The Ultimate Gift (The Ultimate Series #1)
by Jim Stovall
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jim StovallEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-09-01
ISBN: 0781445639
Number of pages: 160
Publisher: David C. Cook
Book Reviews of The Ultimate Gift (The Ultimate Series #1)
Book Review: "The Ultimate Gift": A Treasure for the Christian Life, by Ben Hilton
Summary: 5 Stars
Despite dealing with the crucible of blindness, author Jim Stovall has enjoyed a life filled with achievement in business, athletics, and family. Having been honored by Jimmy Carter, and Mother Teresa for the International Humanitarian of the Year award, Stovall exemplifies one with priceless gifts, talents and qualities. In story format, he effectively shares the importance of life's major "gifts", and how an ordinary person can develop these qualities to have enrichment of life, joy and prosperity. It is an inspirational masterpiece that gives the reader new perspective, and a positive outlook on life. While Stovall gives the reader clear and wise council on life, "the Ultimate Gift", effectively portrays the potential that exists in all of us; by using excellent character development, superb storytelling, and an appeal to human nature.
Stovall uses excellent character development to help the reader understand the potential all of us have to change for the better. Jason Steven's is introduced as an arrogant, greedy and ignorant great nephew of the late Red Steven's, a loved and influential billionaire. Upon the death of Red Steven's, dozens of relatives and associates greedily await their massive inheritances as Mr. Hamilton, Red's most trusted friend and associate, reads Red's will and begins to divvy up the spoils. One by one, Red's beneficiaries receive their portions. When at last it is Jason's turn to collect his inheritance, he discovers that quite a different gift is in store for him. Jason hesitantly and arrogantly begins a year-long quest to discover what the ultimate gift is that his great uncle had in store for him. As the story unravels, Jason's character begins to see life in a different light and his development effectively portrays our potential to acquire priceless gifts of life.
Stovall effectively conveys truth about life using ethos. Red Stevens becomes Stovall's authoritative character that exhibits vast experience and knowledge about life and it's problems. His council is not only practical, but it's true. Red's character obviously portrays a man with high morals and family values. His council applies to many readers, like myself, because we can relate directly to the poor attitude and selfishness of Red's nephew, Jason Steven's.
As part of the "Ultimate Gift", Jason discovers what it mean's to leave a legacy. His uncle challenges Jason to discover the gifts that had enriched his life by pursuing twelve, 1-month long lessons that his uncle has outlined for him. Such lessons included Jason's ability to learn: The gift of work, the gift of gratitude, love, family and many others. Over the course of a year, Jason's character changes dramatically as he begins to understand the finer things of life. Stovall brilliantly concludes by helping the reader understand that all of us possess equal potential to develop such esteemed qualities.
As the story develops, author Jim Stovall shed's light on how the most precious things of life cannot be bought, but rather earned. His capstone quality, the gift that Stovall believes is connected with all others, is love. Despite the predictability of the story, Stovall explains that gifts such as love must be earned. For example, his evident theme that money cannot buy everything is portrayed in chapter four where Jason learns that "loving money leads to a hollow, empty existence". And that "when you learn how to love people and use money, everything is in it's proper perspective". This book certainly makes my top five list because it is filled with wise, solid council that is not only morally sound, but ethically correct.
Stovall's story motivates and inspires readers to better their lives. He uses persuasive logic to help readers visualize what it is that is lacking in their lives. As we relate to Jason, Stovall's motivates by using logic such as: "The desire and hunger for education is the key to real learning". Or on the family: "I think family is not as much about being related by blood as it is about relating through love". Stovall motivates us to give by declaring: "when you give out of love, both the giver and the receiver hove more than they started with". Or even: "When we truly love others, our love makes each of us a different person, and it makes each one we love a different person too". He motivates us to seek unique gifts such as laughter by declaring: "It is the ability to look at yourself, your problems, and life in general, and just laugh. Many people live unhappy lives because they take things too seriously. Life without laughter is not worth living". Such logical statements are found within every chapter of the book. Truly, "The Ultimate Gift" is a motivational and inspirational book for anyone who desires to better their life.
Finally, Stovall wonderfully portrays human nature, in our strengths and weaknesses. As the story develops, we see the foibles of Jason's character begin to fade away, and be replaced by an underlying foundation of moral character and strength. Jason was clueless as to what his final inheritance entailed while he engaged in the 12 lessons his uncle outlined for him. He fought back, demanding to know what the ultimate gift was before he went through with his year long journey. This ignorance revealed our nature to complain because oft in life, we indeed cannot see what lies at the end of the road. Jason's billion dollar inheritance was realized only AFTER the trial of his faith. Stovall uses Christian based reasoning to help us understand that living a life well, serving others and loving God will provide the ultimate gift to each of us. Scripturally, 1st Corinthians 2:9 states "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him". It is evident that Stovall portrays human nature to resist the unknown, and to earn rich reward by faithfully following through with the outlined course.
In conclusion, my analysis of this book is only positive. It reflects deep yet simple insight to life. It is inspirational to all who will read it. "The Ultimate Gift" is a wonderful text that will only improve and prosper our lives. Despite it's predictability, it is a wonderful read that will strengthen and motivate you. Being blind, Stovall knows the challenges life can bring. His work effectively helps all of us cope with our problems with optimism and courage. I highly recommend this book due to it's moral nature, it's Christian approach, and positive outlook. For me, it is a path to a greater life. Simply put, people of all ages will relish this book and have a fondness for the lessons of life it teaches.
Summary of The Ultimate Gift (The Ultimate Series #1)
What would you do to inherit a million dollars? Would you be willing to change your life? Jason Stevens is about to find out in Jim Stovall's The Ultimate Gift.
Red Stevens has died, and the older members of his family receive their millions with greedy anticipation. But a different fate awaits young Jason, whom Stevens, his great-uncle, believes may be the last vestige of hope in the family.
"Although to date your life seems to be a sorry excuse for anything I would call promising, there does seem to be a spark of something in you that I hope we can fan into a flame. For that reason, I am not making you an instant millionaire."
What Stevens does give Jason leads to The Ultimate Gift. Young and old will take this timeless tale to heart.
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