The Ultimate Gift

Content Warning: This book sometimes engages in ableist and stereotypical views of disability, particularly blindness. It sometimes trivializes these disabilities. The book contains depictions of foster homes and may engage in stereotypical ideas of adoptive families. It contains references to death by suicide.

Protagonist Jason Stevens, 24, is the grand-nephew of oil tycoon Red Stevens. Like most of his relatives, Jason is spoiled by his proximity to wealth and cares only for a piece of Red’s estate. Red, though, noticed in Jason “some spark of something in [him] [he is] hoping [they] can capture and fan into a flame” (17). Jason reluctantly accepts Red’s 12-month challenge. At first he bemoans his many tasks, but he stays the course and comes to appreciate the lessons. His personality changes from defiantly alienated to lovingly compassionate toward others. He is a round character and a dynamic one, changing extensively across the arc of the novel.

Jason’s experiences serve as vivid lessons for the book’s readers. His turnaround is itself a lesson: that everyone has a spark of loving kindness within and that even hardcore cynics can be inspired to revive their own goodness and generosity. Ironically, Jason’s reward isn’t a pot of money but a responsibility: He must manage Red’s charitable fund.