This week I read “The Noticer” by Andy Andrews. The story begins with a struggling young man named Andy, and his seemingly happenstance meeting with an older man named Jones. Jones helps him gain “perspective” and this changes his life. The book is a collection of stories about people with difficult life circumstances like death, marriage difficulties, and depression. Jones is able to come to the aid of these people when the least expect it and help them see things with a new point of view.

What I like about this book is that the character of Jones encourages the reader to stop focusing on what is wrong in their life and to focus on the positive. He also encourages them to look for the good in things and look forward to better things to come. When one dwells in the depths of despair they often stay in that predicament. The book urges the troubled souls of this book to gain a positive perspective on life. This doesn’t change the past, but it can make your future brighter.

The only issue I have with this book is that it was sold as “Spiritual Growth”. While there can be some personal growth from this book, I would not classify it as Christian Spiritual Growth. If you pick up this book at the Bible bookstore and are expecting to see Scripture, you will not find it in this book. There are a couple references to Biblical characters listed as biographies along with many other people. There are also a few references to prayer. The message of this book is not anti-Christian, but is not Christian focused.

Overall, I found this to be an uplifting story; one that teaches the reader to take the focus off of self and put life’s problems into proper perspective. It was a good read.

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