"That's what most folks lack-- perspective--a broader view. So I give them that broader view...and it allows them to regroup, take a breath, and begin their lives again."
~The Noticer by Andy Andrews
Below is a description of the book from the book's publisher:
A moving story of common wisdom from the bestselling author of The Traveler’s Gift.
Orange Beach, Alabama is a simple town filled with simple people. But they all have their share of problems – marriages teetering on the brink of divorce, young adults giving up on life, business people on the verge of bankruptcy, and many of the other obstacles that life seems to dish out to the masses.
Fortunately, when things look the darkest – a mysterious old man named Jones has a miraculous way of showing up. Communicating what he calls “a little perspective,” Jones explains that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others miss. In his simple interactions, Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what they can do about it.
Based on a remarkable true story, The Noticer beautifully blends fiction, allegory, and inspiration.
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The Noticer opened my eyes. Pure and simple. It did what it promised...it made me consider my life and my actions from a different perspective. While not an amazing piece of literature, the author, Andy Andrews is able to communicate clearly and simply a different way of thinking and living one's life. My only regret with this book is that I did not have a chance to read it when I was about 18 or 19 years old.
At that time of my life I was living through a difficult time. I hated where I was with my personal life and I didn't know how to get out. I felt like I was in a hole and saw no light at the end of the tunnel. I had the "why me" syndrome and could not understand why bad things were happening to me. As I grew older I came to realize, in hindsight, that the I HAD to walk through those bad times in order to become who I am today. I would not have been the same person had I not experienced the bad things as well as the good things. But it took YEARS for me to realize this.
When I read this passage from
The Noticer, I knew this book was for me:
"What would you think if I told you that, yes, your bad choices and decisions have had a part in your ending up under this pier, but beyond that, under this pier is exactly where you should be in order for a future to occur that you can't even imagine at this point?"
This is so true in my case. I just wish someone was there to tell me that when I was a teen.
I have to admit that when I saw it was a self-help book I was a bit turned off. The last thing I wanted to read was, "Step 1.... Step 2.... Step 3..." I was pleasantly surprised that this book was nothing like any other self help book I have ever seen. Instead of talking down to us, the author uses life-like situations and stories to help us reevaluate our own lives. For example, this is another passage that hit me hard:
"...everybody want to be on the mountaintop, but if you'll remember, mountaintops are rocky and cold. There is no growth on the top of a mountain. Sure, the view is great, but what's a view for? A view just gives us a glimpse of our next destination--our next target. But to hit that target, we must come off the mountain, go through the valley and begin to climb the next slope. It is in the valley that we slog through the lush grass and rich soil, learning and becoming what enables us to summit life's next peak. So my contention is that you are right where you are supposed to be."
There are even sections of the book that I read to my almost-teenage son. And I will read it to my daughter when the time is right. It is applicable to all people, no matter age, culture, or background.
Tired of feeling like, "woe is me?" Want a fresh new perspective on your current situation? Have a friend who is going through some bad times? You have to check out this book and then pass it on. Get past the stories and look into how the concepts apply to your own life. You won't regret it.
I plan on sending the book to a few of my own friends. But then I want the book back. Because I want to read it again and then put it back on my shelf as a reference guide, highlighted pages and all.
This review is part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers program. You find more information about this program
here.
Andy Andrews has also started
The Noticer Project. It is a worldwide movement to "notice" the 5 most influential people in your life. This website is so you can write a personal note expressing your appreciation. Your note will be delivered to that person by email and will also be available publicly on the website to encourage and inspire others. You do not have to read the book to participate. So, please check that out too!
Who would you "notice" and why?
