I liked books when I was a kid. But I don’t think I qualified as a book lover.
I read the stuff they made me read in school (and passed the tests), but don’t ask me about the classics because they just didn’t have a lasting impact on me.
I read some of the fictional series my friends were reading, but I’m pretty sure that was because I wanted to be part of the conversation.
And then one day I stumbled on this book…The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success (book links are Amazon Affiliate links – just fyi)
It was in a bookstore and the “Good Morning America Read This!” sticker grabbed my attention. So I picked it up, read the jacket and decided it would be mine.
That afternoon, my husband and I spent in lounge chairs at a local park overlooking a lake. I got lost in the most engaging story of a man who finds himself in a difficult time and upon asking “WHY ME?” is propelled into an incredible journey. A journey in which he’s able to gather wisdom from and be inspired by some of the most notable figures throughout history. And I read that book, cover to cover, in that one sitting (a first for me).
I could sit here for hours attempting to put into words how much I loved that book. I could attempt tell you what an AMAZING storyteller Mr. Andrews is. But I would sit here forever and never hit publish on this post. So I’ll just tell you that it forever changed me in a way no book ever has. I’ve read that book more times than any other and I could stand before you today and recite “the seven decisions”.
If I ever find myself in a “why me?” kind of mentality, I remind myself that the buck stops here. And I pick up that book for a little refresher.
One of these days when Mayhem learns to read, it will be required reading 😉
I was an instant fan of Mr. Andrews. And I’m pretty sure I’ve now read nearly every (published) book he’s written.
Which is why when I found myself vacationing in Gulf Shores, Alabama a few years ago, I felt the NEED to find out if the places in The Noticer
really did exist.
And they do.
We drove down Canal Road past Willow’s bench. We ate beignets at Cafe Beignet, right next door to Pack N’ Mail. We drove past Sea N Suds (though we didn’t eat there) and I found my heart racing a bit as we walked under the Gulf State Park Pier. Each place had me watching for Jones and reliving the story in my mind.
Last fall when The Noticer Returns
came out, I purchased a copy.
And after reading, I decided I needed a little more Jones in my life. So I dyed a scarf. White, blue and brown – my Jones scarf. And anytime I’m feeling “pushed in the pool”, I wear it.
It got a bit of a workout over this past winter, but I’m a better person for it.
I made one for Mayhem too. She doesn’t know the story yet, but she will. And I predict that she’ll occasionally have the need for some perspective ….
I’m a pretty firm believer in standing guard at the door of my mind. So there’s a lot of popular stuff I don’t read. And don’t watch. And don’t listen to.
But each time I pick up one of these books, I feel inspired, encouraged and have a great deal more gratitude …. all while being very entertained.
And I think you might enjoy them too. If you like that kind of thing …
So tell me, what’s the first book you ever LOVED???
PS- They’re all wonderful reads but I do recommend starting with The Traveler’s Gift
. Just a personal preference.
I love, love, love Andy Andrews too. Each and every word he writes, I want to live in his books, and I too read them in one setting, again and again!
Yay – another fan!!! I’m with you, so with you 🙂
Thanks for the tip! I may throw this one out there for book club next month!!!
Great idea – there’s room for LOTS of discussion with this one! 🙂
Thank you for the recommendation! I too, guard closely what I allow into my mind. Too often I have picked up a “popular” read to be left disappointed. Thanks for sharing!
Exactly!!! Happy Weekend 🙂
Thanks for the author tip! I love the idea of closely guarding my mind. It will now be added to the list of reasons why there are certain things we do and do not see and/or read. I am a voracious reader, but this is a new author for me.
Awesome – you’ll have to let me know what you think if you give one of his titles a try!
Will have to give this author a try! Into The Wild was the first book I fell in love with- it challenged me to see that the good and bad experiences I faced shaped me into the person I am and will be. I’ve tattooed this quote from the book on me- it means so much! “The core of mans’ spirit comes from new experiences.”
Excellent quote! Love when a book has that kind of impact 🙂
I’ve always been a big reader but the first book that really hit home to me was “To Kill a Mockingbird” I first read it in high school and again as an adult. In high school it didn’t feel like an assignment to read it, I was fascinated by the characters, the time and the story. Beautiful brilliant writing.
I remember enjoying that one very much. One of the few from school I actually do remember 😉
Thanks Angie! I think this is going to be my reading material for summer vacation. I was looking for a few good books to read while at the beach. Thanks for sharing as always and when’s the next photo walk?
Anita
Hi Anita 🙂 You’ll have to let me know what you think – but I bet this will be awesome vacation material!! Next photo walk is TBD – it’s a little more than crazy around here these days…
Always looking for a good book reference – thanks! I just love your photos and posts m thanks for sharing with all us other moms!
Thanks so much! Happy Weekend 🙂
This post is so timely: just last night I was thinking about the 3 books that first grabbed me as a kid. These won’t necessarily be great recommendations for adult readers but maybe they’ll make that required reading list for Mayhem when she’s grown up a bit :). In no particular order:
The Dog in my Life by Kurt Unkelbach
Medical Mysteries: 6 deadly cases by Dian Dincin Buchman
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The first two I read constantly around age 8 and were totally appropriate for that age group, even if the second one sounds a bit foreboding. It’s written like 6 short mysteries and I give it credit it for beginning my interest in science that continues today. The Giver is actually the first of a series that Lowry is still writing — I think this was a favorite of mine around but 5th or 6th grade and still grabs me as an adult. Along with the Harry Potter Series, these books are what made me the reader I am today. Thanks for your author rec!
Thanks for the recommendations! Will have to check them out for her 🙂
9th grade – Great Expectations. I mean, I loved Shel Silverstein and such, but GE was the first REAL book I loved. Then I fell for Jane Austen.
LOVED Shel! Loved!!!!
“Hannah Is A Palindrome” (Mindy Warshaw Skolsky) and “Beautiful Joe” (Marg. Marshall Saunders) are the two books I remember best from my childhood…I don’t think many people have heard of either of them! But if Mayhem winds up “a reader”…ya never know???
My all-time favorites include Gone With The Wind and The Great Gatsby. Please don’t judge either of them by their movies!!!
I LOVE reading! Especially when it makes me smile or laugh…so, I’m enjoying your posts! Keep ’em coming! And thanks for the great book recommendation! Best, alli t.
Thanks so much for the kind words! And I do hope Mayhem is a big reader … I have a feeling she will be 🙂
I’ll have to check him out after reading such a glowing review. :o) My favorite reads are the ones that I can go back to and just pick up from any page, still losing myself in the world created by the author: Gone With The Wind, Jane Eyre, Animal Farm, anything by Jane Austen, Lousia May Alcott, and John Grisham [weird affinity for legalese].
That’s exactly how I feel about these … can pick them up anywhere anytime and be lost in them 🙂
Oh man, so many! The first book I *really* remember falling in love with was Matilda in 3rd grade (then Witches and pretty much everything Roald Dahl wrote), Bridge to Terabithia in 4th grade, then Tuck Everlasting in 5th. Then there were so many that we read in AP English that I love, but as a high schooler, I remember being smitten with White Oleander. I could go on and on and on…
I bet you’ve got quite the list … 🙂
Hi there, If you enjoy this author and subject area, I highly recommend The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho (I’m surprised no one has mentioned them yet…). These are two of his many books that take the reader on a spectacular journey full of mystery and discovery. The protagonist learns a lot about himself and the world. They are beautifully written and engaging (and not too long)! Enjoy and keep reading 🙂
Cafe Beignet is one of my favorite places in the world! We always make time for beignets when we visit the gulf. Did you make sure to put a pin on the map for where you were from?
Thanks for the recommendation!
I love any book by Mitch Albom. I read “Tuesday’s With Morrie” when I was 20ish and it just opened my eyes. I spent my whole summer getting every book by Albom from the library. He turned my ‘selfish’ 20 something mind to a more open, and sympathetic one.
PERFECT timing. I was looking for something new to read. Thank you thank you! This is a hard question for me. My answer is two fold. First series – Harry Potter. I grew up with the series/Harry and have read and reread the books so many times. I long for the time I can read the books with my little girl. To say that I feel in love with the series would be a gross understatement. But as a teen a fell in love with Girl Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen. I read the book, wrote in the book, highlighted my favorite lines… love love love that book. Thank you again for sharing. I will definitely check out Andy Andrews. 🙂
The first book I ever loved was Matilda but my overall favorite is The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. It was one of those books that made you put down for a second and reflect on your own life and on your own dreams. Thank you for sharing your excitement and I can’t wait to read the travelers gift!
I haven’t read his books yet… but I can tell you that I will be stopping off at the local barnes and noble due to your glowing review. I am all about finding inspiration in books. I frequently will read cover to cover in one sitting, and very often go back to the same books over and over and over again. Of Mice and Men is one of my favorites that I read over and over again. Peter Pan (J.M. Barrie) and Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Saw There are my go-to kid-like-wonder-and-imagination books 🙂 Water for Elephants by Sara Green is magnificent. The Secret Life of Bees is wonderful as well.
The Alchemist by Paulo Choelho. As I read what you had to say about the Traveler’s Gift I felt like you were describing how I feel about The Alchemist. It is the story of a young boy on a search for a treasure he dreamed about at the base of the pyramids. It was first read out loud to me by my high school english teacher and since then i have read it many times (mostly when I needed perspective). My favorite quote “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it”
Paulo has written many other wonderful books but my favorite will always be The Alchemist.
I’d have to say that “The Power of the Powerless” by Christopher DeVinck was the first book to truly touch my heart in a profound and lasting way. It’s a treasure. Thank you for a new author to look up!
Hello! I’ve been reading your website for some time now and finally got the courage to
go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Tx!
Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent work!
Thank you so much! Have an awesome day 🙂