Andy Andrews is the author of an upbeat tale called, The Noticer (Thomas Nelson, 2009). It is the story of an old man named, Jones, who turns up unexpectedly to dispense wholesome advice to people in distress. His ability to know people’s names and situations as well as his ability to appear seemingly out of nowhere and leave without trace hints at angel-like qualities.
While this is an enjoyable read, it is too shallow for my taste. The people Jones meets are often struggling with deep issues and for Jones to turn their lives around so quickly and easily is stretching the otherwise realistic feel to the story. Encouraging people to see their lives from a broader perspective does not, in itself, heal emotional traumas. And even when people know what they need to do, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are equipped to do it.
Jones occasionally mentions God but never Jesus, his saving grace or his enabling power. I found this worrying as it suggests our own resources are sufficient. So while the book contains many wise sayings, and implies a Christian message it actually does not promote Christian beliefs, but perhaps Andrews never intended it to do so.
I read this book as a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger Program found here.
I read this book as a part of a different program and it was very disconcerting to me! I was especially concerned because at the very end, Jones says that the secret lies in your self and having a "good" perspective about life–not in Christ. I think this book really encourages people that they don't need God and can do anything on their own.
I read this book as a part of a different program and it was very disconcerting to me! I was especially concerned because at the very end, Jones says that the secret lies in your self and having a "good" perspective about life–not in Christ. I think this book really encourages people that they don't need God and can do anything on their own.
Thanks Suz for your comments. Glad I'm not alone in having concerns about this book.
Thanks Suz for your comments. Glad I'm not alone in having concerns about this book.
Interesting. Haven't read it yet myself but skimming through the tweets and briefly glancing at one or two other reviews, I wonder if the reason Jones never mentions Jesus is because, in the context of the story, he is Jesus?
Just a thought: as I said, haven't read it myself…
Interesting. Haven't read it yet myself but skimming through the tweets and briefly glancing at one or two other reviews, I wonder if the reason Jones never mentions Jesus is because, in the context of the story, he is Jesus?
Just a thought: as I said, haven't read it myself…
Seeing Jones as Jesus would only work if you believed that Jesus was a good moral teacher but not Messiah. Granted that Jones has some supernatural abilities – appearing and disappearing out of thin air but nowhere in the book does Jones make any, "You must be born again" type statement.
The message of the book is that a change of perspective is all that is necessary, even in one particular situation where someone is about to die.
In my opinion Jones isn't radical or challenging enough to be Jesus.
Seeing Jones as Jesus would only work if you believed that Jesus was a good moral teacher but not Messiah. Granted that Jones has some supernatural abilities – appearing and disappearing out of thin air but nowhere in the book does Jones make any, "You must be born again" type statement.
The message of the book is that a change of perspective is all that is necessary, even in one particular situation where someone is about to die.
In my opinion Jones isn't radical or challenging enough to be Jesus.