very positive story to hear when most stuff is negative.
March 4, 2011
This book has been on my To Be Read (TBR) pile for so, so long. There were over 100 holds placed in front of me for it at my library! I placed the hold almost a year ago!!! I finally got the notice that it was available for pick up a little over a week ago and to say I was excited is an understatement. I loved the movie The Blind Side but the book that inspired the movie was written by a close friend of the Tuohy's. This was written by Sean and Leigh Anne and I wanted to read their perspective on their life and the story behind the movie.
I really enjoyed the book. There were times that I really did "lol" at the passages. It is very heartwarming to see that there are people out there that do make a huge difference in people's lives. There were some eye rolling things in the book too. I can't believe that when they were building their house there were no plans for a kitchen and Sean had to convince her to put in a teeny tiny galley version of one. All because she won't cook. She refuses to cook. At all. All that eating out! It almost makes me mad that they can be so wasteful with that aspect of money. They are well off and already give so much time and money to their causes but still...that has to be some serious dough spent on, well dough eating outside the home.
There were times that it seemed a tiny bit redundant with their mentioning their money. I don't think it was intentional in the way it came across. They were just trying to show how they had money and could give it away. Let's be real for a second, if they weren't rich, would Michael Oher have had the opportunity to get private tutoring and have the extra help of BYU offering him extra classes so he could be eligible for the NCAA? I'm not sure. Over and over again both Leigh Anne and Michael said that he had a drive that was innate. He didn't succumb to the ghetto because he knew his life was going to mean something. That's well and fine but I do have the slightest feeling that being in the right place at the right time with the right people in your corner had a lot to do with things. Isn't that life though? Fate, circumstance and hard work? So it's easy for me to be skeptical and yet inspired and moved at the same time.
I also found it quite hilarious about all the talking around "how Leigh Anne just is." There's so much run around her fanaticism. From the spotless, OCD-ness of her cleaning to her control over her kids in every.single.aspect of their lives. I know that the kids said that they might have felt pressure growing up but that was just how life is but I felt so sorry for them in certain ways. On one hand they seem to be very giving and loving people. They don't seem to have taken their wealth for granted. But on the other hand, they never really lived. They were overscheduled (by Leigh Anne's admitting) in their activities so that they never had a moment to rest. They had no privacy - Leigh Anne said that kids don't get privacy and what was their's was really hers. To a point I understand that. But she seems total overkill at times. In the south they might just be PC about things...but us big city northerners call some women like her capital Bs. To say she is over the top with everything in her life is to put it mildly. With that being said, her heart is just as over the top. The entire family's giving attitude is wonderful to see/read about.
I think that what they have accomplished is very commendable. I think that they do show that there are people out there that give without expecting to be rewarded. That is the main point I take away from the book. It is about helping others and doing the right thing. It is about being selfless and learning to see the world through others eyes. I truely believe that they don't see black and white and brown. They just see a human being.
There are two quotes from the book that stuck with me.
From 2 Corinthians:
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
From Leigh Anne's grandmother
"Don't talk about it, sister, live it."
I really enjoyed the book. There were times that I really did "lol" at the passages. It is very heartwarming to see that there are people out there that do make a huge difference in people's lives. There were some eye rolling things in the book too. I can't believe that when they were building their house there were no plans for a kitchen and Sean had to convince her to put in a teeny tiny galley version of one. All because she won't cook. She refuses to cook. At all. All that eating out! It almost makes me mad that they can be so wasteful with that aspect of money. They are well off and already give so much time and money to their causes but still...that has to be some serious dough spent on, well dough eating outside the home.
There were times that it seemed a tiny bit redundant with their mentioning their money. I don't think it was intentional in the way it came across. They were just trying to show how they had money and could give it away. Let's be real for a second, if they weren't rich, would Michael Oher have had the opportunity to get private tutoring and have the extra help of BYU offering him extra classes so he could be eligible for the NCAA? I'm not sure. Over and over again both Leigh Anne and Michael said that he had a drive that was innate. He didn't succumb to the ghetto because he knew his life was going to mean something. That's well and fine but I do have the slightest feeling that being in the right place at the right time with the right people in your corner had a lot to do with things. Isn't that life though? Fate, circumstance and hard work? So it's easy for me to be skeptical and yet inspired and moved at the same time.
I also found it quite hilarious about all the talking around "how Leigh Anne just is." There's so much run around her fanaticism. From the spotless, OCD-ness of her cleaning to her control over her kids in every.single.aspect of their lives. I know that the kids said that they might have felt pressure growing up but that was just how life is but I felt so sorry for them in certain ways. On one hand they seem to be very giving and loving people. They don't seem to have taken their wealth for granted. But on the other hand, they never really lived. They were overscheduled (by Leigh Anne's admitting) in their activities so that they never had a moment to rest. They had no privacy - Leigh Anne said that kids don't get privacy and what was their's was really hers. To a point I understand that. But she seems total overkill at times. In the south they might just be PC about things...but us big city northerners call some women like her capital Bs. To say she is over the top with everything in her life is to put it mildly. With that being said, her heart is just as over the top. The entire family's giving attitude is wonderful to see/read about.
I think that what they have accomplished is very commendable. I think that they do show that there are people out there that give without expecting to be rewarded. That is the main point I take away from the book. It is about helping others and doing the right thing. It is about being selfless and learning to see the world through others eyes. I truely believe that they don't see black and white and brown. They just see a human being.
There are two quotes from the book that stuck with me.
From 2 Corinthians:
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
From Leigh Anne's grandmother
"Don't talk about it, sister, live it."
February 22, 2023
On October 1, 1962, James Meredith became the first person of African descent to attend University of Mississippi, affectionately referred to as "Ole Miss." In Fall, 2006, Collins Tuohy, rich white 110 lb. athlete started college at Ole Miss with her brother, Michael Oher, rich black 300 lb. 6'4" athlete. That same semester, the two further crossed racial lines by having Michael and his teammates lunch at the Kappa Delta sorority.
"The Blind Side" is a delightful book about NFL Ravens right tackle, Michael Oher. One child out of a gaggle, a drug addicted mother had lost custody of Michael and her multiple other children. Once in the custody of the state, CPS lost track of him in his early teens. Cared for by a smattering of helpful people, nobody took responsibility for his well being besides Michael himself. Still, Michael did have enough connections to often find himself a warm couch or floor to sleep and someone helped Michael gain entrance to a private school on scholarship. It was at Briarcrest, the private school, where Michael caught the eye of Sean Tuohy, a father of two students.
Eventually, Sean talked Michael into coming over after school and studying. Michael started staying over on the sofa, folding his sheets and blankets with military preciseness. For Leigh Anne Tuohy, mildly OCD (mildly may be exaggerated here), it was love.
Leigh Anne is a force to be reckoned with. When Leigh Anne barks, a person does not argue but jumps right to it. When she tells you that church starts at 10:00 a.m., you'd better be dressed and shined by 9:30. Frankly, the woman scares me senseless and, strangely enough, I want very badly to meet her. Her no-nonsense ways leave no doubt that I could learn much from her. Her husband and children may not necessarily fear her (although they should), they respect her.
Both Sean and Leigh Anne were born into modest means. Sean's were much more bare bones and appreciated the kindness of others who reached out to him, giving him a chance to attend good schools and find success as a businessman. Together, they decided very early on to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Charity did not begin with Michael Oher. It began much, much earlier.
Although philanthropic, the Tuohys did much more than give of their money. They currently earmark 25% of their income for charitable causes. They also give of themselves. Collins, now in her twenties, volunteers at a high school as a coach because the school didn't have one. Sean was volunteering at Briarcrest at the time that Michael first caught his eye. They offered their home as a haven for many students until their parents came home from work. The difference between them and Michael is that Michael didn't have any parents and didn't have a home. He was strategically splitting his time between sofas and other warm places so as to not wear out his welcome when he was invited to stay at the Tuohy's home. My guess is Leigh Anne informed him he was staying and showed him his bed.
The point of the book is to give a glimpse into the lives of the family. Michael Oher was going to be successful. Sean and Leigh Anne did not save him. However, they made his saving himself a whole lot easier.
"The Blind Side" is a delightful book about NFL Ravens right tackle, Michael Oher. One child out of a gaggle, a drug addicted mother had lost custody of Michael and her multiple other children. Once in the custody of the state, CPS lost track of him in his early teens. Cared for by a smattering of helpful people, nobody took responsibility for his well being besides Michael himself. Still, Michael did have enough connections to often find himself a warm couch or floor to sleep and someone helped Michael gain entrance to a private school on scholarship. It was at Briarcrest, the private school, where Michael caught the eye of Sean Tuohy, a father of two students.
Eventually, Sean talked Michael into coming over after school and studying. Michael started staying over on the sofa, folding his sheets and blankets with military preciseness. For Leigh Anne Tuohy, mildly OCD (mildly may be exaggerated here), it was love.
Leigh Anne is a force to be reckoned with. When Leigh Anne barks, a person does not argue but jumps right to it. When she tells you that church starts at 10:00 a.m., you'd better be dressed and shined by 9:30. Frankly, the woman scares me senseless and, strangely enough, I want very badly to meet her. Her no-nonsense ways leave no doubt that I could learn much from her. Her husband and children may not necessarily fear her (although they should), they respect her.
Both Sean and Leigh Anne were born into modest means. Sean's were much more bare bones and appreciated the kindness of others who reached out to him, giving him a chance to attend good schools and find success as a businessman. Together, they decided very early on to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Charity did not begin with Michael Oher. It began much, much earlier.
Although philanthropic, the Tuohys did much more than give of their money. They currently earmark 25% of their income for charitable causes. They also give of themselves. Collins, now in her twenties, volunteers at a high school as a coach because the school didn't have one. Sean was volunteering at Briarcrest at the time that Michael first caught his eye. They offered their home as a haven for many students until their parents came home from work. The difference between them and Michael is that Michael didn't have any parents and didn't have a home. He was strategically splitting his time between sofas and other warm places so as to not wear out his welcome when he was invited to stay at the Tuohy's home. My guess is Leigh Anne informed him he was staying and showed him his bed.
The point of the book is to give a glimpse into the lives of the family. Michael Oher was going to be successful. Sean and Leigh Anne did not save him. However, they made his saving himself a whole lot easier.
August 14, 2010
I first heard of the Tuohy's story from the film The Blind Side. I immediately fell in love with the story and with film. Being the reader that I am, as soon as I finished watching the film, I sought a copy of the book by Michael Lewis. I read it in about two days, but didn't fall in love with it the way I did the movie. I was just more interested in the family as a whole and as someone who finds football kind of a bore, the parts that dealt entirely with football, more often than not, made my eyes glaze over. So when I heard that Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy were going to publish their story in their own words, I was immediately excited. In a Heartbeat did not disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my expectations.
I guess now that the film The Blind Side ended up being such a huge hit, most people know Michael Oher's story, so I'm not going to repeat it in my review, other than to say that it was completely moving. What I really want to focus on is the message that the Tuohy's passed on in In a Heartbeat. The book is all about giving. Basically, giving time, help, love, to someone who needs it. It's doesn't have to be this huge big deal to you, but it probably will be to the person you're helping.
I really loved In a Heartbeat because it pushed the message that no matter what hardships you are going through, there is someone out there who's going through something a lot worse. And while that's not necessarily a comfort, it drives home the fact that you really should be grateful for what you do have because of this. No matter how little you have, you should still give a little more to someone who has less than you. The Tuohy's did an amazing thing for Michael, but it's easy for a lot of people to say "Well, hello, they're rich. They could afford to feed and clothe a child that wasn't theirs!" But again, I say, that it's all about the little things. It made me realize that even though, I am a currently unemployed, college student, I can still be doing more than I am. Being unemployed and all, I have the time to do volunteer work, but haven't. This book made me realize that I really should try to help people more, regardless of my current situation.
So, anyway, I loved In a Heartbeat. It was a sweet, touching, and inspirational story. It wasn't overly preachy (which I liked) and it also had a lot of humorous moments. If you loved The Blind Side (the film and the book) and want to know more about the Tuohy family, then I definitely recommend this book.
I guess now that the film The Blind Side ended up being such a huge hit, most people know Michael Oher's story, so I'm not going to repeat it in my review, other than to say that it was completely moving. What I really want to focus on is the message that the Tuohy's passed on in In a Heartbeat. The book is all about giving. Basically, giving time, help, love, to someone who needs it. It's doesn't have to be this huge big deal to you, but it probably will be to the person you're helping.
I really loved In a Heartbeat because it pushed the message that no matter what hardships you are going through, there is someone out there who's going through something a lot worse. And while that's not necessarily a comfort, it drives home the fact that you really should be grateful for what you do have because of this. No matter how little you have, you should still give a little more to someone who has less than you. The Tuohy's did an amazing thing for Michael, but it's easy for a lot of people to say "Well, hello, they're rich. They could afford to feed and clothe a child that wasn't theirs!" But again, I say, that it's all about the little things. It made me realize that even though, I am a currently unemployed, college student, I can still be doing more than I am. Being unemployed and all, I have the time to do volunteer work, but haven't. This book made me realize that I really should try to help people more, regardless of my current situation.
So, anyway, I loved In a Heartbeat. It was a sweet, touching, and inspirational story. It wasn't overly preachy (which I liked) and it also had a lot of humorous moments. If you loved The Blind Side (the film and the book) and want to know more about the Tuohy family, then I definitely recommend this book.
April 2, 2017
If you liked the movie The Blind Side you will enjoy this book. It's a backstory about the family and people that they helped.
March 10, 2015
a very inspiring and encouraging story! of course i had seen the blind side but i was interested in more of the back story, and this book provides it. (i didn't read the blind side book.) this book has encouraged me to look to see where i can give to those around me as needs come up (the popcorn theory). i also loved all the KD references. as a kappa delta i'm so proud! :)
that being said, i had mixed feelings about a couple aspects of the book. 1) there were so many references to the tuohy's wealth in this book. SO many. total name dropping. bmw, a private plane, it went on and on. that made the tuohys' efforts seem somewhat insincere despite the awe-inspiring story of sean's childhood and their struggles early in their marriage. i get that wealth CAN allow you to give more but i fail to see how telling readers this makes us like them... unless it's for the rich to see that you can have those things and still give alot too. i don't know. 2) leigh anne's intense personality combined with her sense of family and sean's driveness lead to some crazy parenting decisions. i get that's part of the family's story but is it really part of this book? i understand that parents need to shape their children but some of their tactics were a little much for me and i'm not sure how it's relevant to telling michael's story or their focus on giving.
all in all, a good book to listen to in the car but i don't feel the need to get my hands on every book written about/by this family. i admire what they have done and hope their example leads to change in this country, but i felt some aspects of this book were way too much and should have been edited out.
that being said, i had mixed feelings about a couple aspects of the book. 1) there were so many references to the tuohy's wealth in this book. SO many. total name dropping. bmw, a private plane, it went on and on. that made the tuohys' efforts seem somewhat insincere despite the awe-inspiring story of sean's childhood and their struggles early in their marriage. i get that wealth CAN allow you to give more but i fail to see how telling readers this makes us like them... unless it's for the rich to see that you can have those things and still give alot too. i don't know. 2) leigh anne's intense personality combined with her sense of family and sean's driveness lead to some crazy parenting decisions. i get that's part of the family's story but is it really part of this book? i understand that parents need to shape their children but some of their tactics were a little much for me and i'm not sure how it's relevant to telling michael's story or their focus on giving.
all in all, a good book to listen to in the car but i don't feel the need to get my hands on every book written about/by this family. i admire what they have done and hope their example leads to change in this country, but i felt some aspects of this book were way too much and should have been edited out.
May 12, 2017
Loved this book and it's message of faith. These two (Leigh Ann and Sean Tuohy) are the real deal
April 16, 2015
If I had written this review in the middle of the book, I would have given it 15 stars! I honestly thought the title of this book was, "The Art of cheerful Giving". Did you see the movie The blind Side or read the book? Well this is the story of the family who adopted Michael Oher in their own words. Leanne and Sean tell us in their own words how they developed their philosophies of giving and I appreciated every last word. I really struggle in being a cheerful giver. My heart really wants to, but often my head just won't let me. I devoured their words and tried to change my own head and heart to match. Not only did they talk about why they give but they offered many many stories of ways they help others out. Now, I feel like I have to add this one last caveat. The last few chapters really turned me off. I wanted to throw the book across the room! It was when Michael and Collins head out to college that I felt personally triggered and that the Tuohys were bragging about their wealth and how they helped their children and all their children's friends in college. It just felt like the book shifted and the honest, down to earth people that I fell in love with in the first and middle of the book because obnoxious spoiled brats who raised obnoxious spoiled children who fly around in private jets. I can't explain it, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. Overall, their message of cheerful giving is trying something worth listening to.
July 15, 2010
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.
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.
July 13, 2010
From the couple made famous by the incredibly popular movie The Blind Side comes a behind-the-scenes story that is sure to satisfy and inspire readers everywhere. In their own words, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy tell the story of how they came to adopt Michael Oher. But this book is so much more than the story portrayed in the movie. In In a Heartbeat we get to know the heart of a very special family in a way that not only entertains us, but inspires us to immitate a lifestyle of true giving.
Included are chapters written by Sandra Bullock, who played Leigh Ann in the movie, and Tim McGraw, who played Sean. Those are terrific, but what is sure to capture the attention of readers is the straight talk of two people we think we know because we've watched a movie. Only now we can really get to know them, and we discover the one thing that moves us the most -- they're just like us! That's the most moving thing about the story told by Leigh Ann and Sean. They haven't done anything we can't do, and their candor motivates us to put action behind our charitable words, to really reach out and touch the life of someone in need.
I'm not a nonfiction reader, but I devoured this book, which is why I can recommend it. It held my attention from beginning to end, and the message is one I needed to hear
Included are chapters written by Sandra Bullock, who played Leigh Ann in the movie, and Tim McGraw, who played Sean. Those are terrific, but what is sure to capture the attention of readers is the straight talk of two people we think we know because we've watched a movie. Only now we can really get to know them, and we discover the one thing that moves us the most -- they're just like us! That's the most moving thing about the story told by Leigh Ann and Sean. They haven't done anything we can't do, and their candor motivates us to put action behind our charitable words, to really reach out and touch the life of someone in need.
I'm not a nonfiction reader, but I devoured this book, which is why I can recommend it. It held my attention from beginning to end, and the message is one I needed to hear
May 3, 2012
If you loved the movie The Blind Side, you will adore this book written by the parents that took Michael into their home and helped him achieve his potential. What examples they are! What I really enjoyed about hearing it from their perspective is that they explain how cheerful giving has always been a part of their family culture. They started from scratch and worked their way up to their financial status and now feel that God has given them much to see what they will do with it, "Where much is given, much is required." They tell about the many kids that have spent time in their home, sleeping on their couch, and about the other ways that they try to make giving a habit. They walk the walk and exemplify generosity. She is so feisty and spunky and I really enjoyed reading things in their own voices. Super inspiring and a great read. They remind us all throughout the book that anyone can give, that you can give in small ways with great love. I also appreciated how they made it clear that Michael would have fought his way to the top, no matter what. He had the talent, the intelligence, and the drive. Their help just made it a whole lot easier for him. It is so clear that they all love each other very much. They are out to serve and do good works. Now to find more ways that I can serve.
February 11, 2011
Title: IN A HEARTBEAT: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving
Authors: Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy
Publisher: Henry Holt
August 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9338-4
Genre: Nonfiction
You’ve often heard the saying, “Its better to give than to receive.” But how many of us absolutely believe that with no question asked? The Tuohy’s in IN A HEARTBEAT shows us how by an innocent gesture, a seed was planted that enabled them to give to a homeless boy a home and a family.
IN A HEARTBEAT teaches the readers some valuable lessons such as:
. If you can’t give something big, give something small.
. “Get one, give one”—when you receive something, give part of it away.
. Giving doesn’t mean enabling—before you give intelligently, you have to learn the value of a dollar.
. Generosity starts at home.
IN A HEARTBEAT is the moving true story of this amazing American family that not only had it all, but they offered it all to help a boy in need. This is the true story of the family featured in The Blind Side.
Included in the middle of the book are photos of the family from when Leigh Anne and Sean were babies all the way up to their children grown. I found this book interesting and applaud the Tuohy’s for making a difference in someone’s life. If each of us would do something for someone in need, the world would be a better place. $24.00 hardcover. 269 pages.
Authors: Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy
Publisher: Henry Holt
August 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9338-4
Genre: Nonfiction
You’ve often heard the saying, “Its better to give than to receive.” But how many of us absolutely believe that with no question asked? The Tuohy’s in IN A HEARTBEAT shows us how by an innocent gesture, a seed was planted that enabled them to give to a homeless boy a home and a family.
IN A HEARTBEAT teaches the readers some valuable lessons such as:
. If you can’t give something big, give something small.
. “Get one, give one”—when you receive something, give part of it away.
. Giving doesn’t mean enabling—before you give intelligently, you have to learn the value of a dollar.
. Generosity starts at home.
IN A HEARTBEAT is the moving true story of this amazing American family that not only had it all, but they offered it all to help a boy in need. This is the true story of the family featured in The Blind Side.
Included in the middle of the book are photos of the family from when Leigh Anne and Sean were babies all the way up to their children grown. I found this book interesting and applaud the Tuohy’s for making a difference in someone’s life. If each of us would do something for someone in need, the world would be a better place. $24.00 hardcover. 269 pages.
November 20, 2010
This is a really good book, not because its all sweetness and giving to charities, etc, etc, but because its about a real family who believes in the "Popcorn Theory of giving" . . .which is "You can't help everyone, but you can try to help the hot ones who pop right up in front of your face." Its about a Christian family who does not preach, but walks their talk instead. Its an inspiration, a catalyst, a kick in the butt to the rest of us who waste our time trying to find something "worthy" to give our time, money or left overs to, when we can just pay attention to what is right in front of us. That person who needs to feel loved, or supported, or encouraged to believe in themselves, animals who cannot protect or speak up for themselves, a community, a school, a church. Its not always about money, but also encouragement, acceptance, friendship, food for the stomach, spirit, a place to sleep, a place to feel safe. . . the list goes on and on and whatever we, as human beings can do to help someone who is lost in any way, is important. We are all a part of humanity...color, gender preference, age, rich, poor, children, adults, animals. . . it doesn't matter . . . we can all give something to help someone in need reach their potential as a human being or creature of God.
April 25, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book, for the most part. The writing style is engaging and humerous. I picked it up because I really was curious about the Tuohy's philosophy of giving and was definitely inspired by how much it permeated their entire life. The amount of love they have for children and for improving the lives of children and youth is amazing.
But I'll confess, Leigh Anne would drive me insane in 2 seconds flat. Granted, hers is a personality that gets things done. She also comes across as a bit (ok, a LOT) of a control freak. I found myself wanting to say "STOP! It is ok to have down time!" Her description of her daughter getting migraines from pushing so hard in college was so matter of fact that I wanted to shake her and say "NO! That is NOT ok! Driving yourself to the point of illness is not to be celebrated or admired!"
In the end, although I respect them in many ways, I left the book feeling like I just got a glimpse into the life of a shiny perfect family who handles every. single. thing. with the perfect attitude, with perfect results. As an inspiration about cultivating a life of giving, the book met its mark. As a story about a family that the rest of us can relate to it fell far flat for me.
But I'll confess, Leigh Anne would drive me insane in 2 seconds flat. Granted, hers is a personality that gets things done. She also comes across as a bit (ok, a LOT) of a control freak. I found myself wanting to say "STOP! It is ok to have down time!" Her description of her daughter getting migraines from pushing so hard in college was so matter of fact that I wanted to shake her and say "NO! That is NOT ok! Driving yourself to the point of illness is not to be celebrated or admired!"
In the end, although I respect them in many ways, I left the book feeling like I just got a glimpse into the life of a shiny perfect family who handles every. single. thing. with the perfect attitude, with perfect results. As an inspiration about cultivating a life of giving, the book met its mark. As a story about a family that the rest of us can relate to it fell far flat for me.
November 23, 2011
11/16-11/22/11:
This is the second time I've listened to this book and I loved it the second time around as well! "Cheerful giving" is a wonderful message to ponder this time of year.
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11/29-12/3/10:
This book was excellent! I really love the movie The Blind Side, and I enjoyed hearing about the story of how Michael Oher became a part of the Tuohy family. But this book is about so much more. It's about a family's philosophy of cheerful giving and opening up your mind and heart to the idea of helping others in need. By simply taking notice of the people around you, it is easy to find ways to help. The Tuohys emphasize that you don't have to write a ginormous check in order to be helpful. This message especially struck a chord with me now that we're in the Holiday Season. I have been thinking about small ways to make a difference all morning.
If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it. It's entertaining and the message just can't be beat. As the Tuohys say, "Give love and you'll get love in return".
This is the second time I've listened to this book and I loved it the second time around as well! "Cheerful giving" is a wonderful message to ponder this time of year.
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11/29-12/3/10:
This book was excellent! I really love the movie The Blind Side, and I enjoyed hearing about the story of how Michael Oher became a part of the Tuohy family. But this book is about so much more. It's about a family's philosophy of cheerful giving and opening up your mind and heart to the idea of helping others in need. By simply taking notice of the people around you, it is easy to find ways to help. The Tuohys emphasize that you don't have to write a ginormous check in order to be helpful. This message especially struck a chord with me now that we're in the Holiday Season. I have been thinking about small ways to make a difference all morning.
If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it. It's entertaining and the message just can't be beat. As the Tuohys say, "Give love and you'll get love in return".
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