The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius

[Ellie]

Dark matter, string theory, biophysics, quantum field theory, astrophysics, general relativity, Spin Hall effect, and gamma-ray bursts—these words may be completely foreign to some people; for others these words may conjure up the idea of a great scientist, like Einstein. They certainly don't evoke the image of a nine year-old boy with autism scribbling theories and proofs on a whiteboard. Ordinary, had never been a word used to describe Jacob Barnett. In the book, The Spark his mother recounts the heartbreaking and surprisingly exhilarating story as she and her husband learn to live with and encourage their young genius despite what the experts may think. Using unconventional methods Kristine, Jake’s mother, helps draw Jake out of his diagnosis and into his passion for learning.

From the beginning, readers are able to sympathize as Kristine and her husband realize the logistics and fears behind the autism diagnosis. Though Kristine believes in her son and only wants to do what is best for him by placing him in special education; she can't help wondering if her son’s potential is going unnoticed. In a daunting act, she makes the decision to pull Jake out of special education in order to help him unlock his capabilities, instead of striving for the lowest bar on some arbitrary social ladder. This decision, though seemingly unthinkable, ignites a spark and helps kindle Jake’s success in overcoming his diagnosis. Kristine begins to open up her own potential by offering numerous programs to families with special needs children. This true story recounts how a boy who was never supposed to read became a paid physics researcher by age twelve, and how a mom with a passion for helping others helped her son and so many others overcome their “so called” limitations and strive for more than was ever expected of them.

Overall the main theme of this book was the mother’s determination to assist Jake in reaching his potential while attempting to give him a seemingly normal childhood. Another thing that sets Kristine apart from others and enhances her style is the fact that she openly admits that she is not an expert and that she, like so many other people dealing with autistic diagnosis, is by no means perfect. Kristine makes it easy for readers to relate to her struggles and does her best to share her personal experience without conveying a forceful method, like some therapy books. All in all, Kristine’s personable attitude and personal experience is what elevates the content of this novel.

I appreciated her ability to make me feel that even though I am only one person I can accomplish great things, overcome great struggles, and while following my heart. Finally, I can highly recommend this book to anyone because anyone can find something to relate to whether it is family, overcoming struggles, autism or special needs, as well as science.