Several years ago, I read The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews. I enjoyed it so much that I began to read it to my husband and children for a family read aloud each night at bedtime. With the memory of that book in mind, when I saw a new title, The Noticer by Andy Andrews, I couldn't pass up the chance to review it. Unfortunately, as I read this book, I continued to compare it against the former. And though it was good and I gleaned some pertinent information that I can apply to my life, it didn't quite measure up to the first book I read by the author that I absolutely loved!
The Noticer is an old man, a vagabond of sorts that appears not to have much money, home, or earthly possessions other than a worn suitcase that is always in his possession. But he does have great wisdom and takes the time to 'notice' people around him that are hurting. He then befriends these people and offers a listening ear, though he already seems to know their life story. Patiently, he encourages them to see their circumstances through a different perspective. In this story, it's all about perspective. How do you view your circumstances when life is tough or when you are experiencing something difficult? Are you able to see the best in each situation?
Not only did this book encourage me to take a look at how I handle tough spots in my own life, it also forced me to look at how I interact with people on a daily basis. Do I take the time to notice people that may need a friendly hello, a smile, a listening ear or a few words of encouragement?
By the end of the book I found myself wishing that this was the first book I'd read by Andy Andrews. I'm sure it would also become a favorite.
© 2009 Tonya Prater/Live the Adventure