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SPECIAL HEART is a deeply touching personal story told through the eyes of a journalist as he faces the most daunting challenge in life - far more frightening than reporting from battlefields, infinitely more momentous than interviewing newsmakers of the day: caring for his critically ill newborn son.
Baier reflects on past challenges as he looks forward with hope, chronicling the steps on his path to national prominence as a television anchor, as well as his unexpected journey into the world of pediatric cardiac disease.
With the finely-honed insight of a seasoned reporter, and the deep love of a husband and father, Baier shares with readers the behind-the-scenes stories and emotional narrative of young Paul's life thus far, including the heart-wrenching fears and decisions he and his wife, Amy, have faced together. Surviving every parent's worst nightmare, Bret and Amy emerge - just like their brave young son - scarred but not broken, and clearly understanding what matters most in life.
Reliving three open-heart surgeries and seven angioplasties, the story continues today as the Baier family faces a long road toward a normal healthy life for Paul. Told by a loving father and master storyteller, this hope-filled account offers an inspirational glimpse into the family of a man who just happens to be someone millions turn to for the day's news.
"Nothing gives you perspective like a medical crisis affecting someone you love, especially a child. Bret's personal journey through an earth shattering diagnosis and the triumph of faith, family and modern medicine is both harrowing and hopeful."—
Katie Couric, Host of nationally-syndicated television program, Katie Global Anchor, Yahoo
"Love conquers all things, and for Bret Baier's family, it helped heal his son's special heart. This is a story you'll never forget - about a child's devastating medical diagnosis - and his parents' courage to fight for their son and then give back to those who saved his life."—Norah O'Donnell, Co-Host, CBS This Morning
NScottJtx
Posted Fri Jun 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
It’s every parent’s nightmare. You welcome the birth of your child, and within hours, the initial joy and exhilaration are shattered by the news that your precious newborn is suddenly in a fight for his or her very life. “A Journey of Faith, Hope, Courage and Love” is more than just a subtitle -- it’s truly the experience this book delivers as you are led through the medical challenges presented for a baby born with heart disease and multiple congenital heart defects.
Special Heart is not just another epistle from a high-profile Fox News personality -- it is deeply personal. It’s a robust serving of real life, fear, trepidation, inspiration, and perseverance by one of the nation’s premier television news professionals, Bret Baier, anchor of the top-rated political news digest Special Report on Fox News Channel.
There’s a great deal to like in Special Heart for both parents and Fox News fans. Baier deftly strikes a unique balance of his career path and rise to prominence at Fox News with the dramatic personal challenges he and his wife, Amy, face in dealing with their young son Paul’s seemingly insurmountable medical obstacles.
Woven throughout this well-written and highly readable book is the significant role the Baier family’s faith played in sustaining them through their darkest hours. This element of the story, which is neither preachy nor overbearing, is both moving and inspirational for those who believe in a higher being.
Through three open heart surgeries and seven angioplasties, the bravery and fortitude of young Paul Baier (now six), and his trust in his parents and his medical providers, shines through. As the book shares with us the gripping experiences of Paul’s medical journey, the reader is treated to insights on the top news stories of those six years as Mr. Baier balances the hectic demands of being a national news anchor against the important needs of his family.
Within this engaging and emotional account are a number of touching vignettes about the passing of some of Mr. Baier’s colleagues, including former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, ABC’s Jim McWethy, and NBC’s Tim Russert. Perhaps most touching of all, is his courting, marriage, and relationship with his wife, Amy Hills Baier, whom you come to know as a smart, loving, and genuinely impressive person in her own right.
The convergence of the rational (Mr. Baier’s career account) with the emotional (Paul’s life-threatening illness and the family who loves him), ultimately makes this book very relatable to a wide reader base. The quality of the writing, the power of the emotions presented, and the historical news issues covered each provide something worthwhile for anyone to take away from the experience. This book is absolutely recommended for those seeking inspiration and comfort in the face of the most trying challenges life can have in store for us.
Through it all, the Baier family found their philanthropic calling: pediatric heart research. World renowned medical teams at Washington D.C.’s leading children’s hospital gave Paul a new lease on life. Mr. Baier is donating 100% of his proceeds from this wonderful book to pediatric heart research so that others, like young Paul, can hopefully obtain the miracles of cutting-edge medicine that have allowed him to become the active, thriving six year-old he is today.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Jun 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Special Heart is a well-written, well-organized and ultimately, a quite moving story about parents facing unimaginable fear, sadness and nervousness over the future of their newborn son, whom they quickly discover suffers from multiple heart defects within 24 hours of his birth.
The parents just happen to be Bret Baier, of Fox news fame, and his wife Amy. Fame, money and notoriety pale when it comes to the life-changing news your little baby may die without immediate open-heart surgery.
This book is a dramatic, yet ultimately inspiring, journey as Baier juggles his responsibilities as a national news anchor with the incredible needs of his family, with a baby in distress. It’s intriguing, heartening and informative book on both a parent’s love of child, and drive to be the best in the news business. I highly recommend it.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.DonWilke
Posted Thu Jun 19 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I Also Recommend:
This is a rare book. The thought of having your newborn diagnosed with serious health issues is something you wouldn't wish on anyone. But this story is and amazing one of "Faith, Hope, Courage, and Love". An awesome book.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sat Aug 30 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Recommend this book very touching and interesting. A different side of a TV personality who has weathered more than a few storms in his life beyond the cameras.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Gulfview
Posted Fri Aug 22 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This is a very interesting book,
I recommend this to everyone, it is so true to life- that we all have problems, but this author tells how- they handled their problem
so heart warming.
One of my favorites, anyone who has- or knows of a family who went through
tough times with a baby with heart problems will appreciate the faith, and love these parents witnessed.
You will not be sorry for buying this book- well worth the time, and money.
Anonymous
Posted Fri Jul 25 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This book was a wonderful book. The love and compassion shown throughout this book shows what a wonderful family the Baier's are. The book was inspiring to read. Sharon Anderson, Lander, Wyoming.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.alphonsus30
Posted Mon Jul 07 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I have not completed this book yet but it is a great read. I love the style of Bret Baier. It reads like you have having a conversation with him. Powerful reading that shows the love and faith of this family. Inspiring for others who may be experiencing medical issues with children.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sat Jul 05 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Very informative as to what parents are faced with when a child is born with birth defect(s). Let's you walk in their shoes.
Liked the thread of Bret's job that was woven through the story.
A. Must read and encouraging story for others.
Anonymous
Posted Sun Jun 29 00:00:00 EDT 2014
A moving story of faith and courage in ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Interesting autobiography of Brett. A little disappointing toward the end, however. After all they had been through, it took a lot of faith and courage for them to have another child. The birth of Daniel was also a mountaintop experience. That would have made a much better section than naming all the people who had influenced Brett’s life, and where his career had taken him. Too bad. What will Daniel think when he gets older…… he’s just a barely mentioned in the book, and Paulie is somebody special. Both are miracle children. Still a good read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.USNA65
Posted Sat Jun 28 00:00:00 EDT 2014
The cognitive visualization provided by Bret Baier had me alternating between laughter and misty-eyed crying. The paradigmatic and unconditional visualizations of love and caring by both Amy and Bret, and the incredible courage and pure, unadulterated grit of Paulie Baier are phantasmagorical. This family is the REAL DEAL!
Dr. Jim Savard
Anonymous
Posted Fri Jun 27 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Have not completed reading the book, but it reveals lots of info about their life. Bret is one of my favorite reporters and it is interesting to know about his background and family life. I am looking forward to learning more.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Jun 24 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Very moving and inspirational story of love and faith. Enjoyed every word! Laughed and cried with the author. Highly recommend the book!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu Jun 19 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Special Heart will make you cry. It will also inspire you. The writing wraps you up and keeps you wanting more. This book is truly a spiritually uplifting gift to readers.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.sparkylg
Posted Mon Jun 16 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I loved "Special Heart". Although I do not understand why B&N had to special order it for me. You'd think B&N being on an island as conservative as Hilton Head SC, they wouldn't wait until "they got so many requests for it that they had to order the book for their shelves"! As told to me by the lady at customer service. Anyway, Special Heart is a story of the love, faith, hope, courage and strength that pulled the Baier family together during a most frightening time. I highly recommend this well written book. I found some good lessons to be learned in Special Heart.
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Posted Mon Aug 11 00:00:00 EDT 2014
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Posted Fri Jun 27 00:00:00 EDT 2014
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Posted Fri Jul 04 00:00:00 EDT 2014
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Overview
SPECIAL HEART is a deeply touching personal story told through the eyes of a journalist as he faces the most daunting challenge in life - far more frightening than reporting from battlefields, infinitely more momentous than interviewing newsmakers of the day: caring for his critically ill newborn son.
Baier reflects on past challenges as he looks forward with hope, chronicling the steps on his path to national prominence as a television anchor,...