Have you seen the Academy Award winning movie The Blind Side?  It is based on the true story of the relationship that formed between Michael Oher and the Tuohy family. Michael was a homeless Black teen from the ghetto who improbably attended a wealthy suburban school in Memphis. He met Shawn and Leigh Anne Tuohy, a white couple whose son and daughter attended the same school. Eventually, Michael was adopted by the Tuohys, received a college degree in criminal justice, and became a professional football player (currently with the Baltimore Ravens).

I thought the movie was terrific, but I wondered how true-to-life it was. Then I saw a book in my local library that answered some questions I had. The book is I Beat the Odds, and is written by Michael Oher himself (along with co-author Don Yaeger). He recalls his life, and also speaks about how he was able to move from an inner city ghetto to the life he wanted. Mr. Oher relates his recognition that his natural athleticism could lead to a way out, his determination to discover and take that path, and  the difficulties of being homeless.

If a “good” book is one that makes us think and question our beliefs, then “I Beat the Odds” qualifies. You can find both the book and the movie The Blind Side at the San Jose Public Library. You may also be interested in two other related books. Michael Lewis’s 2006 book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, was the impetus for the 2009 movie. Also, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy have written a book In a Heartbeat:  Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving, which details their own philosophy and beliefs. Both are also available from the library!