Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews

“Orange Beach, Alabama, is a simple town filled with simple people. But they all have their share of problems – marriages teetering on the brink of divorce, young adults giving up on life, business people on the verge of bankruptcy, and many of the other obstacles that life seems to dish out to the masses.

“Fortunately, when things look the darkest, a mysterious old man named Jones has a miraculous way of showing up. Communicating what he calls “a little perspective,” Jones explains that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others miss. In his simple interactions, Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what they can do about it.”

According to the book’s description, The Noticer is “based on a remarkable true story.” It blends fiction, allegory and inspiration to share several basic truths about life that often get overlooked or forgotten in the daily grind of living in this world.

As a reader, I’m not 100% sure which part of the book is true and which part is fiction. The author, Andy Andrews, writes as if it’s all true, as if he encountered Jones and has lived an extraordinary life because of the perspective – the advice – Jones gave him. Really, whether it’s true or not doesn’t really matter. Because the wisdom that Jones – the man or the character – shares is true, life-changing and perspective-giving.

The Noticer tells of Jones’ visit to Orange Beach and the people he visits. Always showing up at the most appropriate time, the old man points out different ways of looking at situations, changing not just a person’s outlook but also the direction of his or her life. He meets with the Wayward, the Lover Lost, the Worrier, the Lustful Youth, the Workaholic and the Useless.

And they hear what he has to say. And they understand. And their lives are changed.

This video shares a bit more about the book. Don’t worry – “full length” is less than 4 minutes.

Thankfully, I don’t have all the problems the folks in this book do. But I could identify with some of them. The most poignant insight that Jones shared – for me – was what he shared with an old woman who believed she’d outlived her usefulness:

“If you are breathing, you are still alive. If you are alive, then you are still here, physically, on this planet. If you are still here, then you have not completed what you were put on earth to do. If you have not completed what you were put on earth to do . . . that means your very purpose has not yet been fulfilled. If your purpose has not yet been fulfilled, then the most important part of your life has not yet been lived. And if the most important part of your life has not been lived . . . then there is proof of hope for more.”

That’s a good word, right there.

Starting tomorrow, April 28, you can buy The Noticer by Andy Andrews and read more of Jones’ insights and get a little perspective of your own.

I tend to believe I’m a pretty good Noticer myself, able to see what’s really going on in a person’s situation and look at it from a different, healthier, more productive perspective. And then there’s my own life – I’m not so good at getting perspective on that.

What about you? Are you good at getting a healthy, accurate perspective on your own life? Or do you find it easier to be wise when it comes to other people’s lives? And . . . has there been a Jones in your life? Has anyone ever helped you notice details and directions in your life that you might otherwise have missed?

This week, I’m going to talk about the Noticers in my life. You can do it, too. Check out The Noticer Project, and join the movement to notice the most influential people in your life. It can be public – your blog, Facebook, etc. – or private, whatever works for you. There’s no need to wait for a wedding, graduation or even a funeral to notice them. No need to wait to be tagged for this meme.