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47 pages 1 hour read

The Ultimate Gift

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1991

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Book Brief

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Jim Stovall

The Ultimate Gift

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1991
Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

1991

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall, Jason Stevens, a spoiled young man, can receive his inheritance only upon completing 12 challenging tasks designed by his late billionaire grand-uncle, Red Stevens, to impart important life lessons and values. These tasks, ranging from manual labor to acts of kindness, ultimately transform Jason's outlook on life, teaching him about friendship, gratitude, and the true meaning of love. The book contains depictions of foster homes and references to death by suicide.

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

11,352 ratings

71%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews of Jim Stovall's The Ultimate Gift highlight its inspirational message and heartwarming narrative. Readers appreciate the life lessons and moral values imparted through the protagonist's journey. However, some critique the book for its simplicity and lack of complexity in character development. The story's predictability is noted, but it remains a favored choice for its uplifting themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ultimate Gift?

A reader who would enjoy The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall appreciates inspirational fiction focusing on personal growth and ethical values. Ideal for fans of Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven and Richard Paul Evans' The Christmas Box, this book is perfect for those seeking heartwarming stories with life lessons.

4.2

11,352 ratings

71%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Jason Stevens

A young man and grand-nephew of an oil tycoon, Jason undergoes a transformative journey throughout the novel, shifting from a spoiled individual to someone who appreciates the value of kindness and responsibility. His journey begins with a year-long challenge set by his great-uncle Red.

An accomplished lawyer in his eighties, Hamilton serves as the executor of Red Stevens’ estate and guides Jason through his challenges. He is a formal and wise mentor whose perspective provides crucial context for Jason's progression.

Longtime assistant to Ted Hamilton, Hastings is intelligent and provides practical and emotional support to both Hamilton and Jason. Her presence is mostly felt through her insightful comments and enduring partnership with Hamilton.

An influential oil tycoon and Jason's great-uncle, Red creates a series of challenges for Jason to help him grow beyond superficial desires for wealth. His character is a strong influence on Jason’s development throughout the book.

A physically intimidating but gentle figure, Nathan is a former resident of the Red Stevens Home for Boys and a professional football player. He acts as a mentor to the boys there and helps Jason understand the significance of familial bonds.

A young, terminally ill girl with an infectious joy for life, Emily provides Jason with perspective on courage and happiness. Her interactions with him are filled with warmth and hope.

A commuter Jason meets who has blindness and uses humor as a tool for connection and inspiration. His cheerful acceptance of his condition provides Jason with a lesson on resilience through wit and joy.

Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

1991

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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