It Takes Guts Paperback – November 26, 2014

I set out to read this book thinking it would be a story of courage and persistence.It wasn't.It was much richer than that.It took me on a journey and I became invested in this little boy and found myself immeshed in the sleepless nights, the harsh florescent lights of a hospital and a mom taking one step at a time as the advocate for her child. It reminded me to be grateful for the small cuddles. To choose love first and live fully in the present moment, for nothing else really matters.I read very few books that I don't put down. This one I read through from start to finish, pausing only to give my own kids a hug and a kiss of gratitude that I am able to be on a journey with them.This is a story of love and possibility.One I've already shared by sending copies to my loved ones.

Evelyne Brink doesn't focus on the problems. She focuses on the possibilities. She writes with such humor and depth and tells it like it is. She is a mother that believes in miracles and reminds me and others to do so as well. A must read.Thank you Evelyne for sharing this true and emotional account of your journey with your beautiful miracle Tuffel. Your ability to show such courage, strength, love and belief in the possibilities is awe - inspiring.

This is a truly powerful story that can and will change the world. The amount of humour, absolute love, raw humanness and shifts in perspective in this short book have altered my view of what I think is possible. Thank you Tuffel for your light and wisdom; I am forever brightened by your story.

Evelyne's story of her journey into motherhood proves that with love anything is possible and that even though things may seem hopeless it is our job as parents to never give up hope. A truly inspiring story.

It Takes Guts is truly uplifting and inspirational.It is a story of a mother's love, a woman's personal journey, human resilience, and the presence of miracles.Evelyne Brink is a wonderful writer - she tells the story of her son Tuffel's challenging first years with raw honesty and humor. At the end of the book, I wanted to fly overseas to sit down with Evelyne for coffee or a green drink, and play with her beautiful, lively boy.Parents of children who are ill or have special needs will be boosted by reading this book - you are not alone. All mothers will relate to the challenges of early parenthood and the need to adapt to changes in work, marriage, and self-perception. Anyone who is a human being will be buoyed in reading about this family's experience and the growth, lessons, and love that can be birthed by life's challenges.

Great book about the difficult first year of having a sick kid. Evelyne writes her story with humor and emotions, a story of courage and love. She makes the best out of the situation, and her strength is inspiring. Thank you Evelyne for writing such a great story, and bringing attention to the rare condition of short bowel syndrome.

A must read for everyone. The author catches your attention from the first page and then captures your heart for the rest. A well written story about a mother's love and the struggle of having a sick baby.

I have to confess first of all that I know Evelyne and have met the delightful Tuffel and I was one of probably many people who encouraged Evelyne to turn her regular newsletter updates about Tuffel's progress into a book.Those newsletters regularly brought me to tears and the book is no different. Evelyne and Tuffel's story really tugs at the heartstrings. But this book offers much more than the story of an inspiring battle against all of the odds (although it does offer that).Evelyne brings her own unique (definitely unique, that's the right word) sense of humour to the story, lifting the spirits during the darkest moments and she also offers an insight into the real value of the NHS, one that many of us don't get to experience first hand...and wouldn't want to.This is a book that genuinely moves and inspires and I look forward to sharing the future chapters of Tuffel's and his parents' lives.

I love this book. Despite the inevitable sadness in reading about some other family's misfortune I found it one of the most inspirational and uplifting books I have ever read. Evelynne's very personal and quirky take on what must have been a brutal emotional roller coaster ride is surprisingly charming and refreshing and her relentless hope, determination and grit are incredible.There was very little I disliked apart from the fact that it made me cry like a baby on the tube!I would recommend this book to parents in particular of both healthy and sick children. It makes you count everyone of your blessings and reminds us that no matter how dark things can seem there is always light beyond the darkness. I'd also recommend it to those who work in healthcare as it might open their minds to a world beyond red tape. boundaries and traditional practice. A beautiful and truly inspiring book.

As one of Tuffel's nurses on the Neonatal Unit, I found this book very interesting and rewarding. I am very proud to say that I was a part of Tuffel's, Evelyne's and Thomas' life and that I helped to make a difference in this very special boys life. This book is a great read for all nurses, doctors, hospital staff, parents and anyone who loves to read a great story about one courageous little boy and his courageous parents. From a nurses point of view, it was great to read how the day to day runnings of the unit I work on looks and feels through the eyes and words of a parent. I am so glad Evelyne chose to write this book and I think she has done an amazing job as a parent and a writer, I will be telling everyone about it and encouraging them all to buy a copy!I wish Tuffel, Evelyne, Thomas and their whole family all the best for the future and look forward to reading book number two!

This is a book about love and hope as the title says. It is also about care and believing in the good in the world and human kindness.I wish Tuffel and his family every happiness. I can really recommend this book. It moved me to tears by the strength of all involved in Team Tuffel.

Compelling story, very well narrated with humour and wisdom. Anyone affected by any kind of difficult circumstances can learn from the insight that is offered by the author and her situation.I enjoyed all the reflection that Evelyne shares with us, the readers, I found it really useful for my own life. The story is not only about this amazing boy, Tuffel, but also how Evelyne experienced the events as a new mother, a partner and a woman with ambition. I definitely recommend it to everyone that needs to step back and put things in perspective