Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews

I read this book in 2 days, something I haven't done for years. The Noticer by Andy Andrews is a compelling story about a mysterious but likable old man known as Jones (no "Mr.") who visited a small Gulf Coast town over many years, helping people address various problems in their lives by giving them a little "perspective".

One such person was a young Andy, who thanks to Jones turned his life around and went from an orphaned young man living under a pier to a successful motivational speaker and author. Jones helped him see his problems in a new light and gave him valuable advice to help him improve his circumstances. Jones always showed up at just the right time, wearing his jeans and white t-shirt and carrying his old brown leather suitcase, giving much needed advice and assistance to people in various situations, then disappearing as quickly as he came. He called himself a "noticer", claiming that his gift was simply to notice things about people that others seemed to miss. The old man's calm, casual demeanor and logical doses of perspective changed many lives in the small town over the years as he became a local legend. He never told anyone much about himself, but anyone who met him instantly felt a strange bond with the old man. Andy wrote this book to recognize Jones' influence in his own life and to encourage others to do the same.

Andy's casual, intimate narratives make the reader feel like they know Jones by the end of the book. His advice, while not particularly profound, is practical and honest. He applies many of the same principles to different people- most explicitly in his final encounter with Andy, when they meet another young man in much the same situation and Jones gives him the same advice as he did to Andy decades earlier. Jones' no-nonsense perspective is something we could all use more of.

"The Noticer Project", founded by Andy along with the release of the book, is a movement to publicly "notice" the 5 most influential people in your life. By noticing others, you not only honor them, but gain a new perspective on your own life.