The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews

This is not a new book, but one I have wanted to read for about a year. Last year I read Andy Andrew's novel The Noticer and knew he could tell a story and inspire people. I heard this one was good as well, but had forgotten to ever pick it up at the bookstore. Last week my boss brought her copy of The Traveler's Gift Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success to me after we saw that Andy Andrews will be at the Women of Faith conference this year and I mentioned loving his other book. Yay for my boss Penny! She always has the great faith-based books!

Anywho, The Traveler's Gift is about a man named David Ponder (I'm thinking that's symbolic wink,wink) who becomes depressed and desperate after losing his high level job. He attempts to find work, but loses even his minimum wage job. Added to that is stress over his daughter needing her tonsils out right away. David begins to feel as if he is failing his family and decides they would be better off if he dies. He believes his wife could find a man who is better at supporting her and his life insurance policy would ensure his daughter is given the medical care she needs. At the crossroads of his life or death experience he is transported around the world and the ages to meet famous people who have seven life lessons to share. He meets Abe Lincoln,
Anne Frank, and five others. Each principal they share with David opens his eyes to a better way to live and to a faith he has never possessed.

I enjoyed this book immensely. The principals presented seem basic, but they are perfect. It is like having an aha! moment every single time. Each idea presented is something we all should know in our heart, but we don't follow it or give it the time it deserves to teach us. One principal is "I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit". This talks of not only forgiving others but also of forgiving yourself.

I loved the presentation of the famous figures in our history. Imagine Anne Frank teaching us about happiness! I don't mark in books, but there were times I wanted to highlight a quote that touched me. This really is a book that can change your entire view of life if you let it.

This book is Christian and God is a very important part of the story. It isn't presented in a "shove it down the throat" manner, but may not be of interest if you don't believe in God. That being said, if you aren't a Christian the principals are still very applicable to your life.

I also found that this book has been written in a teen version. I am excited to purchase it for my daughter and then pass it on to my stepson. Another great companion to the book is Mastering the Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success: An Owner's Manual to the New York Times Bestseller, The Traveler's Gift. This walks an individual through the seven principals while asking questions to direct you to make the changes to improve your life. I have yet to read either of those to be able to give a genuine review.

I hope each of you picks up this book. It is one that could change your life.