Every mother teaches her children they shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but few mothers have had to live that lesson like Kristine Barnett. When, at the age of two, her son Jake received diagnoses that progressed from Asperger’s to autism, doctors, teachers and therapists saw only the autism. Not Kristine. She saw a beautiful little boy and she simply could not accept the bleak life of limitations being projected for Jake. The Spark is a moving, terrifying and inspirational story of her courageous journey with Jake, a journey that is a testament to the ferocity of a mother’s love. Where others saw bizarre behaviour and emotional withdrawal, Barnett saw a spark in her son, an intelligence that just didn’t know how to talk to the world. Over the course of ten years she nurtured that spark with unwavering faith and a tenacity, that is, in the truest sense of the word, awesome. And the child, who therapists said shouldn't bother trying to learn the alphabet or tie his shoes, is now researching quantum physics at Indiana University, giving engaging interviews on TV and inspiring students to stop learning and start thinking. He is just 14. But this beautiful, joyful book is so much more than the story of an exceptional mother and her genius son. In a voice that could be your neighbour, your sister, or your best friend, Barnett shows us how to see children, whether those with autism or their non-spectrum friends, as she does – as unique people with infinite potential. She shows us that every child has a spark waiting to be discovered. If you are a mother, or have a child in your life, The Spark is simply the most compelling book you will read this year.

I had high expectations for this novel, and unfortunately they fell flat. The story of the boy genius is an interesting one but I was disappointed with how much the book is actually about him. She writes too much about herself and how difficult her life is for her. Her voice seems to come off whiny and self absorbed. After finishing the book, I was so dissatisfied about how much they actually discussed the boy that I spent a lot of time googling and researching him afterwards.

The Spark is a very exciting read about two very remarkable people: a mother whose relentless efforts to make the best for her son can teach us all to pull out all the stops for every truly whorthwhile endeavor, and an extremely gifted son we'll all no doubt hear lots more about because she did.

The Good Stuff Wonderfully honest and truly inspiring Shows the power of a mothers faith and love for her son I wanted to hug this women after reading all of the challenges she faced and how she kept going through it all Strong message of hope and thinking outside of the box when dealing with special needs children Really made me think about how I can help my son more. As many of you know my son has Spina Bifida and his biggest challenge being the ADHD that is so prevalent with children with this kind of disability. Think its time to maybe try to find Jake's Spark instead of trying to mold him into what I (not to mention the school system) think he should be or do It was refreshing to read a hopeful story about autism/Asperger's without the blame on how this happened - Just a this is what happened & how we survive & thrive with it She not only helps her child she helps others - that to be is a definition of a hero Very readable Nice to see the focus on the positive and not the negativity of her situation Also nice to read about the lighter moments Focuses on the importance of play & that is good for every child Also enjoyed the focus on the importance of community and charity The analogy she uses on pg 77 to explain autism are simple yet brilliant The Not so Good Stuff Um - not sure how to say this - but at times she comes across a little too self righteous - but hey if I lived through the same challenges she did -- maybe I would too (Ok and maybe she made me feel like I haven't done enough for my son) Made me miss my friend Joan as she is very similar to Narnie Favorite Quotes/Passages "In the time it took me to try on two dresses, Narnie had found out everything about this woman's upcoming wedding, her fiance, and which of her emotional needs he did or didn't meet." "Indulging the senses isn't a luxury, but a necessity. We have to walk barefoot in the grass. We have to eat clean snow. We have to let warm sand run through our fingers. We have to lie on our backs and feel the sun on our face." "It's one thing to support someone when you agree with him or her, but another thing entirely when you don't." "Autism is a thief. It takes your child away. It takes your hope away, and it robs you of your dreams." Who Should/Shouldn't Read A must read for any parent of a special needs child Obviously one that parents of children with Autistic/Asperger's will get something out of Anyone looking for a hopeful, positive and inspirational story Honestly, every parent should read this and hopefully get the message that every child is different and we need to fight for them and help them find their "spark" 4.5 Dewey's I received this in exchange for an honest review - no money exchanged hands - but damn I wish that would happen because I really want new carpets LOL!