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The Thirteenth Gift
While on assignment in Eastern Europe, Claire, a U.S. journalist, learns of a local legend. The deceptively simple fable about the thirteenth gift has a profound effect on Claire, which soon transforms her marriage, her work, and the way she sees the world. The Thirteenth Gift is both a cautionary tale and an inspirational fable as it shows a way through the perilous consequences of greed, arrogance, and abuse of power to an uplifted state of consciousness and community. The Thirteenth Gift invites readers to renew their own sense of wonderment, which can lead to freedom from fear and a greater experience of hope, beauty, and joy in daily life. Like the message of the award-winning book, The Twelve Gifts of Birth, this novella from Charlene Costanzo reminds readers to see the dignity that is inherent in themselves and others.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2011
109 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Charlene Costanzo
8 books14 followersCharlene Gorda Costanzo is an award-winning author, workshop facilitator, wife, mother of two adult daughters, and grandmother of twins. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy from St. Bonaventure University and an M.A. in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica.
Originally from New Jersey, she has resided in New York, Texas, Arizona, and Florida. During a one-year book tour to launch The Twelve Gifts of Birth, Charlene and her husband enjoyed living in an RV in 48 of the 50 states.
The Twelve Gifts series of fables began in 1987 when Charlene wrote The Twelve Gifts of Birth as a life message for her own, then-teenage, daughters. Twelve years later she published the book and discussed its message in schools, shelters, prisons, churches and hospitals throughout the United States.
The Twelve Gifts for Healing was written while Charlene was in treatment for advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2001. "Cancer led me to examine my convictions and look at these life gifts more deeply. Truly, they helped me heal," she says.
The Twelve Gifts in Marriage comes from the ups and downs, ebbs and flows, and hurts and healings that are a part of every long-term marriage.
Originally from New Jersey, she has resided in New York, Texas, Arizona, and Florida. During a one-year book tour to launch The Twelve Gifts of Birth, Charlene and her husband enjoyed living in an RV in 48 of the 50 states.
The Twelve Gifts series of fables began in 1987 when Charlene wrote The Twelve Gifts of Birth as a life message for her own, then-teenage, daughters. Twelve years later she published the book and discussed its message in schools, shelters, prisons, churches and hospitals throughout the United States.
The Twelve Gifts for Healing was written while Charlene was in treatment for advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2001. "Cancer led me to examine my convictions and look at these life gifts more deeply. Truly, they helped me heal," she says.
The Twelve Gifts in Marriage comes from the ups and downs, ebbs and flows, and hurts and healings that are a part of every long-term marriage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 16, 2014
The Thirteenth Gift is an inspirational tale. It's a story within a story. The story is about a king and queen who leave their kingdom for a while. The queen is trying to prove to the king that everyone in the kingdom has gifts, not just royalty as they previously thought. The Thirteenth Gift is the one that can save the kingdom.
This book taught me a lot of things. It taught me to always be grateful for what I have. The Thirteenth Gift also taught me not to get so caught up in life that I forget to live. Claire was so caught up in her work, she missed important milestones in her family's life.
I loved The Thirteenth Gift. It was written beautifully. I will definitely be reading more of Charlene Costanzo's work in the future.
This book taught me a lot of things. It taught me to always be grateful for what I have. The Thirteenth Gift also taught me not to get so caught up in life that I forget to live. Claire was so caught up in her work, she missed important milestones in her family's life.
I loved The Thirteenth Gift. It was written beautifully. I will definitely be reading more of Charlene Costanzo's work in the future.
July 4, 2012
This was an ok quick read. I just kept thinking that I get the same thing from my faith in Christ. I don't need to carry a stone to remind me that everyone has gifts from God.
November 30, 2022
Pretty uninteresting.
December 7, 2023
What a lovely holiday read!
December 31, 2025
liked the story, but the narrator was so dull.
March 10, 2011
A Little Book of Wonder
Charlene Costanzo writes with her hear and soul. That is in no way to say that she is not a gifted wizard of words: her style of writing finds that delicate balance of conveying tender thoughts that are available for readers of all stages of sophistication, but she also writes prose that is elegant and touches on philosophy and spiritual thinking in a manner few other authors of this genre are capable of competing!
Claire is a successful journalist who travels around the globe reporting on hungry, abandoned and abused children. At the opening of the story he has traveled form Atlanta to Bratislava and in a delayed return to her home she meets an elderly Slovakian woman named Baba who has noted that Claire has gathered a shiny stone and apparently treasures it. This introduction leads to a story, a fable about an ancient kingdom ruled by a kind king and queen who have two children to whom the twelve godmothers bring gifts on naming day, The gifts are strength, beauty, courage, compassion, hope, joy, talent, imagination, reverence, wisdom, love and faith. In the course of the fable the Royal family goes on a journey, having been told that the twelve gifts should not be for only Royal children but for all people. An evil regent is left in charge of the kingdom and while the Royal family is gone, he attempts to destroy the concept of the twelve gifts availability to everyone, fortifies the castle, and the kingdom falls into darkness. It is only with the return of an enlightened family that the regent is dismissed, and a thirteenth gift is offered - wonder! And the gifts are then made available to all people, because when each person is seen for his intrinsic worth, each already possesses each of the gifts. The fourteenth gift is Peace - and with the ending of the fable Claire repairs her own fragile marriage and returns to her family, content to share the gifts she now appreciates.
So the author's stones are daily reminders to connect with the unique gifts we are each born with: appreciate your won dignity and you will recognize the inherent dignity in others. It is a prelude to appreciating the wonder of the hope, beauty and joy we experience every day. Charlene Costanzo deserves a place in the circle of humanity tenders. This is an excellent and very wise book.
Grady Harp
Charlene Costanzo writes with her hear and soul. That is in no way to say that she is not a gifted wizard of words: her style of writing finds that delicate balance of conveying tender thoughts that are available for readers of all stages of sophistication, but she also writes prose that is elegant and touches on philosophy and spiritual thinking in a manner few other authors of this genre are capable of competing!
Claire is a successful journalist who travels around the globe reporting on hungry, abandoned and abused children. At the opening of the story he has traveled form Atlanta to Bratislava and in a delayed return to her home she meets an elderly Slovakian woman named Baba who has noted that Claire has gathered a shiny stone and apparently treasures it. This introduction leads to a story, a fable about an ancient kingdom ruled by a kind king and queen who have two children to whom the twelve godmothers bring gifts on naming day, The gifts are strength, beauty, courage, compassion, hope, joy, talent, imagination, reverence, wisdom, love and faith. In the course of the fable the Royal family goes on a journey, having been told that the twelve gifts should not be for only Royal children but for all people. An evil regent is left in charge of the kingdom and while the Royal family is gone, he attempts to destroy the concept of the twelve gifts availability to everyone, fortifies the castle, and the kingdom falls into darkness. It is only with the return of an enlightened family that the regent is dismissed, and a thirteenth gift is offered - wonder! And the gifts are then made available to all people, because when each person is seen for his intrinsic worth, each already possesses each of the gifts. The fourteenth gift is Peace - and with the ending of the fable Claire repairs her own fragile marriage and returns to her family, content to share the gifts she now appreciates.
So the author's stones are daily reminders to connect with the unique gifts we are each born with: appreciate your won dignity and you will recognize the inherent dignity in others. It is a prelude to appreciating the wonder of the hope, beauty and joy we experience every day. Charlene Costanzo deserves a place in the circle of humanity tenders. This is an excellent and very wise book.
Grady Harp
May 21, 2011
"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.
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.
December 27, 2016
Freebie novella. Maybe would have been better if I was more familiar with the author's other works.
March 18, 2011
Readers of this book will gain two stories in one. The main character, Claire, is finding that the majority of her time is spent far away on writing jobs, and less spent with her family. It isn't until she hears a fable about "the thirteenth gift" that she begins to re-evaluate her priorities. Claire is easy to relate to, in that most find that life has too many distractions, and not enough time to sit back and reflect on the "gifts" we are given at birth, such as wonderment, imagination, and joy.
The fable within the story is really well written, and gives a sample of the reasoning behind the action of picking up and keeping stones, often subconsciencly, when we come across them on the beach, or in a park. The fable, short though it is, is very sweet and inspiring, and made this reader pause to reflect on it's message; to reconnect with the gifts we are each born with.
Charlene Costanzo is talented with the written word, and was able to mold what seems like a short and simple story into something that was very entertaining and highly inspirational to read.
As an added bonus, the back of the book contains discussion questions pertaining to the story and to life in general, and we can read more about the author as well. This is a nice book to pick up when one needs a "lift"; I could see it brightening a dismal day.
The fable within the story is really well written, and gives a sample of the reasoning behind the action of picking up and keeping stones, often subconsciencly, when we come across them on the beach, or in a park. The fable, short though it is, is very sweet and inspiring, and made this reader pause to reflect on it's message; to reconnect with the gifts we are each born with.
Charlene Costanzo is talented with the written word, and was able to mold what seems like a short and simple story into something that was very entertaining and highly inspirational to read.
As an added bonus, the back of the book contains discussion questions pertaining to the story and to life in general, and we can read more about the author as well. This is a nice book to pick up when one needs a "lift"; I could see it brightening a dismal day.
April 25, 2011
Stones - simple stones of varying shapes and sizes, colors and texture - Stored in boxes, and drawers or carried in pockets. What causes us to lean over as we walk down a beach or on a trail in the woods to pick up these small things? This story explores this very thing.
Claire is a traveling journalist on assignment overseas while her marriage disinegrates on home soil. In her pursuit of her career she has neglected those things most dear. During a drive in the country she is invited into the home of an older woman to listen to a story that will forever alter her life. This sweet story told by the old lady is easily retold to children - who will appreciate it very much. In these pages we are reminded that God has made each of us with wonderful gifts. Each of us is precious and valuable!
I encourage you to read this book and discover the royal gifts - and finally the fourteenth gift.
Special thanks to the author and Nettie Hartsock of Booth Media Group for this review copy.
Claire is a traveling journalist on assignment overseas while her marriage disinegrates on home soil. In her pursuit of her career she has neglected those things most dear. During a drive in the country she is invited into the home of an older woman to listen to a story that will forever alter her life. This sweet story told by the old lady is easily retold to children - who will appreciate it very much. In these pages we are reminded that God has made each of us with wonderful gifts. Each of us is precious and valuable!
I encourage you to read this book and discover the royal gifts - and finally the fourteenth gift.
Special thanks to the author and Nettie Hartsock of Booth Media Group for this review copy.
July 7, 2011
Just after the birth of one of my children I was given "The Twelve Gifts of Birth". It has been well loved and well read. I came across a chance to review "The Thirteenth Gift" and jumped at the opporunity to read this novella.
"The Thirteenth Gift" recaps The Twelve Gifts and adds to it. The story is told within a story. Claire is visiting Bratislava for business when she comes across an older woman who tells her the story of a country that has long since ceased to be. The Godmothers proclaim the gifts of birth to royal children, but realize that all children possess the same gifts. They want to let everyone know about the divine gifts bestowed to all. There is opposition. The story is being told.
It is the gift of this story that helps Claire realize mistakes in her own life and begins to change for the better.
The story was beautiful, but didn't seem to flow nicely. I would definitely recommed this story to all people. It is a great refresher on the wonderful things that we are all capable of.
"The Thirteenth Gift" recaps The Twelve Gifts and adds to it. The story is told within a story. Claire is visiting Bratislava for business when she comes across an older woman who tells her the story of a country that has long since ceased to be. The Godmothers proclaim the gifts of birth to royal children, but realize that all children possess the same gifts. They want to let everyone know about the divine gifts bestowed to all. There is opposition. The story is being told.
It is the gift of this story that helps Claire realize mistakes in her own life and begins to change for the better.
The story was beautiful, but didn't seem to flow nicely. I would definitely recommed this story to all people. It is a great refresher on the wonderful things that we are all capable of.
March 29, 2012
Charlene Costanzo, The Thirteenth Gift (Feverfew, 2011)
I am not a fan of that new-age sort of inspirational novel that seems to go over so well with the crowd. In fact, over the past twenty years, I've read a grand total of two of them (James Redfield's The Celestine Prophecy and Deepak Chopra's The Return of Merlin). I found both pretty mediocre, but what really horrified me was the way perfect strangers, or co-workers with whom I had never shared a single word, would suddenly come up and start talking to me while I was toting one of them around, as if I were part of the secret club all of a sudden. It's disconcerting, to say the least, so I've tended to avoid books of that type since. When The Thirteenth Gift popped up free for Kindle, I had no idea it was connected to a novel of that stripe. And while it's still pretty solidly in the “average” rating, it's charming enough to rate a recommend despite having all the subtlety of a hammer to the face. Well-written message fiction, but message fiction all the same. ***
I am not a fan of that new-age sort of inspirational novel that seems to go over so well with the crowd. In fact, over the past twenty years, I've read a grand total of two of them (James Redfield's The Celestine Prophecy and Deepak Chopra's The Return of Merlin). I found both pretty mediocre, but what really horrified me was the way perfect strangers, or co-workers with whom I had never shared a single word, would suddenly come up and start talking to me while I was toting one of them around, as if I were part of the secret club all of a sudden. It's disconcerting, to say the least, so I've tended to avoid books of that type since. When The Thirteenth Gift popped up free for Kindle, I had no idea it was connected to a novel of that stripe. And while it's still pretty solidly in the “average” rating, it's charming enough to rate a recommend despite having all the subtlety of a hammer to the face. Well-written message fiction, but message fiction all the same. ***
August 29, 2011
On assignment in Eastern Europe the main character in this novella fnds herself looking at her life at a very pivitol moment in time. Her marriage is suffering.... her childen want her to come home to be with them.... she has been offered yet another assignment which she accepted without discussing with her husband. As she finishes up her current assignment early she decides to surprise her family by coming home. She tries to get a flight and must wait yet one more day so she makes a small excursion..... or does she????? She embarks on a journey into a fable told by an old woman in a small dwelling.... a fable about 13 gifts of life. She is moved and changed by the experience but is left wondering did it all really happen until meets a woman on the flight coming home.
July 5, 2011
I really don't know how to describe this book. I guess it's considered a book that makes you think about your life. There's a busy, journalist, who supposedly loves her family, but rarely has time for them, a Baba with a story to tell. Sometimes it takes the least little thing to make us aware of things around us. This is a short story, but it's powerful. It makes you take stock of your life, and what you might want to change. It's very thought provoking, with an Afterword that leads you into a more in-depth exploration of yourself.
May 11, 2011
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.
April 15, 2012
There once was a land where only the royals were endowed with gifts such as strength, beauty, compassion, hope, joy, talent, imagination, reverence wisdom, love, and faith. Or so it seemed. For the twelve wise women who bestowed such gifts knew the truth. These gifts weren’t just for royals, all people had these gifts.
The Thirteen Gift shares the wisdom of this sweet little tale. It all starts with a stone. A memory, a symbol of a knowing that brings that simple wisdom to the surface.
The Thirteen Gift shares the wisdom of this sweet little tale. It all starts with a stone. A memory, a symbol of a knowing that brings that simple wisdom to the surface.
July 3, 2011
This is just a nice little fairy tale with a positive message about using the natural gifts we all possess. It didn't absolutely blow me away, and I doubt it will seriously change my life, but I like stories that focus on the positive side of things, as this one does. It's the perfect little reminder that we are all special, and we are all capable of great things.
September 10, 2011
Free for Kindle.
Short story about family and learning new things about yourself.
Told through a fable heard from an old peasant woman. The 12 gifts are given at birth. They include, among other things, imagination and courage. The 13th gift comes later and you have to see and recognize it.
Interesting.
Short story about family and learning new things about yourself.
Told through a fable heard from an old peasant woman. The 12 gifts are given at birth. They include, among other things, imagination and courage. The 13th gift comes later and you have to see and recognize it.
Interesting.
September 17, 2011
This was a very sweet story about recognizing the gifts in everyone and appreciating them. It also talked about taking time to appreciate family and make sure your priorities are what they should be - and that you're really using your time and talents the right way. It was a thoughtful, short-but-good story within a story.
July 16, 2016
Simply written, the "Thirteenth Gift" touches your soul with a deeper understanding of what is important in your life and suggests tools for discernment to help you discover the answer to that question. It is an excellent reflection on life, individuality, and hopeful optimism. Definitely worth reading.
July 20, 2011
I would probably actually give this book a 2.5 star rating if I could. First book by Costanzo that I have read and didn't realize it was a short story. It wasn't terrible, but didn't leave me breathless after reading it either. A nice little story about finding the positives in people.
August 2, 2012
The thirteenth gift is an inspirational book that is short and to the point. It reminds you to look for the good in everyone that you come across. Everyone is born with the same gifts, we just need to be open to seeing them in one another.
August 19, 2012
A wisdom for life. The brief story reminds us of the gifted characters we own by birth.
However it is just another life story. That's why I take 1 star off.
As a short story, it is worth your time to read and think about what information the author tried to convey.
However it is just another life story. That's why I take 1 star off.
As a short story, it is worth your time to read and think about what information the author tried to convey.
September 22, 2012
This was a free book and a short one, which inspired me to read it. I'm glad I did. I didn't know what to expect and I never read the first book (I had no idea it was a series) but it was pleasantly uplifting.
December 3, 2012
Super quick read. An inspirational parable on the gifts we're all born with. Not necessarily a religious story, no mention of Jesus or God (at least I don't remember it). Seems to be an intro to a series of true stories.
February 19, 2015
An Awesome AWAKENING TO WONDER
I chose this particular book with a need to be reminded of amazing grace in our world.
My heart is healing as I am reminded of the pure child in all of us, even me!!
I recommend this book to all who feel " Less Then others"
I chose this particular book with a need to be reminded of amazing grace in our world.
My heart is healing as I am reminded of the pure child in all of us, even me!!
I recommend this book to all who feel " Less Then others"
March 21, 2011
Read my review on my blog:
http://shereads-sheblogs.blogspot.com
~Melissa
http://shereads-sheblogs.blogspot.com
~Melissa
April 5, 2011
This is a cute little fairy tale about the gifts we're all born with, and how our awareness and understanding of them can affect the way they are used. (Thanks for lending this to me , Melissa)
November 3, 2011
A fairy tale about wonder and stones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews