Typically I rate books on the caliber of the writing, but this one is based on heart. What a touching story! When Tara and Todd Storch lose their 14 year old daughter in a skiing accident, they decide to donate her organs and that generous action has amazing consequences for their own family as well as at least 4 other lives that benefit from transplants. The way the Storches rebound from the tragedy and see beyond their grief to help others is so inspiring. Their faith is steadfast and helps them through and they go on to start a foundation that increases awareness about organ donation. My dear friend who is a pediatric hospice doctor asked me to read it to judge its suitability for a donation initiative they are starting at her hospital. This book covers many facets of grief -- from the challenge it presents to couples, to the ways people grieve differently, to how to meet the needs of their 2 surviving children to the organ recipients' stories and needs. I'm always so impressed by people who can make good come to pass from some of life's worst moments. ( )

Taylor's Gift is a raw, heart breaking look at grief in the face of loosing a teenage daughter, and making her life count for more than it could have in life. The journey of her parents and siblings is shown in its entirety, no hiding, no white-washing, just the bare bones of it. Definitely a hard read, well told, but heart breaking. This is not a read for the faint of heart, but one that needs to be read. Not everyone’s journey will be like this, for sure no one will have the exact same experiences, but it deals very aptly with the facts and emotions. What made this even more memorable was that it is actually told from more than one point of view. First of all, both the mother and father tell their stories, both of the grief and then of decisions that needed to be made, the strengths and weaknesses of both parents, and then also of the recipients of the organ donations. I had not read or seen anything of this book before Julie Warkentin of Graf-Martin Communications offered it to me for a review, but I am thrilled to be posting a review on my blog.
Thank you, Julie and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. for supplying this book free to me for the purpose of writing an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own. ( )

Now Tara and Todd share their inspiring story, shining a light at the end of the tunnel for those enduring the suffering of losing a loved one. Through the stories of the donor recipients, readers will discover hope in the midst of pain. Honest with their struggles, the Storches show readers that life is a gift and our response to grief is a choice. They also speak with a clear voice about the importance and the blessing of being an organ donor, telling the inspiring story of the creation of Taylor's Gift Foundation and its goals to raise awareness of the need for organ donation, to re-gift life, renew health, and restore families. They are changing the conversation around the globe that organ donation is not about death--it's about life!
Taylor's death could have destroyed the Storches--and in some ways it almost did. Instead, her gift of life brought them strength, knowing her heart was continuing to beat. Taylor's Gift is more than Taylor's story, or even Todd and Tara's story. It's the story of a nurse who can now be an active mom and fully present for her kids, a cowboy who now has the strength and ability to give back to the community, a biker who can now give of himself completely, and a teenager who can now see her future for the first time.

It's a story of finding strength in God and creating good even in the darkest times. Knowing that you are giving a gift of life in your child’s name is a glorious thing and a good healing of grief. My heart does go out to them for having to deal with such a loss but they can feel proud of Taylor’s Gift Founation.

It's a story of hope. This book was recommended. It is very inspiring! So glad I read it. I would recommend this book to anyone that is searching.
I was given this book by NetGalley. www.netgalley.com ( )