Christy J. (southernsassygirl) reviewed on 6/29/2010 + 180 more book reviews

When I first heard that the Tuohys would be writing a book, I was so excited. I remember seeing The Blind Side at the theater, and was an immediate fan of the movie and what this family did. I was very eager to read their side of the story, and find out how much from the movie was true, or if the truth was just stretched a bit.

Let me tell ya, these people know what it means to give of themselves without asking for anything in return. What's even more laudable is that they don't want a big spectacle made of their generosity. It's all about giving of themselves cheerfully like the Bible teaches. They've also passed this trait down to their children....all 3 of them.

While a lot of folks around Memphis have literally bashed them for their giving spirit toward Michael Oher, they don't really know the whole story. Now, I'm not an expert on the subject, but I live in the Memphis area, and I know what the majority of people are like in this city. It's very racially divided, and a huge hotspot of crime. Most people around here, whether black or white, don't readily reach out to a stranger. That's what makes what the Tuohys did so special. As a well-to-do white family living in a nice area of Memphis, they reached out and gave of their love to this one black kid. They didn't do it to get any special recognition, and they didn't do it to raise eyebrows or to get people gossiping. They did it because they realized a need was there, and they acted upon it--plain and simple.

Their example is one that we can all learn from. While they are a very comfortable family, and are able to give financially to various charities and causes, they make a point of saying that money is not the only way you can give. Sometimes, a kind smile or even saying hello to someone may be just the pick-me-up they need for that day. Or it may mean giving of yourself at a soup kitchen or a shelter. Their point is just that even though you may think you've got it good, there's plenty of people out there that have it worse than you do. That's when you have to stop and thank God, and then ask Him how you can reach out to someone in need.

If you get the opportunity, definitely get your hands on a copy of this book. If you've seen The Blind Side, awesome. It's a great movie with a great message. If you haven't seen it, read the book first so you can get the whole story. Sometimes, it's just not possible to fit a family's whole story into a 2-hour movie, especially one as crazy as the Tuohys. :o)

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