The Spark

A Mother's Story of Nurturing, Genius, and Autism

By: Kristine Barnett

Narrated by: Kathe Mazur

Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Kristine Barnett’s son Jacob has an IQ higher than Einstein’s, a photographic memory, and he taught himself calculus in two weeks. At 9 he started working on an original theory in astrophysics that experts believe may someday put him in line for a Nobel Prize, and at age 12 he became a paid researcher in quantum physics. But the story of Kristine’s journey with Jake is all the more remarkable because his extraordinary mind was almost lost to autism. At age 2, when Jake was diagnosed, Kristine was told he might never be able to tie his own shoes.

The Spark is a remarkable memoir of mother and son. Surrounded by "experts" at home and in special ed who tried to focus on Jake’s most basic skills and curtail his distracting interests - moving shadows on the wall, stars, plaid patterns on sofa fabric - Jake made no progress, withdrew more and more into his own world, and eventually stopped talking completely. Kristine knew in her heart that she had to make a change. Against the advice of her husband, Michael, and the developmental specialists, Kristine followed her instincts, pulled Jake out of special ed, and began preparing him for mainstream kindergarten on her own.

Relying on the insights she developed at the daycare center she runs out of the garage in her home, Kristine resolved to follow Jacob’s "spark" - his passionate interests. Why concentrate on what he couldn’t do? Why not focus on what he could? This basic philosophy, along with her belief in the power of ordinary childhood experiences (softball, picnics, s’mores around the campfire) and the importance of play, helped Kristine overcome huge odds.

The Barnetts were not wealthy people, and in addition to financial hardship, Kristine herself faced serious health issues. But through hard work and determination on behalf of Jake and his two younger brothers, as well as an undying faith in their community, friends, and family, Kristine and Michael prevailed. The results were beyond anything anyone could have imagined.

Dramatic, inspiring, and transformative, The Spark is about the power of love and courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles, and the dazzling possibilities that can occur when we learn how to tap the true potential that lies within every child, and in all of us.

©2013 Kristine Barnett (P)2013 Random House Audio

Thank you :))))

I’m a father of a level 2 autistic, I see so many things in him that you speak of in this wonderful amazing book. If I wasn’t thinking about things I could do I was crying wall listening. THANK YOU for the gifts you shared with us all by writing this book. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

What an Inspiring Story

Well written true story of a Genius .The narration is perfect. We used this book for out Book Club. Every body loved it .A Winner

excellent book

This book was truly amazing! As a parent, I truly agree with the statement that not all children fit in the little box that the public schools want to put them in. My son learns differently than others and does not understand math, unlike the child in this book, however, I try to find new ways to incorporate math that he can enjoy. I will be recommending this book to all parents!

Remarkable book

Each parent should get a copy of this book when leaving the maternity ward. A testament of how much the parenting matters. Must read!

What a Parent and what a Kiddo!

What made the experience of listening to The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius the most enjoyable?

This book is enjoyable because it offers hope to both parents of children on the spectrum as well as the children themselves. Not every child is going to be a genius, however, they will offer something of value to this world if given the tools necessary. Kristine wasn't a wealthy person, nor particularly knowledgeable about Autism (by her own admission through the book), but she did study as much material as she could find and worked with what she had around her to help her son, Jacob, become as successful as he could be.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius?

The most memorable section was when Jacob was working on his original theorem and was writing all over his room. Kristine liken it to the scene from "A Beautiful Mind" and I would have to agree, that was the imagery that immediately came to mind.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite part was when they go to look at Mars for the first time, I had a similar experience with my son at a meteorologist led seminar recently.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Right from the start, the book grabs you and moves you when the mother opens up the book with a story of her small child conversing on an intellectual with college students.

Any additional comments?

If you have a child on the spectrum, read this book. If you know someone who does have a child on the spectrum, read this book, then give it to them to read. The more people who know that they have a chance to make something special happen, the more that something special could actually happen.

Amazing story!

Amazing story, even for people not having contact with autism. This kid can change the world.

my son..

my son was diagnosed at the age of 2.. he is non verbal.. and also has SPD ( sensory processing disorder) he is now 3 and only communicates with basic sign language. .he also go to a speech and occupational therapy almost everyday of the week.. what this mom did with the daycare and the way she approached the children and "playing to there strengths" gives me hope that one day I to will have a conversation with my son , and will be able to realize his full potential. . this book is such a motivating story ..

Great book about Jake and about raising all kids!

Where does The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've listened to many audiobooks. The Spark is in the top 20.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius?

Memorable moment was when the Mom ventured out, directly and casually, to learn her son's world.

Have you listened to any of Kathe Mazur’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no i have not. I enjoyed her narrative.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

they are special

Any additional comments?

I substitute at a daycare; and there is one child who is special who i take much interest in. He, Michael, can now speak the name of each kid and teacher. I am curious of his interests. For now, MIcheal, I have observed, likes to organize things. Indeed, he is probably running circles and patents around me while I kindly watch him.
:)

Amazing story of Love encouraging and persevering!

An encouragement for all parents. Thank you Kristine for recognizing potential and sharing your gifts!

"An incredible story - insight into finding genius

What did you love best about The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius?

one of the most amazing stories i have ever read out of tens of thousands of books and audiobooks. I sent the link to this book to thousands of mom's I know. The story of this mom's commitment to find her son's genius zone and practical grounding was literally amazing. the revelations of success and discovery are astounding.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius?

Transformation and joy

What does Kathe Mazur bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The fact that it sounded like a mom recounting her authentic personal story rather than an actor

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES and I did...

Any additional comments?

It changed my life. I focus on this field of human potential and the dynamics of peak performance and transformation but this was a life changing book and a life changing paradigm.

Thank you for your commitment to the potential of this Soul named Jacob and your never ending reservoir of care and insight ..you made this story possible.. it is beyond magical it is a life changer.