The Noticer by Andy Andrews... a Review

In a small town in Orange Beach, Alabama where a young man is alone, living under a pier and giving up on life, where a married couple is contemplating divorce, and a man hits financial ruin, in walks Jones, not Mr. Jones, just plain Jones. He's an old man carrying a old beat up suitcase wearing a white t-shirt & leather flip flops and when things seem their darkest he dispenses a good dose of common sense to put a new spin on what seems to be an impossible situation. You see, he's a noticer, "While others may be able to sing well or run fast, I notice things other people overlook...I notice things about situations and people that produce perspective." And Jones goes on to tell the people he encounters that all they need is "a little perspective" thus opening their eyes to seeing the solution to their problems which is usually sitting right in front of them.

The author writes an inspirational message that teaches us that our happiness is in our own hands and no matter what the situation we can always turn it around by looking at it from a different angle, a different "perspective". Andy Andrews writes this book as a story with Jones the connecting thread as he weaves in and out of different lives. There is something here for everyone as Jones deals with all sorts of situations, from how to chose the right spouse to how each individual has a contribution to make in this world no matter how old they are. And the author ties up all the loose threads at the end of the story in a unique and wonderful way that will leave you smiling.

I enjoyed this book because it did read like a story not just a "how to turn your life around" book. Interspersed with real life stories and anecdotes, The Noticer was an interesting read as well. The people Jones encounter are believable and their situations are ones we can all relate to. I don't usually read "inspirational" books, but after finishing this book I was left comforted by the thought that perspective is something that may come in handy in my own life once in a while!

Andy Andrews wrote that The Noticer "is rooted in the belief that our time on this earth is a gift to be used wisely and one of the best ways to use that gift is by noticing those who have made an impact on our lives." As a result he has created The Noticer Project . It's a world wide project to notice the five most influential people in your life. To 'notice' someone can be as simple as making a phone call to an old friend or you can join the Noticer Facebook Group. Click on "The Noticer Project" highlighted above to learn more. And in the meantime let's all "notice" our Mothers this Sunday, remembering how special they are and how they inspire us! Happy Mothers Day to all the Mom's out there and especially to my Mom who inspired me to be the person I am today!