The Silent Gift © 2009 by Michael Landon, Jr. and Cindy KelleyISBN: 978-0-7642-0363-3
Publisher: Bethany House
Release date: October 2009
368 pp.
S.R.P: $13.99 U.S
A bittersweet story of hope in the midst of suffering, The Silent Gift follows the story of a devoted mother and her disabled son trying to survive the Great Depression - and the discovery of the boy's unusual gift. "We wanted to tell a story to illustrate that one's worth isn't dependent upon what society deems valuable, but that our intrinsic worth comes from our Creator;' said Landon Jr. and Kelley. Yet the book explores another theme - one that isn't often found in the pages of fiction. And one that the authors didn't take lightly. "The uniqueness of this story is that it focuses on a child who is both deaf and mute, but everyone believes has the gift of prophecy;' said the authors. "It was intriguing to delve into the spiritual gift of prophecy and its own unique implications." With prophecy as a hot-button issue with some denominations, Landon Jr. and Kelley wanted to give an accurate but thought-provoking portrayal of this special gift. As a result, they conducted in-depth research as well as interviewed some of the top theological minds of today. "The challenge was trying to find clarity between actual prophecy and what we typically call 'psychic' today;' they said. With research balanced by story, Landon Jr. and Kelley weave a beautiful narrative of love and enormous sacrifices that lingers long after the last page has been read.
From the book cover: The decade of the thirties was a time of enormous uncertainty – for the world, for America, and in particular for one lonely, struggling mother and her disabled son. Their story is one of unyielding love and incredible sacrifices in the face of circumstances beyond belief.
But then The Gift appears…Where has it come from, and why? How can a young boy who cannot communicate provide comfort and direction to seekers who learn of his special ability? Whatever the source, its presence brings a single shaft of light and hope to Mary and her beloved son, Jack…Will it be enough?
Oh, my! This book pulled at my emotions over and over. Mary struggles trying to take care of Jack. She just wants people to accept him and treat him normally, and she wants to provide a good home for him. When he suddenly appears to have the ability of prophecy, is it a good thing or bad? Without speaking, Jack has the chance to touch and change so many lives. Mary and Jack are taken under the wing of some wonderful people and taken advantage of by others who put them through hell, but Mary’s love and belief in her son never wavers. What she goes through to protect Jack and keep them together is almost unbelievable. Read it and let me know what YOU think.
This book was provided by Edify Media for me to read and review.
2 comments:
I have not read the book. I was wondering if in the story the boy had the gift of prophecy in the sense that he delivered messages from God and if he preached a message of repentence.
There is a lot of interest in prophecy these days, especially about disasters some think will occur around 2012. But they seem to leave out the issue of repentence.
As I point out in my blog, most movies, TV programs, and books seem to leave out the fact that the Bible shows that there will indeed be end-time disasters, probably in the lifetimes of most people alive today, but that these disasters will come as a punishment for our sins. They are corrective in nature, designed to bring us to repentence for our good.
But mainstream media and press are not interesting in any serious message about God or the Bible. The current emphasis on prophecy is
designed to entertain, not educate.
Although this book conveys a wonderful message about acceptance, it's still just a novel and like any other, it's main purpose is to entertain. Prophecy in this case isn't in a biblical sense but more like fortune telling. I hate to say too much and spoil the book but people would come to Jack looking for answers and with his ability, he was sometimes able to help
them. You'll have to read the book to fully understand what I mean.
Thanks for commenting.
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