The Silent Gift

I tend to steer clear of any books focusing on religion or faith, but I was intrigued by The Silent Gift as soon as I learned about it. I enjoy most fiction dealing with psychic ability or prophecy and decided to take a chance. I'm very glad I did. The Silent Gift is a book that has religious themes, without being preachy, but more it is a book showing a mothers never-wavering love for her disabled son. Mary's life with Jack and everything she went through in the name of protecting her son was told in such an emotional way that during some scenes, I could feel my heart in my throat. I truly felt anger, love, and fear when Mary felt them. I was swept into this story and couldn't put it down until I knew the outcome. Very, very good for a show more book so far out of my comfort zone. show less

Mary finds out her husband is having an affair and flees with her deaf-mute son, Jack to Chicago. She learns her son has a the gift of prophecy and uses it to secure her son's future.
Mary's husband returns to claim his son and Mary is imprisoned for kidnapping her child. Jack slips away and is on the run.
Mary thinks of only reclaiming Jack when she get out of prison.
This story has a lot of twists and unexpected turns. A very enjoyable story.

When I saw that this book was by Michael Landon Jr., I knew I wanted to read it no matter what it was about. I was curious to see how talented a writer the son of "Charles Ingalls" was. All I can say is "WOW"!! Landon and Kelley have written an amazing book!!!

The book takes place in the 1930's during the depression. It's about Jack, a child who is deaf and mute, and Jack's mother Mary. She will do whatever it takes to protect Jack, even if that means leaving her husband who is not what she wants in a father for her son.

Mary is having a difficult time, as if the years during the depression aren't hard enough, her marriage dissolved, and overall things just are not going well. She loses her home, money and is losing her faith. She also show more discovers that Jack has a God given gift, but with it also comes more hardships for them.

This is a very sad book at times, but it is also full of hope and love. There were some unanswered questions I had while reading this book, but I think overall it was very well written and the descriptions of that era were incredible.

If you haven't read this book, I suggest you either buy it or borrow it from a friend or check to see if your library has it. You will not be disappointed. show less

This book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Such an amazing journey and story of a mother's love for her child. I was pulled in so much that I read the majority of it in one sitting.

As I read this story I found myself feeling very protective of her son and understood her fierce desire to see him safe. The authors created so many vast characters. At first I wasn't sure how they all fit in, but by the end of the story everyone had their rightful place. The book seemed to be more of Mary's story rather than Jack's, that surprised me a bit. But in the end it made perfect sense.

I visualize books I read and often times it's like watching a movie. This book fell into that category very well. It really was like watching a movie. I felt show more like I was there watching the story unfold right down to standing next to the lion cage Jack woke up in. I think this book would make a heartfelt movie and would love to watch it.

If you're looking for an inspirational, uplifting story, this would be a great choice! (received from publicist for review) show less

NCLA Review - By page three, you are hooked and concerned about the main characters, eight-year-old Jack and his sister Mary. Your heart strings are pulled as his mom devotes her life to insuring Jack feels safe and loved despite his deaf and mute disabilities. Every good story has a villain and Jack’s dad fills this role having never loved his “useless” son. To save themselves, Mary and Jack run away to begin life anew. Mary encourages Jack to use his unique God-given talent of discerning people’s futures through the touch of a hand and Bible interpretation. Lives are saved and Jack is a hero. Unfortunately, Jack’s talents are abused, disaster strikes and Mary’s worst nightmares become a reality. This is a suspenseful yet show more uplifting story, delivering a great message. Rating: 4 —PL show less

The storyline was dissapointing and almost predictable. The religious slant on it was corny rather than inspiring.

the plot of the book was very unique