Monday, April 27, 2009

Book Review: The Noticer

image Book title: The Noticer
Author: Andy Andrews
Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 2009
Number of pages: including reader’s guide, 167

Your current situation is not the problem. The problem is that you need perspective. Jones, Andy Andrews’ main character has a gift of making unique observations about people and then helping them make the adjustments necessary to get back on track. For the man fearful about his impending death, he needed to learn that the best was yet to come. For the man so driven to succeed that he abused everyone in his life, he needed to know that his death was right around the corner. Giving people a new perspective was Jones gift to them. He helped them make healthy, hopeful changes.

Everybody in the Gulf Coast town the story was set in had something to say about Jones. Jones always showed up at the most unexpected but most necessary times. He met people at the cross roads in their lives. He helped them pick the path they needed to go down. Not the easy path, but the most essential one.

The way Andrews brought Jones to life is intriguing. I couldn’t wait to read the sage words Jones would dispense to his listeners. He’s a humble teacher. He knows he’s been given truth as a tool to turn lives around and he gives his gift away generously and tirelessly.

Where you are is where you need to be. This is the place you will be most receptive and teachable; most willing to implement the changes that will bring effective change.

Jones is a compelling character. The people he talks to are believable. They’re you’re neighbors, your coworkers, and you go to church with them. If they make the changes Jones advises, life will be so much better. But the changes that are so obvious to the outside observer elude the person so tangled in his own circumstances. But a little perspective goes a long way.

Andrews introduces the reader to a series of people just like the people you know. Just like you. Some people need a little work. Some people need a lot.

This book emphasizes productive and fruitful interaction between people. It’s from your relationships with people that opportunities and encouragement come. People have to want to be around you in order for opportunity and encouragement to come your way. Will you make the changes that need to be made?

Those who enjoyed The Shack or the Dream Giver will enjoy this book. Self improvement and business books that handle many of same topics abound. But Andrews’ narrative style gets the message across without preaching. I can’t wait to give this book away because I know it will be enjoyed.

The book will be released Tuesday, April 28, 2009.

Visit http://www.thenoticerproject.com for more information about "The Noticer Project."

Check out these videos featuring Andy Andrews and The Noticer:

No comments: