First came the best—selling book, then the Oscar-nominated movie; the story of Michael Oher and the family who adopted him has become one of the most celebrated true stories of our time. The Blind Side – both the New York Times #1 bestseller and the Hollywood blockbuster – introduced the world to Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, the Memphis couple who was out for a morning drive when they saw Micheal Oher walking alone along the side of the road. They stopped the car that day, and their lives changed in a heartbeat.

That’s the story we all know, but now the couple depicted in The Blind Side tell their own story, and “The story is greater than we are,” explains Leigh Anne. The Tuohy family story demonstrates that taking a chance on someone is worth the risk.

I read The Blind Side and frankly, there was a bit too much football information for me. However, the movie moved me to tears and prompted me to reexamine my view of the world.  So, when I received an advance copy of In A Heartbeat for review I couldn’t wait to turn the pages.

In that I’d read The Blind Side and saw the movie I am familiar with the story but I also understand they need to cover crucial aspects to uncover the truths behind it. In A Heartbeat is truly the story behind the story and informs the reader not only what motivated the Touhy’s but also what we can do to engage in a more giving lifestyle.

The book starts with an explanation of what the Touhy’s call, “The Popcorn Theory.” It goes like this: “You can’t help everyone. But you can try to help the hot ones who pop right in front of your face.”

Throughout the book the Touhy’s share their faith in a real way and often include scripture to illustrate their points. For example, they say the inspiration for their giving philosophy comes from the Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, verse seven chapter nine, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ”

I particularly enjoy the structure of the story telling. Each chapter is written by different family members, included Oher, with Interludes by Sandra Bullock who plays Leigh Ann, and Tim McGraw who plays Sean. Bullock frankly shares her distrust of organized religion and how when she met Leigh Ann she realized, “Wow, I’ve finally met someone who practices but doesn’t preach.”

In the end, the book encourages readers to look at their lives and the people around them in a fresh light … look for those ‘popcorn’ moments. They conclude with chapter called “How You Can Help.” You can visit www.makingithappenfoundation.com for more information.