The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews

This week I read The Traveler's Gift: Seven decisions that determine personal success by Andy Andrews. Andy is a local from Orange Beach, AL whose books have received national attention. His most recent book out is The Noticer but I haven't gotten around to reading it just yet. The Traveler's Gift is a fictional novel about 206 pages of reading material and it was quite an interesting story. Here is what the book flap states:

What makes the difference between failure and success? Forty-six year-old David Ponder feels like a total failure. Once a high-flying executive in a Fortune 500 Company,he now works part-time, minimum wage job. His wife makes more money than he does by cleaning houses, and he drives an old car with a mismatched fender and a heater that no longer works. Then an even greater crisis hits: his daughter becomes ill, and he can't afford to get her the medical help she needs. When his car skids on an icy road, he wonders if he even cares to survive the crash. But an extraordinary experience awaits David Ponder. He finds himself traveling back in time, meeting leaders and heroes at crucial moments in their lives. From the European theater of World War II to an ancient Middle Eastern King's throne room, from a Civil War battlefield to a warehouse in heaven, David encounters some of the wisest people who ever lived. Abraham Lincoln, King Solomon, Anne Frank, Harry Truman, and others teach him unforgettable life lessons. By the time his amazing journey is over, he has received seven secrets for success- and a second chance to create a life worth living, no matter what opposition or obstacles he might face. The Traveler's Gift offers a modern day parable of one man's choices-and the attitudes that make the difference between success and failure. (end quote)

I was intrigued by this story because of the mix of the historical figures into an inspirational fiction novel. I really enjoyed traveling with the main character as he meets all these people and it definitely gives you some life lessons and concepts to think about. I didn't particularly care for the ending but I think I may just be being picky. While there is no real representation of the Gospel present, it is an inspirational novel that can help shed some light on our lives. I liked how the seven decisions helped me gain some perspective on my situations and attitudes. I am undecided as to when this will be a book club selection in the future so I will wait to see where God leads me. In the meantime I do recommend reading it, even if you don't like the main story the truths of the seven decisions are worth it. And here is a quick little video off YouTube from the author advertising his book. OH and today when I ran in the $5 book store in the outlet mall they had a few copies for only $5.00! Happy Reading!


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