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selreading's review against another edition
5.0
I think I would have enjoyed this better if it was a longer novel and followed Jason’s perspective. But for what it was, the brief descriptions of 12 meetings told by an 80 year old lawyer, it was incredible.
alidottie's review against another edition
3.0
This book reminded me of the Traveler's Gift without being as much of a book as it was. It was really a short story. The message was nice, but nothing new. Worth reading if you need to be inspired quickly.
carolyn_jefferson's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jdeliseo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
katiebtatton's review against another edition
3.0
I feel guilty for not liking this book more than I do. The ideas behind the short story (I read the 150ish pages in just over an hour) are good, concrete ways to happiness (love of learning, learning to give, learning to laugh and be grateful, etc), but it was presented in a Mary Sue kind of way. I'd much rather have read a full-length novel of Jason's experiences and changes in attitude firsthand. This book stands only as a summary of the true story and came across as too easy, too perfect.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
This simplistic 'fable' provides a helpful outline for thinking about what makes for a fulfilling and well-lived life. Folks thinking about legacies, financial or otherwise, might find it beneficial for stimulating thinking.
clairebraun's review against another edition
4.0
This book is marvellous, and I wish some dialogue from it where also in the movie. However, the things added and changed for the movie were nessesary, because the story, no matter how great it is written, would be boring on screen. I really like the book, but I wish it was in the perspective of Jason. I think I would reccomend the book to others, and I will try to learn those lessons in my life.
papidoc's review against another edition
5.0
I gave this five stars not for the narrative itself, though it was war and heartfelt and moving. Rather, I gave it the highest rating because of the thoughts, ideas, emotions, and perspective it generated in me as I read and thought about it. Independent of the content of the book, and the nature of the "gifts" described therein, the simple idea of considering the gifts that are of inestimable worth to each of us, and the focus and will needed to pursue them, was of far greater worth than the time used in reading the book or its cost.
Stovall describes twelve gifts in the course of the book, and each has simple, yet profound justification. They are:
- The gift of work
- The gift of money
- The gift of friends
- The gift of learning
- The gift of problems
- The gift of family
- The gift of laughter
- The gift of dreams
- The gift of giving
- The gift of gratitude
- The gift of a day
- The gift of love
As I have pondered the message of The Ultimate Gift, I have been led to consider what I would add to that list, or how I might change it. For example, I might add "the gift of simple things," or the gift of selfless service. Being of a spiritual mind, I would certainly add "the gift of the Atonement." And as I continue to ponder on these things, there will almost certainly be other gifts I will add to my list, and with which I will hope to enrich many lives, including my own. For me, the message of this book was itself a profound gift.
Stovall describes twelve gifts in the course of the book, and each has simple, yet profound justification. They are:
- The gift of work
- The gift of money
- The gift of friends
- The gift of learning
- The gift of problems
- The gift of family
- The gift of laughter
- The gift of dreams
- The gift of giving
- The gift of gratitude
- The gift of a day
- The gift of love
As I have pondered the message of The Ultimate Gift, I have been led to consider what I would add to that list, or how I might change it. For example, I might add "the gift of simple things," or the gift of selfless service. Being of a spiritual mind, I would certainly add "the gift of the Atonement." And as I continue to ponder on these things, there will almost certainly be other gifts I will add to my list, and with which I will hope to enrich many lives, including my own. For me, the message of this book was itself a profound gift.