Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews

The Noticer
Sometimes, All A Person Needs Is A Little Perspective
by Andy Andrews
Thomas Nelson, Publisher


This book is the story involving a character, named Jones, not Mr. Jones, just Jones, who manages to appear in the lives of those who seem to need him the most.

Beginning with the story of Andy, the narrator of this story, who, as a young man was adrift in life with no direction. Jones appears and waves his magic wand of perspective, and sets Andy on the proper course. Jones seems to disappear after Andy begins to take hold of the advice given him.

More than twenty years later, Jones mysteriously reappears, this time to come to the aid of a married couple at a crossroads in their marriage. Joan feels unloved, and Barry feels unappreciated. Jones once again waves his magic wand of perspective, aka the five love languages (caught ya!) and the marriage is saved.

Jones then appears to a self-professed worrier named Walker Miles (cute), who has lost much because he has spent most of his life worrying about what could happen rather than actually living out his purpose. Jones' answer for this fellow is to daily jot down things he is grateful for, a grateful journal, so that he will dwell on the definite positives rather than the negatives.

He then speaks with a group of young people about using wisdom when making the lifetime choice of choosing your mate, all good advice. Next, he appears to an older woman who feels she is no longer useful to society. Jones wisely advises her that it is never too late, nor are you ever too old to make a difference.

One of the last people Jones appears to is a man named Henry Warren, a workaholic with a reputation for cutting corners and not keeping his word. Jones imparts the wisdom of being a man of integrity, compassion, and the importance of the people around you.

The story comes full circle with Jones meeting a young man living under the pier, just as Andy was over twenty years ago. Andy is with Jones on this venture, and watches as Jones once again works his magic.

Jones then disappears from Orange Beach, Alabama, leaving the residents forever changed with the gift of a new perspective.

I enjoyed reading this book. I was reminded of Mitch Albom's writing style. However, I cannot give this book a five-star rating. Why? I was left a bit dry, felt the book was missing something. God, maybe? I am pretty open-minded, but I felt that, since Thomas Nelson was the publisher, that there would be a little more meat. Great advice, the story flowed well, but I just felt incomplete after reading. Was Jones an angel? I pictured Michael Landon smirking behind an old man's facade. The story reminded me of one of his productions.

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=0785229213

http://www.thenoticerproject.com/