The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews

Inspirational. 227 Pages. 5 Stars

Synopsis:

What makes the difference between failure and success? 

Join David Ponder on his incredible journey to discover the Seven Decisions for Success that can turn any life around, no matter how hopeless a situation may seem. A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller, The Traveler’s Gift is the continuation of David Ponder’s story in  The Traveler’s Summit.

My Review: 

Firstly, I am fascinated by the utterly unique style of this book. Rarely do you see such seamless union of styles–in fact, I can only think of one other book I’ve read off the top of my head that dared to present such crucial messages in a fictional coat. Not only do I think this book is very well-written and technically sound, but it also harnesses the power of captivating its audience. Most books are written for a specific target audience, the good ones anyway, and those books cater to those audiences. But this book is a nugget of knowledge folded into something fun and enthralling. 

Mr. Andrews writes a story about a man who is intended to draw our attention, a man in crisis, a man who has hit rock bottom in his life, emotionally, financially, etc. David Ponder. But as we follow the predicament David Ponder quickly finds himself in, we eventually see that David Ponder is meant to be a placeholder. He’s a character specifically designed for readers to step in his place. He’s meant to travel this incredible journey that we, the readers, are intended to travel. As readers, he takes us with him, but it’s more than that. We are the David Ponders of reality. Many authors work diligently to achieve a sense of reality in their works, to create a world and a story and characters in which readers feel they can place themselves. But Andrews has mastered that in a completely different way. Sure, we can relate to David. We can empathize and sympathize with David. Some of us have even been where he is in the story. But the truth is, David represents us all. Our circumstances may vary, but we all fall on hard times, we all face doubt and fear, we all want to give up and give in at some point in our lives…We can all benefit from the wisdom in the lessons David learns.

I love that this book takes such deep philosophy, such inspiring mottoes, and dishes them up in such a compelling manner. At least for me, I was thoroughly invested in the story. I wanted to know from page one what would happen to David. I was drawn in just as I might have been to an epic fantasy or action-packed adventure. The book had a great hook, but it maintained that intrigue and tension throughout which made me ever curious and heavily invested in the MC. That strength of drawing one’s reader in couple with the astoundingly simple truths woven throughout the book make for a powerful combination. 

Should you choose to listen, to truly hear and listen to the truths within this unique read, you would be given the opportunity to apply what you learn. And all great things are paved from the paths of opportunity. What I think I like most about this book, aside from the brilliant style and approach, is the message. Anyone can change the world. It’s a message I hold deep in my heart, a message I strive to instill in my students, my family, and my friends. I chose to become a teacher because I believe each and every person has the capability and potential to become the next Bill Gates, the next Bill Gaither, the next Billy Graham. We have all been given specific talents and gifts, specific passions and desires. We all have the tools to make a difference, and not just a small one either! This book professes loudly that everyone, even the simple, have been afforded the opportunity to create unimaginable change in our world. 

“Life itself is a privilege, but to live life to its fullest— well, that is a choice!”

More: 

Evidently there’s a sequel?! I just learned that The Traveler’s Summit is the sequel and I will very soon be finding a way to read that!