Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews

As most of you know we buried our son, Michael, last Friday morning. I am not really in the right frame of mind for writing a book review, but because I made the commitment to write this review today, I am writing it.

This is the first book written by Andy Andrews that I have had the opportunity to read. The Noticer is part auto-biographical, part fiction, and all inspiring. It is the story of “Jones,” a mysterious old man who has a way of showing up at just the right time in people’s lives. He notices things, a lot of things that they miss and a lot of things they take for granted. His favorite thing to give them in their time of need is perspective.


I like to read with a pen in hand and make notes and observations. As you go through the book you will notice several things "Jones" says to different people dealing with different things in their lives. Here are a few examples:

* “Remember, what you focus on increases.”
* “It’s time to stop letting your history control your destiny.”
* “People are either in a crisis, coming out of one, or headed for one.”
* “Worry is just imagination used in an unproductive way.”
* “Wisdom is the ability to see the future consequences of our choices.”
* “It takes wisdom to discern that oh-so-thin line between good and best.”
* “Many of life’s treasures remain hidden because we never search for them.”
* “If you are still here, then you have not completed your life’s purpose.”
* “Big stuff is made up of small stuff, so you better sweat the small stuff!”
* “We often judge ourselves by our intentions but others by their actions.”
* “If you want folks to believe in you, then it really helps if they like you.”
* “In desperate times, much more than anything else, folks need perspective.”

Now, I know that if you read a lot of books like I do then none of these sayings are new to you, but Mr. Andrews has a way of telling them that keeps the reader interested until the end.

The reader should take caution in what the book might offer as motivation for addressing certain problems. The book is not written from a theological stand point and there is very little said about God, other than general references. And practically nothing written about Christ. The motivation for change should be to serve others not yourself. Of course, the ultimate motivation and ability ability to change comes from Jesus. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
(2Co 5:17)


I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed in the ending. The 'suitcase' offered no answer. (Read the book.) It just wasn't there. However, the book is an enjoyable read. So, if you're looking for a book that will help you see yourself from an outside perspective; and help re-think some areas of your life, this book offers some perspective in that area.