The Noticer-by Andy Andrews- "Nothing to Say"

First of all, I have a VERY difficult time writing a “bad” review of ANY book; I’m an author and I understand what it means to pour your heart and soul, not to mention countless hours, into a book. But in order to stay true to my Christian values and principles and write and honest review from that standpoint, I truly believe this book has “nothing to say.”
It’s incredibly sad to see people take principles that have come from the Bible which God has written, making them their own insightful ideas, yet failing to give Him the credit. This will not be the “the best book I (you) have ever read in my (your) life”—unless of course you hardly read at all. And here’s why:

“The Noticer” is hinged on the idea that, “Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective.” The book presents a few “simple” scenarios in relationships and for life in general. It weaves a story that once the “perspective” was changed, suddenly, in a heartbeat, the person was changed and therefore the situation was transformed. The truth of the matter is that life doesn’t happen that way. Tell the parents who have just had their five year old child abducted and brutally murdered that they just need a little “perspective.” Or try to bring peace and hope to the woman with three young children who is beaten daily by her drunken abusive husband that all she needs is a little “perspective.” If you’re counting on your own internal will power to just muster up a “better perspective” and conjure up hope through it, you’re clinging to a short term fix and deeper long term pain and suffering. After reading this book, I cannot help but recall the words of N.T. Wright, “If you think simply of helping people to improve their social and cultural and societal lot in the present world, you have nothing to say.”

In a more detailed review of this book, I would point out some areas that completely contradict the Christian faith. For example, on page 121, the author states, “If you so choose, you can move the mountains in your life’s path.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but Jesus specifically stated that it was our “faith in God” that would move the mountains in our lives. (MATTHEW 17:20)

On page 122 we again see the author state that one’s earthly father is their “rock… lighthouse… guide.” Tell that to the child who has a father that walked out on his/her family. The Bible says that God is the Rock…Jesus is the Light and the way…and it is God who will guide us.” (PSALM 46:1-2; JOHN 8:12; PSALM 32:8)

The principle throughout this book and throughout many other “self help” and “new age inspirational” books are derived from BIBLICAL teachings. You can acquire the TRUE teachings for FREE in the Bible. Let me give you an example: “as a man thinks, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) Jesus confirmed this principle in Mark 7:15-16. In addition, Philippians 4:8 sums it up, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

I’ll say this, I liked the story about the man being buried with his fork—“The best is yet to come.” (although I hear this is a very old parable) But here’s the problem, says who? Jones? How does “Jones” know the “best is yet to come.” (this is referring to what happens when we die) Listen, if you’re clinging to the words of “Inspirational and Positive minded” speakers telling you that the “best is yet to come.” You’re in for a rude awakening. This is by far the biggest flaw and distortion of reality in this book.

My biggest disappointment in this book was in the use of “the briefcase” that Jones carried. Quite frankly, I was waiting for an incredible ending that would change my entire opinion of this book: Jones, being a man of God, living out his life and following Jesus, deeply transforming the lives of people through his love for them; all the while, storing their problems, troubles, hardships, and burdens within the briefcase that HE carried. At the end, when he is no longer found, those who open the briefcase find that it was the greatest example for their own lives— to carry one another’s burdens and “love one another.” THAT is a great story…in a fantastic book…it’s called, “The Bible.”