The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing, Genius and Autism

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Description

A remarkable memoir about being a mother to a genius. Kristine Barnett's son Jacob has an IQ higher than Einstein and a photographic memory. At nine he developed an original theory in astrophysics that may earn a Nobel Prize. But Jake's story is all the more remarkable because his extraordinary mind was almost lost to autism. When the experts wanted to restrict his behaviour - staring at shadows on the wall, stars, patterns - Jake withdrew into his own world. But against all the advice, Kristine decided to follow Jacob's passions - his 'spark'. The results were beyond anything anyone could have imagined. Dramatic and inspiring, The Spark is about the power of love and what can happen when we tap the true potential that lies within every child.

Reviews

A story of triumph against the odds . . . a timely and important message, dramatically told * Sunday Times *
A remarkable book * Mail on Sunday *
The Spark is about the transformative power of unconditional love. If you have a child who's 'different' - and who doesn't - you won't be able to put it down -- Sylvia Nasar, author of A Beautiful Mind
The Spark describes in glowing terms the profound intensity with which a mother can love her child -- Andrew Solomon, author of Far from the Tree
Every parent and teacher should read this fabulous book! -- Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and co-author of The Autistic Brain
Amazing, compulsive reading. Barnett not only fights heroically on Jake's behalf, she also beats down every other obstacle that life hurls at her and her family * Washington Post *

Author Bio

Kristine Barnett is the mother of Jacob Barnett and his three younger siblings. She runs a daycare that includes both typical and special-needs children. She is also the founder of MyJacobsPlace, a non-profit organization designed to help children with autism, as well as an award-winning sports league for autistic children.