Thirteenth Gift, The: A Novella Of Hope For All Times (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
"The Thirteenth Gift" by Charlene Constanzo is told as a story within a story, all presented in the neat little package of a story that is less than 70 pages long (not including the afterward, discussion guide, etc). It makes for a short read, I didn't time myself but it probably took me right around an hour to read the whole book.I think to really grasp the impact of this story, one may need to be familiar with Constanzo's other works. I myself was not very impressed, but this is also the only book of Costanzo's 'gifts' books that I've read, so that may make a difference. The story is largely one of learning to value the small things in life, finding the 'wonder' in the world around you, from the gifts that others possess to simple beauties of nature.The fable's connection to the main character seemed loose at best. She had a dream (though we don't learn it is a dream until much later) about meeting a woman named Baba who told her a story of a kingdom long ago that was taken over by an evil regent until the people were given a dream that ignited the gift of 'wonder' in them and they left the kingdom to live in other places, while the king and queen- who returned after a trip delayed by obstacles from the regent- found the kingdom empty and left to spread word that everyone has special gifts. After awaking from the dream of hearing this story, Claire went home and decided to focus her life more on her family and less on her job.The whole plotline seemed to lack depth to me. The story could have benefitted from more detail about the experiences of the characters. It is a light read, if you are looking for something that you can easily work through in a short time, this is a book to consider. Additionally, it comes with a reflection/discussion guide that may be helpful for doing with a book club of some form. However, it is not one of my favorite books and likely not one I will often turn to for reading.Thank you to Nettie Hartsock at Booth Media Group for the reviewer copy of this book. This story had me from beginning to end. As the journalist struggles family and work she experience a spiritual walk where she learns a story of The Thirthteen Gift. I magical and inspiration and very short read. One I want to read again and again just for comfort and/or hope. There is so much the journalist learn in such a short time and from one local folk story.Definitely not a book I want to part with any time soon.
What do You think about Thirteenth Gift, The: A Novella Of Hope For All Times (2011)?
A short story that was a quick read and a bit unusual. Pretty nice though.
—donnaboyce
Eh. Good quick read when your on a flight and everything else is read!
—cece
would have been better as a longer story
—Mikeeylove
