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Gifted
Susan and Brent Weller have been waiting for years for a baby of their own. But as Anna grows, her unique gifts become more apparent, and the choices she makes while trying to help others could threaten her family's happy, comfortable life. With a strong message about family and having hope for the future, Gifted is sure to change your outlook on life.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 6, 2011
This is such an amazing book!!! I just bought it today at the BYU bookstore in Provo and finished it about 15 minutes ago. I absolutely loved it!! Not much else to say really. "Gifted" is an intriguing. When I first picked up this book, I never expected it to be like what it turned out. The ending made me cry! When I read the ending, it was almost as if someone physically slapped me in the face! I just couldn't believe it. I, sadly, am a person who partially judges books by their cover; even so, I probably would have still read it even if it didn't have that beautiful picture for the cover. I know, I know, I'm supposed to be reviewing the book and its contents, not what the artwork on the front looks like, but the cover design and photograph really drew me to the book; in other words, it really stood out to me.
Karey really has a way with words, and it's amazing that she did such a good job on her first novel. I absolutely cannot wait for "For What It's Worth" to come out, since undoubtably this next book will be just as good as her first book. I tend to love endings that TOTALLY surprise you, even if it makes my heart break and I go cry in the bathroom with the company of a box of kleenex for 5 minutes. :) (If you couldn't already tell, I really get into the books I read, almost as if I'm living inside the book along with the charecters.)I always assumed that (would this be considered a spoiler? I don't think sooo...) the main charecter, Anna, would end up doing something that would change the world, get married to a nice guy, and settle down near her best friend, Kelsey. (Who I happen to share the same name with--same spelling and everything! That name isn't used in very many books :)
"Gifted" by Karey White is a touching story, and I think that a message in it that probably isn't caught by the reader too often is that parents aren't perfect. There isn't a required parenting class that you have to take when you have a child, and every experience is different. Anna's parents did a wonderful job raising her (and mostly raising Anna's best friend Kelsey too--More than her own parents), and tried their best to do what they thought was right when they found out about Anna's "gifts". I know that from personal experiences, that parents try their best to do what's right for their child, even when they don't have any idea how to handle a situation and/or haven't experience that situation before, and grow along with their child.
Well, you've heard it from a crazy 14-year-old who you might think doesn't have the slightest notion about interpreting books and their messages, but I have enjoyed this book very much and can't wait for others by the author. (:
Karey really has a way with words, and it's amazing that she did such a good job on her first novel. I absolutely cannot wait for "For What It's Worth" to come out, since undoubtably this next book will be just as good as her first book. I tend to love endings that TOTALLY surprise you, even if it makes my heart break and I go cry in the bathroom with the company of a box of kleenex for 5 minutes. :) (If you couldn't already tell, I really get into the books I read, almost as if I'm living inside the book along with the charecters.)I always assumed that (would this be considered a spoiler? I don't think sooo...) the main charecter, Anna, would end up doing something that would change the world, get married to a nice guy, and settle down near her best friend, Kelsey. (Who I happen to share the same name with--same spelling and everything! That name isn't used in very many books :)
"Gifted" by Karey White is a touching story, and I think that a message in it that probably isn't caught by the reader too often is that parents aren't perfect. There isn't a required parenting class that you have to take when you have a child, and every experience is different. Anna's parents did a wonderful job raising her (and mostly raising Anna's best friend Kelsey too--More than her own parents), and tried their best to do what they thought was right when they found out about Anna's "gifts". I know that from personal experiences, that parents try their best to do what's right for their child, even when they don't have any idea how to handle a situation and/or haven't experience that situation before, and grow along with their child.
Well, you've heard it from a crazy 14-year-old who you might think doesn't have the slightest notion about interpreting books and their messages, but I have enjoyed this book very much and can't wait for others by the author. (:
June 17, 2011
Amazing must read! Sometimes when an LDS writer brings in the gospel into a plot it can be a little off balanced to the story line, but this novel was the perfect balance. It just seemed natural how the gospel was intertwined with the story.
A couple who couldn't have children, finally have the opportunity to adopt a baby whose parents are killed in an automobile accident. They charish "Anna" from the beginning. They notice somethings different about her presence, but can't quite put their finger on what it is. Then they have her in a room and go out again and come in...the room is more beautiful and light with her in it. When her friend get hurt going down a hill in a wagon...Anna doesn't get hurt or sick. When Anna is around there is no discourse or arguing. If there was before she arrives her presence calms the situation. In nursery, having Anna in a class, the kids learn and understand concepts and excell beyond normal. This brings the first problem with Anna's secret gift. Other parents are complaining about the difference in teachers and their child's growth. Brent and Susan research and find no other talents like Anna's, but find the answer to their new problem...a gifted school with an opening. They transfer anna there along with her friend Kelsey, who anna has befriended. Kelsey has been born into a less than ideal situation. Her father can't hold a job, their home is less than livable, the mother has left, their is alchol abuse and violence. kelsey spends more and more time over at Anna's house and the girls are unseparatable more like sisters. When a family home evening lesson is taught on "love" Anna finds one..."greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for his friend." Brent compares this to the Savior and explains that we don't have to lay down our lives like the savior did but that we can be loving by being a friend...in example to Kelsey.
When Anna finds more about her differences, she tries to test them...wishing that she can feel pain like everyone else. By wanting this it happens. So does her desire to help her friend Kelsey to her sister. This is such a conflicting ending, but read it.
A couple who couldn't have children, finally have the opportunity to adopt a baby whose parents are killed in an automobile accident. They charish "Anna" from the beginning. They notice somethings different about her presence, but can't quite put their finger on what it is. Then they have her in a room and go out again and come in...the room is more beautiful and light with her in it. When her friend get hurt going down a hill in a wagon...Anna doesn't get hurt or sick. When Anna is around there is no discourse or arguing. If there was before she arrives her presence calms the situation. In nursery, having Anna in a class, the kids learn and understand concepts and excell beyond normal. This brings the first problem with Anna's secret gift. Other parents are complaining about the difference in teachers and their child's growth. Brent and Susan research and find no other talents like Anna's, but find the answer to their new problem...a gifted school with an opening. They transfer anna there along with her friend Kelsey, who anna has befriended. Kelsey has been born into a less than ideal situation. Her father can't hold a job, their home is less than livable, the mother has left, their is alchol abuse and violence. kelsey spends more and more time over at Anna's house and the girls are unseparatable more like sisters. When a family home evening lesson is taught on "love" Anna finds one..."greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for his friend." Brent compares this to the Savior and explains that we don't have to lay down our lives like the savior did but that we can be loving by being a friend...in example to Kelsey.
When Anna finds more about her differences, she tries to test them...wishing that she can feel pain like everyone else. By wanting this it happens. So does her desire to help her friend Kelsey to her sister. This is such a conflicting ending, but read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2013
I can't decide exactly how I feel about this book. It was different than anything I've ever read before-- LDS fiction with a bit of light paranormal twist. It was told like a true story, which made it feel a little long at times. And the end was abrupt, but did tie in well. It's a good unique read. I picked it up because I loved her other book; this is a very different kind of story though.
March 21, 2011
Wow. Where to begin with my review of this book? It is very well written, so descriptive in parts that I could visualize the scenes and people she was describing. The premise of this gifted girl, gifted in a more surreal way, could have been cheesy and poorly done, but it's not. The author makes it very believable. I was extremely impressed in this story as a first book for the author.
My friend's sister wrote this book and my friend has chosen it for book club this month. I'm excited to see in a few days what everyone else thought of it. It's a fast read, just over 200 pages, and it really kept me engrossed the entire way through the book. Many times I would rather have been reading this book and had to force myself to put it down to do other things. Until this morning, when I just stayed in bed to finish it, only to be sobbing through the last 2 chapters.
The ending is tragic and hints are in the book leading up to it, but, in my opinion, very well hidden. I did wonder where the letter from the great-aunt went and wondered if we are meant NOT to know because something tragic also happened to more of Anna's birth family or maybe not. I would love to ask the author. The author does say in the acknowledgements (and we were also told by her sister-in-law) that it was inspired by tragic events of people she knows. It's not their story at all; what happened to them just got her thinking and then eventually led to this book. I'd like to know more about that back story as well.
The story isn't just about gifted Anna either. It's about the strong friendship that develops early on between Kelsey, who's from a sad background and really struggles at home. Along with the struggles Anna's parents face dealing with Anna's gifts (the story is told from Susan, Anna's mom's, perspective), the story really comes to be more about that friendship and what comes of it.
Again, a very well-written book, especially as a first book. It's thought provoking and touching. It's very clean and, while definitely has hints of the LDS faith, is a great read for people of other faiths without making them feel (in my opinion) like they need to be LDS to understand the book. Very good read. I highly recommend it.
My friend's sister wrote this book and my friend has chosen it for book club this month. I'm excited to see in a few days what everyone else thought of it. It's a fast read, just over 200 pages, and it really kept me engrossed the entire way through the book. Many times I would rather have been reading this book and had to force myself to put it down to do other things. Until this morning, when I just stayed in bed to finish it, only to be sobbing through the last 2 chapters.
The ending is tragic and hints are in the book leading up to it, but, in my opinion, very well hidden. I did wonder where the letter from the great-aunt went and wondered if we are meant NOT to know because something tragic also happened to more of Anna's birth family or maybe not. I would love to ask the author. The author does say in the acknowledgements (and we were also told by her sister-in-law) that it was inspired by tragic events of people she knows. It's not their story at all; what happened to them just got her thinking and then eventually led to this book. I'd like to know more about that back story as well.
The story isn't just about gifted Anna either. It's about the strong friendship that develops early on between Kelsey, who's from a sad background and really struggles at home. Along with the struggles Anna's parents face dealing with Anna's gifts (the story is told from Susan, Anna's mom's, perspective), the story really comes to be more about that friendship and what comes of it.
Again, a very well-written book, especially as a first book. It's thought provoking and touching. It's very clean and, while definitely has hints of the LDS faith, is a great read for people of other faiths without making them feel (in my opinion) like they need to be LDS to understand the book. Very good read. I highly recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2011
Gifted by Karey White
“What do you do when you’re in the presence of a phenomenon, someone with special and inexplicable gifts? Do you point it out in others? Do you acknowledge those gifts? Do you ignore them? Or do you downplay the differences, pretend they aren’t there? And what do you do if that marvel is your own sweet little girl, the one who plays with her food and sings herself to sleep, the one with a giggle that sounds like music and ponytails that bounce when she walks? Does her being a phenomenon threaten the happy childhood you want for her? I couldn’t decide if this was a good thing or a bad thing, a blessing or a terrible curse.” – Gifted, Karey White pp.28
The above excerpt from Gifted, by Karey White is a perfect description of what this story is about without giving anything away. I don’t really remember how I found this book but probably a link on another blogger’s site. I do remember being caught by the cover. What an dramatically, simple, and eye catching cover! I love the title too. Perfect.
I would give this book 4 stars out of 5. It is exceptionally written with just enough description and wordplay to make me want to turn the next page. However, it was not what I was expecting. It was much more! It is a deeply moving, well written story about families and the struggles that we each have in one way or another. It portrays the contrast between two sweet little girls from very different backgrounds and their friendship. You fall in love with them both and your heart goes out for each of them as they struggle with life and growing up with different challenges.
Definitely a must read for the avid reader who loves a good, clean story about friendships and the sacrifices one makes for love.
You can also link to my blog for the review: http://shereads-sheblogs.blogspot.com
“What do you do when you’re in the presence of a phenomenon, someone with special and inexplicable gifts? Do you point it out in others? Do you acknowledge those gifts? Do you ignore them? Or do you downplay the differences, pretend they aren’t there? And what do you do if that marvel is your own sweet little girl, the one who plays with her food and sings herself to sleep, the one with a giggle that sounds like music and ponytails that bounce when she walks? Does her being a phenomenon threaten the happy childhood you want for her? I couldn’t decide if this was a good thing or a bad thing, a blessing or a terrible curse.” – Gifted, Karey White pp.28
The above excerpt from Gifted, by Karey White is a perfect description of what this story is about without giving anything away. I don’t really remember how I found this book but probably a link on another blogger’s site. I do remember being caught by the cover. What an dramatically, simple, and eye catching cover! I love the title too. Perfect.
I would give this book 4 stars out of 5. It is exceptionally written with just enough description and wordplay to make me want to turn the next page. However, it was not what I was expecting. It was much more! It is a deeply moving, well written story about families and the struggles that we each have in one way or another. It portrays the contrast between two sweet little girls from very different backgrounds and their friendship. You fall in love with them both and your heart goes out for each of them as they struggle with life and growing up with different challenges.
Definitely a must read for the avid reader who loves a good, clean story about friendships and the sacrifices one makes for love.
You can also link to my blog for the review: http://shereads-sheblogs.blogspot.com
October 19, 2011
I won this book here on Goodreads and I enjoyed it very much! It was fantastic! It's a wonderful story about a baby who was adopted by a family who couldn't have a baby. And this baby is not an ordinary baby. She is ''Gifted''. She brings peace and calm to people and everybody around her. It's a very heart touching story about family, love and true friendship. The book presents Anna as she grows up and the positive influences she has on others. A true friendship developes between her and Kelsey. She loves Kelsey like her sister and she tells her mother very often that she would be the happiest person if her parents could adopt Kelsey too. But they can't because Kelsey has a family, her dad and her dad's girlfriend. They live in very poor conditions. Anna cares about Kelsey very much. She concerns about the fate of Kelsey: ''How do I help help her have a happy life? Her life is so sad.'' She is very intelligent and she realizes that she is ''gifted''. She is always wondering how she could use her special skills to help somebody, so she's very warm-hearted. Her feelings for her parents are very deep: '' I love Dad and Mom enough that I would definitely lay down my life for them.'' The narrative mode is in first-person view ( Anna's mother is telling the story) but sometimes appeares the first-person view too when Anna tells a little about herself in her diary. The end of the novel was very heart-tearing and I burst into tears. It's a wonderful book which touched me emotionally. Karey White it's a great author who presented real human values in her book. 5 stars for her!!!!
July 3, 2012
[7/2/12: I just changed my 4 star rating to 5 stars because I find myself thinking about this book and recommending it to friends. To me, that's the sign of a great book!]
I loved the perspective I gained from reading this book.
Anna has special gifts, one of them being that people learn more easily when she's around. What could be bad about that, right? Written from Anna's mother's perspective, Gifted points out the positives and negatives of Anna's gifts and how it was sometimes difficult to know how best to handle situations that arose as a result of the effect Anna had on others. There's so much more to it than that, but that is an important part of the story. It was an engaging book which held my attention more than any other book I've read recently. (I have no less than 7 unfinished books on my night stand...)
My 14-year old daughter read it in one day (Christmas!) and was completely bawling her eyes out when she finished. Only because I was prepared by her reaction, not to mention sitting in a room full of people when I finished, was I able to stay dry-eyed. Gifted is very touching and thought provoking and well-written. I loved it!
I loved the perspective I gained from reading this book.
Anna has special gifts, one of them being that people learn more easily when she's around. What could be bad about that, right? Written from Anna's mother's perspective, Gifted points out the positives and negatives of Anna's gifts and how it was sometimes difficult to know how best to handle situations that arose as a result of the effect Anna had on others. There's so much more to it than that, but that is an important part of the story. It was an engaging book which held my attention more than any other book I've read recently. (I have no less than 7 unfinished books on my night stand...)
My 14-year old daughter read it in one day (Christmas!) and was completely bawling her eyes out when she finished. Only because I was prepared by her reaction, not to mention sitting in a room full of people when I finished, was I able to stay dry-eyed. Gifted is very touching and thought provoking and well-written. I loved it!
May 1, 2011
I loved this book! Two things that pulled me in initially was the story of this couple adopting their little girl (our first 2 kids are adopted), and that the little girl, Anna, was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico (I was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico).
What kept me reading is the way this story was so beautifully written. What parent doesn't consider their life changed when they have their first child? What parent doesn't think that their children aren't the most beautiful, talented, and gifted children around? What happens when you learn that your child really is gifted? Do you ignore it?
I could really feel the emotions that Susan, the mom, felt. She wanted to do what was best for her child, wanted her to have a "normal" childhood. It was so hard to sit and read through what happened in Anna's elementary school years. I think that Susan handled it so well though. I'm also so glad that she had such a good, supportive husband.
Beautiful cover, and very beautiful book. Thanks Karey!!
What kept me reading is the way this story was so beautifully written. What parent doesn't consider their life changed when they have their first child? What parent doesn't think that their children aren't the most beautiful, talented, and gifted children around? What happens when you learn that your child really is gifted? Do you ignore it?
I could really feel the emotions that Susan, the mom, felt. She wanted to do what was best for her child, wanted her to have a "normal" childhood. It was so hard to sit and read through what happened in Anna's elementary school years. I think that Susan handled it so well though. I'm also so glad that she had such a good, supportive husband.
Beautiful cover, and very beautiful book. Thanks Karey!!
June 28, 2011
This is a wonderful little book. Karey White has woven and great tale with intrigue and wonder throughout. It grabbed me right from the beginning and took me on a wonderful journey. It's intriguing because she said it is based on real events.
The story follows the Weller family from their experience adopting a new baby and watching her grow. During the years they notice there is something special about Anna. She never gets hurt and things look differents around her. People quit arguing when she comes around and everything seems clearer and more beautiful.
This is a wonderful book, full of interesting twist and a wonderful look at how people might handle a child like this of their own. Although the ending is sad, it is well worth the time to pick it up and pour through it. It was a two day read for me, but only because I started it at night. Great book.
The story follows the Weller family from their experience adopting a new baby and watching her grow. During the years they notice there is something special about Anna. She never gets hurt and things look differents around her. People quit arguing when she comes around and everything seems clearer and more beautiful.
This is a wonderful book, full of interesting twist and a wonderful look at how people might handle a child like this of their own. Although the ending is sad, it is well worth the time to pick it up and pour through it. It was a two day read for me, but only because I started it at night. Great book.
February 6, 2012
This book was a great little read. Not only does it touch on the journey of infertility and adoption, but also the gift of friendship and looking out for "the one" who needs you the most. While we probably don't have the same gifts that Anna possessed, I know our world would certainly be a different place if we were slow to anger, more compassionate, full of charity, we chose to see the good in others, and we were more understanding of the world around us.
When I first rated the book, I gave it a 3 because of simplicity. I always struggle to give young adult fiction a high rating unless it captures me completely. But, because I liked the message of this book, it is a solid 4 for sure.
When I first rated the book, I gave it a 3 because of simplicity. I always struggle to give young adult fiction a high rating unless it captures me completely. But, because I liked the message of this book, it is a solid 4 for sure.
May 29, 2012
A great first novel from Karey White. Although this is not my usual genre, I found the premise very well thought out and a fascinating subject for the book. Dialog is believable and helped shape the characters. I gave the book 4 stars because I felt the ending was a bit rushed. I would have liked to see more developments leading up to the finale. But overall a very satisfying read! Disclaimer: I know Karey and am a big fan of her blog, which you should not miss.
March 14, 2011
This book follows Susan and Brent and their adopted daughter, Anna as she is growing up. Anna is "gifted" in unique ways and it was enjoyable discovering her gifts along with her family. I really enjoyed it and recommend this book to anyone who wants to be taken on a journey through life with some great characters.
February 16, 2012
Wow! Amazing! Beautifully written. Fluid and authentic. Exceeded all of my expectations by a long shot. Such a wonderful and moving portrayal of love and family. I can't wait to read more from Karey White.
For my full review and an interview with the author, visit: http://stephanieworlton.blogspot.com/...
For my full review and an interview with the author, visit: http://stephanieworlton.blogspot.com/...
November 15, 2011
Anna is a special child, and is so loving and selfless. She makes the ultimate sacrifice for her best friend.
It made me wonder if we could all do the same if given the same circumstances.
Great book!
It made me wonder if we could all do the same if given the same circumstances.
Great book!
September 8, 2011
First off, I LOVE this cover. It has to be one of my all-time favorites, and it's a perfect match for the beautiful, intriguing story contained within. Karey writes with a charming, easy-going style, and heartwarming characters. A wonderful read.
July 21, 2019
Good writing. Good story.You are
I did a not like the ending at all. It spoiled the whole thing. Made no sense at all.. I even wish I didn't read it. I wish I didn't give it such a high rating.I'm actually angry. I was tricked.
I did a not like the ending at all. It spoiled the whole thing. Made no sense at all.. I even wish I didn't read it. I wish I didn't give it such a high rating.I'm actually angry. I was tricked.
February 10, 2011
Hannah's Basketball coach just wrote this book, her first. It's in Costco, etc. and it sounds really good!
July 21, 2011
A heart-rending emotional packed easy-to-read story. I loved it.
December 16, 2011
great, quick read. i really got caught up in the characters and the story and it kept my attention for the duration.
July 22, 2011
Enjoyable idea, of a "gifted" child who makes everything better. We can all do this to some extent if we so choose.
May 13, 2011
A touching, thought-provoking story about the power of love and the difference one person can make in the lives of all around them.
September 1, 2011
I absolutely loved this book. I really felt all the emotions I would if this were me. Just a very delightful book.
July 25, 2011
I really loved this book and recommend it to anyone. Even though I am not even close to the age of motherhood I still made a connection to the insights and lessons in Gifted. Beautifully Done!
July 27, 2011
I loved this book, kept my attention throughout the entire book, a very interesting story with a surprise ending,,,I am not a reader in general so it had to be good to keep my attention...lola larson
March 19, 2012
I love a book that makes me cry. I highly recommend this book about Anna and her gift to make everyone's life better when she is around.
April 17, 2013
I wonderful heart warming read. Loved the charactors and an interesting "gift".
August 14, 2019
WOW!! How do I start this review. Lets start with, "This is one of the best books I have ever read."
Susan and Brent adopted Anna, and little by little found out that she had some amazing qualities about her. She was an amazing young girl in everything she done.
Her best friend from kinder garden was Kelsey. They were best friends from the get-go. They became like sisters. Even Susan and Brent loved Kelsey like a daughter.
I'm going to quit there, because the book was so wonderful that you just have to read it. It does have some sad parts, so have tissues ready. Just writing about it makes me teary eyed. The ending was sad, but good also.
Karey, just want to tell you that this is the first book written by you that I have read, but believe me, it won't be the last. I was very impressed with this book. I also love the fact that you put Jesus in the book.
Susan and Brent adopted Anna, and little by little found out that she had some amazing qualities about her. She was an amazing young girl in everything she done.
Her best friend from kinder garden was Kelsey. They were best friends from the get-go. They became like sisters. Even Susan and Brent loved Kelsey like a daughter.
I'm going to quit there, because the book was so wonderful that you just have to read it. It does have some sad parts, so have tissues ready. Just writing about it makes me teary eyed. The ending was sad, but good also.
Karey, just want to tell you that this is the first book written by you that I have read, but believe me, it won't be the last. I was very impressed with this book. I also love the fact that you put Jesus in the book.
September 14, 2019
Beautiful story
Beautiful story of a wonderful little girl that blessed all around her! Sad in some places and so sweet in most
Beautiful story of a wonderful little girl that blessed all around her! Sad in some places and so sweet in most
January 19, 2021
This was a fun quick read.
June 6, 2011
Excellent first novel by author Karey White. Although not my usual genre-- I'm a fantasy/sci-fi/horror guy-- I was drawn in to the uniqueness of the story. In many ways it reminded me of the background to a superhero story (think superman or X-men). I enjoyed thinking though the situations presented in the book and trying to image how I would handle being the parent of such a "gifted" child. Would I exploit the gifts (intentionally or otherwise)? Would I recognize the gifts? Would I talk about it with others? Would I share the story or keep it to myself? For me, these questions ended up being the driving force in this book. There wasn't a lot of really strong conflict to drive the plot, just a lot of "what ifs". A relatively light read, with a lot of deep questions providing the undercurrent that drags the reader in. Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it to others, especially the YA or LDS market.
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