In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving

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In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving

by Leigh Anne Tuohy, Sean Tuohy, Sally Jenkins

3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 · rating details · 649 ratings · 167 reviews

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...more

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published July 13th 2010 by Henry Holt and Co. (first published July 9th 2010)

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Apr 25, 2011 Suzanne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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? I...more

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Jan 20, 2012 Caitlin Cranmer rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book is the biography of the Tuohy family. Most people know them as "The Blind Side" family. The movie, "The Blind Side" is based on the book "The Blind Side" written about NFLer Michael Oher. However, book never focused on Michael Oher solely but rather on football as a whole and Oher was never a main part. Nevertheless, the movie was made about his life. Now, the Tuohy family who took him in and raised him have written about on their lives. It starts with Leanne (the mom) and Shawn (the d...more

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Feb 18, 2011 Bonnie rated it 4 of 5 stars

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 d...more

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Feb 11, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

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 valuabl...more

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Oct 01, 2010 Janna rated it 5 of 5 stars

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...more

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Aug 13, 2010 Alisha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

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 e...more 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.(less)

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Jul 12, 2010 Virginia rated it 4 of 5 stars

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.

Includ...more

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Jul 09, 2010 Nancy rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 tack...more 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. (less)

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Nov 08, 2011 Audry rated it 2 of 5 stars

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 th...more

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Aug 29, 2010 Tanya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-books

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,...more 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."(less)

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Mar 04, 2011 Rachael rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 o...more 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."(less)

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Nov 20, 2010 Pat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

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 g...more

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Jul 24, 2010 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, nonfiction, best-book-of-2010

A fabulous story -- the real one and not the one dramatized in the movie!

The real story is even better than the movie and the movie was excellent! There just wasn't enough time to tell the whole (real) backstory in the movie. That backstory is explained here.

The Tuohy's really are a "funny" family. Leigh Anne is a riot!

One of the most interesting facts shared was in regards to the movie: The Blind Side finally started filming in April 2008 in Atlanta. The person the Tuohy's had to thank for shep...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Kristi rated it 4 of 5 stars

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 li...more

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Apr 25, 2011 Loretta rated it 3 of 5 stars

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...more

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Aug 14, 2011 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, read-in-2011

I read this book after finishing The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis, who is friends with the Tuohys. This book talked a lot more about the Tuohy family, which was what I was looking for. It was written from Leigh Anne and Sean's perspective, with interludes by their children and by Tim McGraw and Sandra Bullock. I really liked reading their stories, how they got to where they were in the position to take in Michael. I also liked reading about the other ways they gave, and conti...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Miriam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great book written by the people whom "The Blind Side' book/movie is about. This couple, out of the goodness of their hearts -- took in a homeless boy to their home, and raised him as their own child. They turned him around from a boy with low self-esteem and no future, to one who became a basketball star and succeeded in college. Their humor and rationale behind doing good in the world is described by them in this book. It's interesting to read, after seeing the movie "The Blind Side," because...more

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Sep 23, 2010 Karin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really liked the "Popcorn Theory" described in this book (if you have time/energy/money to help others, help those who "pop" up in your face instead of agonizing over which extended charity to help). And the stories of how they run their family...well, let's just say I won't be raising my children like that but it was an interesting view and it worked for them. Quick easy read that gets a bit preachy at time but not unbearably so.

NOTE: I have not yet read/watched The Blind Side except for the...more

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Jul 20, 2010 Jodi rated it 3 of 5 stars

The book was really good and I liked to hear from each of the children along with the parents their ideas of the blindside movie. I really believe in the power of one to make changes. I think that if everyone was able to just do one thing a day, whether smile and wave at someone or help a neighbor or a stranger the world would be a better place. I want my son to know that we help everyone and that our home is open always to whomever. I hope the kids in neighborhood know that our door is always o...more

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Jul 14, 2010 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it 5 of 5 stars

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...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Debra rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography-memoir, audiobooks, sports

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...more

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Nov 20, 2010 Terri Rogers rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010

I enjoyed this book. I didn't feel as interested in the Tuohy's personal background (although it was interesting) as I was to hear their story as a family. I did love the message of the book and I love what they call the "Popcorn Theory". You don't have to sign up to volunteer for a big "help" project....you don't have to wait until you have enough money to "help"....you can help every single day by just looking for the things that "pop" up in front of all of us. Most often these things require...more

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Nov 08, 2010 Stacy rated it 4 of 5 stars

What an amazing inspirational story the Tuohy's shared. The message of cheerful giving is amazing. at first, i wasn't sure if the book was going to only be about Michael coming into their lives but it was so much more than that. They both talked about their childhoods, and what it was like to come from nothing. I'm inspired by how they approach life and how they have instilled values onto their children. Brining Michael into their home and lives still continues to awe me because honestly how man...more

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Sep 13, 2010 Gina Rago rated it 5 of 5 stars

We've all seen the movie. I really admire the perspective this family has on living the giving life. They truly epitomize that even the smallest act of kindness can leave a lasting mark on the world.

If you are a Tuohy fan, or have been touched by this story, sign up to register for this free live webinar where you can type in your own questions that you want to ask Sean Tuohy as he discusses cheerful giving. This is not just a shameless plug (I'm a marketer for Christianity Today). You will be...more

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Feb 26, 2012 Callen Lewis rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is written by The Touhys, parents of 'The Blindside's' Michael Oher. They're wonderful examples of service and have a great outlook on life. We can all stand to be alittle more like this family. I was surpised at all amazings lessons I took away from their story. I highly suggest this book to everyone!! P.s. If you worried that this is a sports book..its not. The Blindside was both the story and the football side of things. This is a book about The family (from the blindside) and their...more

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Mar 08, 2011 Erica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amazing story. As a fan of The Blind Side and the Michael Oher story, I knew this book had to be good. What amazing people the Tuohys are! This book goes through their lives, together and apart, before and after Michael. It shows how they got where they are today, what they believe, and what they feel is important to share with the world. It really makes you want to go out there and do what you can to help someone out who needs it. I loved their "popcorn" analogy. Their life stories and philosop...more

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May 30, 2013 Aubree rated it 4 of 5 stars

I finished reading this book called In A Heartbeat by Leigh Anne Tuohy that has a genre of non fiction biography. This book is about a young man who was found on the street by the Tuohy family and now he is a professional football player. This book is about the whole family after there life changed by this young man and how much better they feel.
This book is very inspirational and is a great story. On a scale from one to five I would rate this book a four or maybe a four and a half because it...more

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Dec 19, 2012 CJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Like everyone else, I was captivated by the family portrayed in The Blind Side and I wanted to learn more about these people. This book is told by the Tuohys with little bits contributed by their children. It is not Michael Oher's story, but he informs every page. Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy are extraordinary people and I am amazed at what they've been able to accomplish. Their message is to give with a cheerful heart and you'll get back what you never expected.

A very quick read and well worth the...more

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Jul 30, 2011 Regina Spiker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adoption, giving, the-blind-side, inspirational

Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy tell the story, in their own words, of meeting Michael Oher, featured in the movie "The Blind Side." The couple also talk of their own upbringing, of cheerful giving, and why they feel compelled to look out for other children and teens. Very funny in parts and inspirational, the Tuohy also question why everyone can't do their part and make a difference in someone's life.

Photos included with interludes from their children, Collins, Michael, and Sean Junior, and Tim McGra...more

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Nov 23, 2011 Vanessa rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 abou...more

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About Leigh Anne Tuohy

Leigh 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.

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title link	preview: In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving
avg rating	preview: In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving Goodreads rating: 3.98 (649 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8107197-in-a-heartbeat?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317065299l/8107197.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8107197-in-a-heartbeat?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving by Leigh Anne Tuohy[/url]

In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving

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