The Spark

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

By: Kristine Barnett

Narrated by: Kathe Mazur

Kristine Barnett’s son Jacob has an IQ higher than Einstein’s, a photographic memory, and he taught himself calculus in two weeks. At nine 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 twelve 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 two, 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.

Critic reviews

“[An] amazing memoir . . . compulsive reading.”—The Washington Post

“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

“Love, illness, faith, tragedy and triumph—it’s all here. . . . Jake Barnett’s story contains wisdom for every parent.”—Newsday

“This eloquent memoir about an extraordinary boy and a resilient and remarkable mother will be of interest to every parent and/or educator hoping to nurture a child’s authentic ‘spark.’”—Publishers Weekly

“Compelling . . . Jake is unusual, but so is his superhuman mom.”—Booklist

“The Spark describes in glowing terms the profound intensity with which a mother can love her child.”—Andrew Solomon, author of The Noonday Demon and Far from the Tree

“An invigorating, encouraging read.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Every parent and teacher should read this fabulous book!”—Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and co-author of The Autistic Brain

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.

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.

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.
:)