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2025 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)

My Progress:


30 / 30 bookish books. 100% done!

2025 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)

2025 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)

My Progress:


46 / 50 books. 92% done!

2025 Literary Escapes Challenge

- Alabama (1)
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International:
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My Progress:


51 / 51 states. 100% done!

2025 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

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31 / 50 books. 62% done!

2025 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge

2025 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge

My Progress:


37 / 50 books. 74% done!

Booklist Queen's 2025 Reading Challenge

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40 / 52 books. 77% done!

2025 52 Club Reading Challenge

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43 / 52 books. 83% done!

2025 Build Your Library Reading Challenge

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30 / 40 books. 75% done!

2025 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge

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38 / 51 cozies. 75% done!

2025 Medical Examiner Mystery Reading Challenge

2025 Mystery Marathon Reading Challenge

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26 / 26.2 miles. 99% done!

2025 Mount TBR Reading Challenge

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33 / 100 books. 33% done!

2025 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge

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70 / 109 books. 64% done!

2025 Around the Year in 52 Books Reading Challenge

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57 / 62 books. 92% done!

Phase Out Your Seriesathon - My Progress


23 / 55 books. 42% done!

The 100 Most Common Last Names in the U.S. Reading Challenge

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97 / 100 names. 97% done!

The Life Skills Reading Challenge

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75 / 80 skills. 94% done!
Showing posts with label Andy Andrews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andy Andrews. Show all posts
Thursday, April 30, 2009

Don't Delay - Sign Up for My Giveaways TODAY


Today is the last day to enter the giveaway for Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison (to see my review and enter the contest, click here). The response has been great for this one. If you haven't entered yet, do so before midnight. I'll draw a name first thing tomorrow morning. I'm so excited to see who gets to take this one home.

You've got a couple more days until the giveaway for Andy Andrews' The Noticer (click here to see my review and enter the contest) ends. Enter by midnight on the 3rd, and I will draw a name on the morning of May 4. Good luck!
Sunday, April 26, 2009

If You're Jones-ing for A New Perspective, Look No Further Than The Noticer (With a Giveaway!)

You may have noticed that I don't love inspirational fiction (if you somehow missed this, check out my review of The Christmas Jars by Jason Wright). If an author wants to inspire people, fine, but I prefer that he/she approach it in one of two ways: either write a straightforward, self-help book or weave the message into a story so compelling that I don't know (or don't care) that it's really a sermon. When my oldest son was younger, I often tried to slip educational facts into his daily activities. I must have been obvious, because he would always say, "Stop teaching me, Mom!" I find myself screaming this same sentiment (in my mind, of course) to authors of inspirational fiction - Stop teaching me! Inspire me, please, but don't be so obvious about it.

Still, considering the dismal state of the U.S. economy, global panic over Mexico's swine flu, and constant unrest in many parts of the world, most of us can use a little inspiration in our lives. "Most of us" includes me. So, I agreed to review The Noticer by Andy Andrews, even though inspirational fiction is not exactly my favorite genre. The story revolves around an old man named Jones ("No 'Mr.' Just plain Jones") who has a knack for showing up when people really need him. Around Orange Beach, Alabama, folks count on the wrinkled drifter and the wisdom he imparts. The unassuming Jones explains himself thus:

I am a noticer. It is my gift. While others may be able to sing well or run fast, I notice things that other people overlook. And you know, most of them are in plain sight ... I notice things about situations and people that produce perspective. That's what most folks lack - perspective - a broader view. So I give them that broader view ... and it allows them to regroup, take a breath, and begin their lives again (6).

Jones' observations help a grieving homeless man; a couple on the brink of divorce; an unscrupulous builder; a widow whose lost hope; and many more. The sage refuses reward, and often disappear before anyone's had the chance to thank him properly. In fact, he's a bit mystical, appearing here and there, always in the perfect place at the perfect time to help someone in need. An angel, perhaps? No one knows - they only know that his encouragement has helped them gain perspective. And that has changed their lives.

Now, obviously, Jones' advice is Andrews' way of helping readers gain perspective in their own lives. By "hiding" his message in a story, the author's sermonizing becomes a little bit more palatable, but it still comes off as preachy. In a genre known for one-dimensional characters and too-good-to-be-true outcomes, The Noticer stands out for one reason - Jones. The character comes off as warm, humble and appealing. While the rest of the story is pretty saccharine, it's not as bad as some (Christmas Jars, for instance). Overall, I found it hopeful and yes, inspiring, albeit in a vague sort of way. I didn't love, love, love it like a lot of readers seemed to, but it's definitely the kind of quick, positive read we can all use from time-to-time. Inspirational fiction's still not my genre, but I survived the read thanks to a magical character called Jones.

Grade: B

Along with the book, Andy Andrews has launched a grassroots campaign to encourage people to "notice" the individuals who have been influential in their lives. The book promotes the idea that since our time on Earth is so short, it should be used wisely and unselfishly. The Noticer Project seeks to identify and thank those who take this adage to heart. It's a powerful idea, especially in turbulent times when we tend to focus on our own problems rather than being grateful for those who constantly help, support and care for us. If you want to get involved, check out the website.

If The Noticer sounds like a book you might be interested in, then lucky you - I have 2 copies to give away. Leave a comment on this post "noticing" one person who has made an impact in your life. I will pick a winner on Sunday, May 3 (I have lots more books to give away, so this contest has a short timeline). This giveaway is open to readers anywhere in the world!

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The Haunting of Emily Grace by Elena Taylor

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The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman



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