The Noticer
It’s been over a month since I wrote about the Noticer Project which was a social media campaign leading up to the publication of The Noticer by Andy Andrews. I loved the idea of each of us taking a few moments to recognize five influential people in our lives and was intrigued to read the book. It’s a short book written as a narrative so it was an easy read however I have to say I was disappointed. There’s an endorsement on the cover from LPGA Hall of Famer, Nancy Lopez – “This is the best book I have ever read in my life” – I’m thinking that can only mean she doesn’t read very much.
The press release describes the book as blending “fiction, real-life experience and inspiration to teach readers that a grateful perspective brings happiness and abundance.” The main character is an old man who goes by “Jones” – he has a knack for appearing out-of-nowhere to rescue people in the midst of personal crisis. Unsolicited, he talks them through their situation whether it be homelessness, divorce, financial ruin or loss of purpose.
Sure, the perspective he brings to each situation, is good advice for any of us. My problem was the whole story is unbelievable. I can’t imagine a couple in the midst of discussing separation, making way for a complete stranger to sit down between them and mediate. I can’t imagine a little old lady who’s lost her sense of purpose in life, sitting on a bench by the beach, being comfortable with an old man coming and sitting next to her to chat about finding a new passion.
I think Andrews’ message of taking the time to look at events and situations from another’s perspective, is meaningful and it’s definitely a skill to work on, it’s just the delivery of the message that’s not credible.
Maybe it’s me that’s the cynic or too unemotional – Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love was a bestseller with rave reviews plastered over the media – I gave up on that one shortly into the Pray section. With that being said, I do still have a couple of copies of the book to giveaway, so leave a comment here or at the Five Influential People in my Life posting to be entered in the drawing. Anyone read Andrews’ novel The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success? Is that worth reading?
