What do you think?
Rate this book
Noticer #1
The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective
A New York Times bestseller! From the author of The Traveler’s Gift comes a story of common wisdom based on the remarkable true story of “Jones,” a mysterious old man who has a knack for showing up in people's lives at just the right time, providing priceless lessons about love, life, and the importance of perspective. Orange Beach, Alabama, is a simple town filled with simple people. But like all humans on the planet, the good folks of Orange Beach have their share of problems—marriages teetering on the brink of divorce, young adults giving up on life, businesspeople on the verge of bankruptcy, as well as the many other obstacles that life seems to dish out to the masses. These situations can seem like dead ends, but to an old drifter named Jones with a gift for seeing what others miss, there is no such thing as a dead end. It only takes a little “perspective,” he says, to recognize the miracles in our moments, the seeds of greatness tucked into our struggles. Appearing when things look darkest, the mysterious, elderly man with white hair carrying a battered old suitcase shows up when he’s needed most. “Your time on this earth is a gift to be used wisely,” he says. “Don’t squander your words or your thoughts. Consider even the simplest action you take, for your lives matter beyond measure…and they matter forever.” The Noticer will provide you Based on a remarkable true story, The Noticer beautifully blends fiction and allegory in an entertaining and inspiring instruction manual for better living. The story of Jones continues in The Noticer Returns and Just Jones.
176 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2009
1581 people are currently reading
13193 people want to read
About the author
Andy Andrews
117 books1,090 followers~ Hailed by a New York Times writer as a "modern-day Will Rogers who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America."
~ Spoken at the request of four different U.S. Presidents
~ Every single minute a book by Andy Andrews is sold somewhere in the world!
~ New York Times Bestselling Author of The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift
Source:
http://www.andyandrews.com/
~ Spoken at the request of four different U.S. Presidents
~ Every single minute a book by Andy Andrews is sold somewhere in the world!
~ New York Times Bestselling Author of The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift
Source:
http://www.andyandrews.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,397 reviews
September 18, 2011
I'm going to go against popular opinion and state that this wasn't a very good book. Sure, there were a few good life lessons included in its pages. However, the writing was mediocre and the story telling was terrible. The characters were unbelievable, both in dialogue and action. I was surprised that the characters didn't punch Jones for delivering these messages that go against the grain of their lives. While the messages were good ones, it was unbelievable that people would accept these messages right off the bat. No real contemplation, no real struggles, just quick acceptance of an old man's "noticing."
Also, I have to disagree with a couple of the lessons. Jones states that if you want people to like you, think about what it is that they would change about you. Some of the things I agree with, like reducing or eliminating cursing in your speech when talking to others or being more polite. But other things I can't agree with, like changing how you dress so that other people will like you more. Change how I dress so people like me? I think not. Some of this is individuality, not something that should be changed so that you can win a popularity contest.
Overall, I felt preached at. The story wasn't very good and the lessons were driven home very forcefully. Not my cup of tea.
Also, I have to disagree with a couple of the lessons. Jones states that if you want people to like you, think about what it is that they would change about you. Some of the things I agree with, like reducing or eliminating cursing in your speech when talking to others or being more polite. But other things I can't agree with, like changing how you dress so that other people will like you more. Change how I dress so people like me? I think not. Some of this is individuality, not something that should be changed so that you can win a popularity contest.
Overall, I felt preached at. The story wasn't very good and the lessons were driven home very forcefully. Not my cup of tea.
April 2, 2024
I listened to The Noticer: Sometimes, All a Person Needs Is a Little Perspective on audiobook. It is narrated wonderfully by the author, Andy Andrews. Lately, I have been reading many of Andrews' books: The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success, The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances, How Do You Kill 11 Million People? Why The Truth Matters More Than You Think, and The Little Things: Why You Really Should Sweat the Small Stuff.
Andrews' writing and narrating style flow like calm waters on a sunny day. He offers terrific leadership and relationship advice, along with stories and parables.
At the beginning of The Noticer: Sometimes, All a Person Needs Is a Little Perspective, Andrews mentions a mentor who recommended that he read biographies of successful people. Andrews read over 200 biographies and it shaped his leadership perspective.
My favorite quote from this book is "Don't let your history determine your destiny."
Andrews' writing and narrating style flow like calm waters on a sunny day. He offers terrific leadership and relationship advice, along with stories and parables.
At the beginning of The Noticer: Sometimes, All a Person Needs Is a Little Perspective, Andrews mentions a mentor who recommended that he read biographies of successful people. Andrews read over 200 biographies and it shaped his leadership perspective.
My favorite quote from this book is "Don't let your history determine your destiny."
April 27, 2009
“The Noticer” by Andy Andrews, is a pleasant surprise of a read. The book illustrates a short story with a powerful punch; a story that I don’t want to spoil for any readers of this review. I’ll tell you this though, my husband and I participate in a highway clean up project sponsored by our township and when we first started he insisted that we pick up cans on the same side of the street and then pick up cans on the other side during the walk back, otherwise there would not be any cans for us to pick up during our walk back to where we started. I told him it wouldn’t matter if I picked up cans going the same direction as he yet on the other side of the road, for there would still be cans for us to pick up on the way back, because we would be viewing the roadside from a different perspective. “The Noticer” is about viewing our everyday lives from a different perspective and what a change in perspective can do to one’s world. Excellent read and one I am happy to recommend to everyone, no matter your perspective on life!
September 7, 2024
Хареса ми като идея, но не и като реализация. Книгата е написана елементарно и повърхностно - предполагам, за да стигне до всеки. Аз лично не обичам дозите житейска мъдрост да ми се предоставят по този начин - всичко е предъвкано, смляно, ти само отваряй уста и преглъщай :)
February 18, 2018
This book oversimplifies life's struggles with a "pray it away" mentality. It also seems to plagiarize "The 5 love languages" by Gary Chapman with a weak attempt to cover its plagiarism by changing "languages" to "dialects" and taking one language away (receiving gifts). Jones is a boring character with no depth or redeeming quality, which makes it very unbelievable that so many people are willing to just let this know-it-all stranger tell them that their very real life struggles are just a "matter of perspective". I was especially disturbed by the chapter about the man with mental illness that was considering suicide. It perpetuates the stigma of mental illness as something that is the sufferers fault rather than an actual illness. "just change your perspective" really? Decades of mental health research and Andy Andrews had the answer all along...?
And what is up with Andy Andrews trying to sell me his previous book in this book??
I struggled finishing this book because I despised it so much and ended up just hate reading it in the end.
This is a great book for people that want to feel validated in their privileged lives that their struggles are somehow synonymous with the struggles of those with less privilege.
And what is up with Andy Andrews trying to sell me his previous book in this book??
I struggled finishing this book because I despised it so much and ended up just hate reading it in the end.
This is a great book for people that want to feel validated in their privileged lives that their struggles are somehow synonymous with the struggles of those with less privilege.
January 21, 2010
The Noticer by Andy Andrews is 156 pages of important life lessons wrapped within a feel-good, inspirational novelette. The lessons are thinly-veiled homilies spoken by the main character Jones to a cast of (unfortunately) flat, characters who barely resemble real people with real dialogue. Still, the book’s lessons and overall message are positive, and Christian — without mentioning God too often. The book will appeal to mothers, grandmothers, fans of inspirational literature, and anyone who enjoys Hallmark greeting cards.
The barebones story is about an elderly, white-haired man named Jones who appears in a small town over the course of many years, always helping people gain a broader perspective on their trials and their blessings. For example: A man is saved from worry when Jones reminds him to focus only on what can be controlled. An old woman with nothing left to live for is inspired to begin living purposefully after Jones tells her that everything one does has an impact on someone else’s life.
I have nothing against this type of inspirational material, mind you. My basic problem with The Noticer is that it would’ve been better off as non-fiction prose rather than as a pseudo novel. After all, the characters are throwaway paper cutouts. The real meat here lies in the life lessons — the wise nuggets scattered throughout the novel’s cliche-soaked melodrama and often cringe-worthy dialogue. Still, it’s worth a quick read on the plane, and would make an excellent Mother’s Day gift!
Visit http://www.thenoticerproject.com for more information about “The Noticer Project.”
* * *
Disclosure: The copy I read was a review e-book from the publisher Thomas Nelson, which has a lovely little blogger review program. Try it out.
The barebones story is about an elderly, white-haired man named Jones who appears in a small town over the course of many years, always helping people gain a broader perspective on their trials and their blessings. For example: A man is saved from worry when Jones reminds him to focus only on what can be controlled. An old woman with nothing left to live for is inspired to begin living purposefully after Jones tells her that everything one does has an impact on someone else’s life.
I have nothing against this type of inspirational material, mind you. My basic problem with The Noticer is that it would’ve been better off as non-fiction prose rather than as a pseudo novel. After all, the characters are throwaway paper cutouts. The real meat here lies in the life lessons — the wise nuggets scattered throughout the novel’s cliche-soaked melodrama and often cringe-worthy dialogue. Still, it’s worth a quick read on the plane, and would make an excellent Mother’s Day gift!
Visit http://www.thenoticerproject.com for more information about “The Noticer Project.”
* * *
Disclosure: The copy I read was a review e-book from the publisher Thomas Nelson, which has a lovely little blogger review program. Try it out.
April 16, 2019
Давам 1,5* на "Проницателят", заради 2-3 интересни притчи/истории в книгата, които ме заинтригуваха. Винаги съм твърдял - стойте далеч от книги, на чиито корици авторите им се усмихват широко с изкуствените си зъби. Този американски модел сам по себе си заслужава роман (добре би го описал Салман Рушди), но да не се чудя много на американската публика, тук нещата далеч не са много по-различни, просто 20 години по-късно хората лудват по такъв наивен селфхелп.
Накратко за книгата: от първо лице, авторът разказва за неочакваните си срещи с Джоунс, които се случват все в трудни моменти, но Джоунс го изважда от проблемите с мъдри мисли и разсъжения. Джоунс винаги влачи със себе си стар куфар. Никой не знае на колко години е Джоунс, стар и побелял, но се е явявал в живота на много хора - спасявал е браковете им, помагал им е при финансови затруднения и прочие. Джоунс все разказва истории и накрая заключава: просто ти е нужна нова гледна точка. Един простоват пример, който наистина е простоват: седят Анди и Джоунс на плажа, има залез, Анди се жалва от живота си и Джоунс му казва: - Нужна ти е нова гледна точка, в момента не си беден, тъп, глупав, в момента имаш вечеря на плажа с хотдог и красив залез.
Мдаааа.
Накратко за книгата: от първо лице, авторът разказва за неочакваните си срещи с Джоунс, които се случват все в трудни моменти, но Джоунс го изважда от проблемите с мъдри мисли и разсъжения. Джоунс винаги влачи със себе си стар куфар. Никой не знае на колко години е Джоунс, стар и побелял, но се е явявал в живота на много хора - спасявал е браковете им, помагал им е при финансови затруднения и прочие. Джоунс все разказва истории и накрая заключава: просто ти е нужна нова гледна точка. Един простоват пример, който наистина е простоват: седят Анди и Джоунс на плажа, има залез, Анди се жалва от живота си и Джоунс му казва: - Нужна ти е нова гледна точка, в момента не си беден, тъп, глупав, в момента имаш вечеря на плажа с хотдог и красив залез.
Мдаааа.
September 3, 2016
I picked up this book thinking it was going to be a bit about slowing down and 'noticing' things to improve my personal perspective on things. By the middle of the book, my perspective on "The Noticer" was dim. In the last chapter, I was throwing the book across the room, scrunching my hair thinking "I could've done this." It was a more than disappointing read.
Andy Andrews has an inviting writing style, more like listening to an old friend (albeit sometimes a know it all, annoying friend), but I found the other elements of the novel dismal. The characters were not believable to me. I wondered if any of them had a backbone to just stand up to someone invading their personal lives with unsolicited tidbits of advice. Half way through the book, I could tell what was going to happen, so when it did end up in this super tidy ending that is not realistic, I thought I would drowned in the cheesy oooziness of it all.
In real life, there are no nice tidy endings where everyone wins. Even wise, old sages recognize that and they don't sugar coat it. Not to say that miracles don't happen, but when it came down to perspective, I didn't think this book offered much.
Andy Andrews has an inviting writing style, more like listening to an old friend (albeit sometimes a know it all, annoying friend), but I found the other elements of the novel dismal. The characters were not believable to me. I wondered if any of them had a backbone to just stand up to someone invading their personal lives with unsolicited tidbits of advice. Half way through the book, I could tell what was going to happen, so when it did end up in this super tidy ending that is not realistic, I thought I would drowned in the cheesy oooziness of it all.
In real life, there are no nice tidy endings where everyone wins. Even wise, old sages recognize that and they don't sugar coat it. Not to say that miracles don't happen, but when it came down to perspective, I didn't think this book offered much.
April 2, 2012
Okay, some will like this book much better than I. Some will love it, be moved and inspired by it.
I'm not and never have been a fan of certain types of self-help books (who knows maybe I'd be rich and so on if I'd listened better....LOL, oh well). Mr. Andrews has written several books and based much of his writing on his 7 decisions.
After his parents died he did (as in the book) spend some time homeless. This book purports to tell the story of how he came out of this life and came to his seven decisions, with the help of an old man who's been around a very long time and always seemed old. Other people know him by other names and when they see him they see another appearance than the writer.
Mr. Andrews has been a comedian and now writes self-help books and is an inspirational speaker. I won't go into what I find annoying about the "buck-up, be inspired, you can accomplish it if you just decide to" school of writing/speaking but I'm just not that moved by it.
If this works for you, great. Go forth and conquer. I doubt I'll read much more by Mr. Andrews. Not saying I have a problem or it isn't helpful, just not something I care for.
I'm not and never have been a fan of certain types of self-help books (who knows maybe I'd be rich and so on if I'd listened better....LOL, oh well). Mr. Andrews has written several books and based much of his writing on his 7 decisions.
After his parents died he did (as in the book) spend some time homeless. This book purports to tell the story of how he came out of this life and came to his seven decisions, with the help of an old man who's been around a very long time and always seemed old. Other people know him by other names and when they see him they see another appearance than the writer.
Mr. Andrews has been a comedian and now writes self-help books and is an inspirational speaker. I won't go into what I find annoying about the "buck-up, be inspired, you can accomplish it if you just decide to" school of writing/speaking but I'm just not that moved by it.
If this works for you, great. Go forth and conquer. I doubt I'll read much more by Mr. Andrews. Not saying I have a problem or it isn't helpful, just not something I care for.
June 9, 2020
This book is yet another example of how my life is constantly interrupted by the subtle whispers of someone wiser… i’ve mentioned before that the media that i engage in often speaks directly into the situations that surround my life and The Noticer proves this once again… of course, in this particular instance, the book speaks directly to a much larger audience than just me…
we are currently living in what i call a “chicken little era”… everywhere i turn, i’m faced with one more thing that should cause me concern… one more thing that i can easily invest my time worrying about… one more person claiming that the very foundations of the world have been shaken to their very core… the sky is indeed falling for many of us in the world today…
enter Jones… or Garcia… or Chen… the old man and prominent character of Andy Andrews latest book offers what we all need right now more than just about anything else… perspective… The Noticer shares the journey of this angelic man and all the lives he manages to touch – and change – by simply listening and offering guidance… much of the advice that he offers is relevant to the circumstances many find themselves in currently…
i’m highly recommending this book simply for the nuggets of wisdom that can be found throughout the narrative, but it really helps that it’s engrossing as well as an extremely quick read…
-from trudatmusic.com/raw
we are currently living in what i call a “chicken little era”… everywhere i turn, i’m faced with one more thing that should cause me concern… one more thing that i can easily invest my time worrying about… one more person claiming that the very foundations of the world have been shaken to their very core… the sky is indeed falling for many of us in the world today…
enter Jones… or Garcia… or Chen… the old man and prominent character of Andy Andrews latest book offers what we all need right now more than just about anything else… perspective… The Noticer shares the journey of this angelic man and all the lives he manages to touch – and change – by simply listening and offering guidance… much of the advice that he offers is relevant to the circumstances many find themselves in currently…
i’m highly recommending this book simply for the nuggets of wisdom that can be found throughout the narrative, but it really helps that it’s engrossing as well as an extremely quick read…
-from trudatmusic.com/raw
February 15, 2010
This is the first book I have read by author Andy Andrews and it will NOT be the last! I picked up this book free through Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger Club (well I actually downloaded it onto my Sony e-Book Reader). I was kind of hesitant to read it as I had not read anything by Andy Andrews, but once I picked it up I could not put it down. Andy is a great author and this book was an easy read. It was a shorter book (only 176 pages) but had a lot of good content and some great life lessons. I am still not sure if the story was a true story or not, but in the book Andy was the narrator and he is telling the story of Jones. At the beginning Andy is a homeless twenty-something with a bad look on life and not much going for him. Jones (an older homeless man) befriends him and has him start reading books about great people in history and teaches him how to be better liked (so people will enjoy being around him). After Andy's 180 attitude change things start looking up for him and Jones just disappears. About a decade later Jones is back in the picture and is helping others with their everyday problems (one couple is on the verge of divorce...another man is depressed and on the verge of suicide...another man is in financial ruin). The book goes on to tell the stories of these individuals and what impact Jones has made on their "perspective."
May 26, 2018
The Author Andy Andrews came and spoke at our kids' school and we all walked away with this book. It took me a few years to dig it out, but I am glad I did. This is definitely a short little gem of a book that I read in an afternoon.
The Noticer has a vibe very similar to Mitch Albom. It is less story oriented, but more self help with key words of wisdom. I was immediately struck by the lessons it tries to teach in regards to noticing people's characteristics, noticing ways people love or need love - in particular your spouse. We do all speak and need different things and it is a great resource to learn and pay attention to those needs. But it also takes effort to apply them...as sometimes it is easier to just - do what we want!!
Either way - this gives a lot to think about and I highly suggest it if you want to learn ways to be more connected to your spouse. So many good little tid bits to take away!!
The Noticer has a vibe very similar to Mitch Albom. It is less story oriented, but more self help with key words of wisdom. I was immediately struck by the lessons it tries to teach in regards to noticing people's characteristics, noticing ways people love or need love - in particular your spouse. We do all speak and need different things and it is a great resource to learn and pay attention to those needs. But it also takes effort to apply them...as sometimes it is easier to just - do what we want!!
Either way - this gives a lot to think about and I highly suggest it if you want to learn ways to be more connected to your spouse. So many good little tid bits to take away!!
April 27, 2009
Do you need a fresh look at things? Have the issues in your life become mundane? Then take a journey into the book ‘The Noticer: Sometimes All You Need is a Little Perspective“ by Andy Andrews.
In this book, you travel through the lives of ordinary people who encounter a man named ‘Jones’. An unassuming character, but only at first. Once he engages you in conversation, you will never look at things in the same way again.
Very similar to the character “Baggar Vance” in the film “The Legend of Baggar Vance”, Jones enters the lives of several people from many different walks of life, some he approaches respectfully and some in a much more forceful way. His demeanor soon dispels the initial objection of his intended ‘new best friend’.
During these conversations, many popular, modern day ideas are dispelled. Ideas such as ‘experience being the best teacher’ and ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’ which have become household sayings are challenged and scrutinized by Jones’ perspective as he engages you in the conversation.
I must say that while I read (and re-read) this story, I often looked up and around me quietly expecting Jones to appear in my life.
In these conversations, Jones addresses life issues such as the despair of a young orphaned man, the hopelessness of a couple on the verge of divorce, a man contemplating suicide, and the tender thoughts of an older woman withdrawn from a world she believes no longer needs her.
I found wisdom in each of Jones’ dialogues with these characters. My personal favorite new ‘perspective’ was ‘the difference between a mistake and a choice’ and the illumination of the most common ‘love languages’.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks authenticity. You will find life lessons that you may have already learned, lessons you may need to re-learn, and still more lessons you may need to be introduced to for the very first time.
A movement has begun from the publication of this book. It is called “The Noticer Project“. Visit the site today and take a moment to notice those in your life that make a difference.
In this book, you travel through the lives of ordinary people who encounter a man named ‘Jones’. An unassuming character, but only at first. Once he engages you in conversation, you will never look at things in the same way again.
Very similar to the character “Baggar Vance” in the film “The Legend of Baggar Vance”, Jones enters the lives of several people from many different walks of life, some he approaches respectfully and some in a much more forceful way. His demeanor soon dispels the initial objection of his intended ‘new best friend’.
During these conversations, many popular, modern day ideas are dispelled. Ideas such as ‘experience being the best teacher’ and ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’ which have become household sayings are challenged and scrutinized by Jones’ perspective as he engages you in the conversation.
I must say that while I read (and re-read) this story, I often looked up and around me quietly expecting Jones to appear in my life.
In these conversations, Jones addresses life issues such as the despair of a young orphaned man, the hopelessness of a couple on the verge of divorce, a man contemplating suicide, and the tender thoughts of an older woman withdrawn from a world she believes no longer needs her.
I found wisdom in each of Jones’ dialogues with these characters. My personal favorite new ‘perspective’ was ‘the difference between a mistake and a choice’ and the illumination of the most common ‘love languages’.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks authenticity. You will find life lessons that you may have already learned, lessons you may need to re-learn, and still more lessons you may need to be introduced to for the very first time.
A movement has begun from the publication of this book. It is called “The Noticer Project“. Visit the site today and take a moment to notice those in your life that make a difference.
July 13, 2012
Way too self-help for me and the writing was nothing special, but there were some definite gems within the book that I think back to sometimes. This is the primary one (so now you can move onto another book without hesitation.. sorry Andy Andrews). I'm going to just paraphrase the concept:
In the same way that Americans and Scots both speak English but may as well be speaking different languages, there are different dialects to the language of love. People sometimes come across difficulties in their relationships because they give and receive love in a different dialect from the other person. Each dialect is represented by an animal.
Dog - Verbal communication. "Good dog/bad dog."
Cat - Physical touch.
Goldfish - Deeds and gestures. Goldfish don't need to be told they're loved, they just want you to feed them, clean the tank, maybe fix up the fake plants. This person can be told a million times that they're loved but it doesn't get through to them until they're shown it - a gift, cooking dinner, acts of selflessness/willingness to help. That's also how they show their love to others and may never say overtly how much they care
Canary - Quality time. The canary displays its love through its song and presence, and in return it just wants to be heard and appreciated. This person cares about the amount of time spent together... just hearing that they're loved or having physical touch is not enough. They need to feel like they're doing things together, sit down and have meals together, etc.
In the same way that Americans and Scots both speak English but may as well be speaking different languages, there are different dialects to the language of love. People sometimes come across difficulties in their relationships because they give and receive love in a different dialect from the other person. Each dialect is represented by an animal.
Dog - Verbal communication. "Good dog/bad dog."
Cat - Physical touch.
Goldfish - Deeds and gestures. Goldfish don't need to be told they're loved, they just want you to feed them, clean the tank, maybe fix up the fake plants. This person can be told a million times that they're loved but it doesn't get through to them until they're shown it - a gift, cooking dinner, acts of selflessness/willingness to help. That's also how they show their love to others and may never say overtly how much they care
Canary - Quality time. The canary displays its love through its song and presence, and in return it just wants to be heard and appreciated. This person cares about the amount of time spent together... just hearing that they're loved or having physical touch is not enough. They need to feel like they're doing things together, sit down and have meals together, etc.
March 18, 2013
I have just finished The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective. When I began this book, it reminded me of The Five People You Meet in Heaven in that it's a series of chapters, each about meeting a different person.
An old guy ("Jones") shows up around town, meeting people at pivotal periods and giving them just the advice they need to turn their life around. One of Jones's favorite sayings is "You lack perspective," and he does have a knack of saying the right thing at the right time to people.
Honestly, at first the book struck me as a bit gimmicky. If you've read Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages, that's the gist of the advice he gives one character. Another character seems to get the message from The Secret (although I haven't read that book, I've read reviews of it) that "what you focus on increases."
Other situations in the book seemed copied from positive-thinking-forwarded-emails (at least some I've gotten): a man asked to be buried with a fork because "the best is yet to come" (ie, dessert).
I began trying to identify which book or feel-good concept would show up in each chapter, but thankfully the copy-catting didn't permeate the entire book.
I can't join the book jacket praise that this is "the best book I ever read!", but if you're looking for a positive pick-me-up, try out this one. You will probably gain a little "perspective," to quote Jones.
An old guy ("Jones") shows up around town, meeting people at pivotal periods and giving them just the advice they need to turn their life around. One of Jones's favorite sayings is "You lack perspective," and he does have a knack of saying the right thing at the right time to people.
Honestly, at first the book struck me as a bit gimmicky. If you've read Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages, that's the gist of the advice he gives one character. Another character seems to get the message from The Secret (although I haven't read that book, I've read reviews of it) that "what you focus on increases."
Other situations in the book seemed copied from positive-thinking-forwarded-emails (at least some I've gotten): a man asked to be buried with a fork because "the best is yet to come" (ie, dessert).
I began trying to identify which book or feel-good concept would show up in each chapter, but thankfully the copy-catting didn't permeate the entire book.
I can't join the book jacket praise that this is "the best book I ever read!", but if you're looking for a positive pick-me-up, try out this one. You will probably gain a little "perspective," to quote Jones.
December 17, 2020
I’m probably going against popular opinion since this is apparently a bestseller, but I don’t see how someone going through real problems will benefit from or be somehow inspired by this book.
I guess it’s supposed to be self-help, disguised as fiction, but this book oversimplifies some real-life struggles.
The fiction part was weak. Most (if not all) of the characters were not believable at all. Just some short feel-good stories, that you’ll probably forget as soon as you close the last page.
The self-help part was even weaker. A brief talk with an old wise stranger magically solves decades of depression, suicidal thoughts, years of miscommunication, bankruptcy, homelessness. All you have to do is snap your fingers and just change your “perspective”. Just like that and you walk out a new person.
There are a lot of different well-known concepts and ideas (the 5 love languages, gratitude practice, law of attraction) thrown together, simplified, and presented as ways to get a new perspective, while most of them appear to be at least a bit plagiarised.
Overall, it’s a pop psychology “novel” with slightly religious undertones. It’s an easy read, so if you feel like being preached at, you can waste an hour or two of your life with this one.
I guess it’s supposed to be self-help, disguised as fiction, but this book oversimplifies some real-life struggles.
The fiction part was weak. Most (if not all) of the characters were not believable at all. Just some short feel-good stories, that you’ll probably forget as soon as you close the last page.
The self-help part was even weaker. A brief talk with an old wise stranger magically solves decades of depression, suicidal thoughts, years of miscommunication, bankruptcy, homelessness. All you have to do is snap your fingers and just change your “perspective”. Just like that and you walk out a new person.
There are a lot of different well-known concepts and ideas (the 5 love languages, gratitude practice, law of attraction) thrown together, simplified, and presented as ways to get a new perspective, while most of them appear to be at least a bit plagiarised.
Overall, it’s a pop psychology “novel” with slightly religious undertones. It’s an easy read, so if you feel like being preached at, you can waste an hour or two of your life with this one.
September 25, 2011
„Проницателят” е почти идентична с „Продавач на мечти. Призванието.” Грешка, даже си е същата – стил, идеи - едно към едно. Дойдат ли черните облаци идва и мистериозният мъдрец, който ще ги изтика и ще ти покаже слънцето. Не мога да отрека, че имаше няколко попадения, под формата на добри житейски уроци, включени в страниците на книгата. Действително, тя може да се препрочита отново и отново и затова се възползвах от услугата на молива и си подчертах нещата, които са позитивни, които ми допаднаха и които могат да се приложт в нашето ежедневие. За съжаление, имам и няколко проблема с тази книга – първо: Проницателят – Джоунс, беше някак дразнещ. Лично аз бих му казала поне веднъж, че е напълно изперкал (въпреки, че най-добрите хора и генните, уж са си куку) и затова се чудя как никой не му го каза (и как никой не го фрасна с нещо до края на книгата). От това произлиза и проблем две: героите бяха някак абсурдни. Всъщност и в „Продавач на мечти” бяха такива, но сега, когато минавам за втори път през подобни идеи и стил на писане, това ме впечатли в по-голяма степен. Абсурдността произлиза от факта, че всички герои приемаха проницанията, които им казваше Джоунс за чиста монета – де факто нямаше „проницаване” в истинската му същност. Чудя се кой, уважаващ себе си човек, няма да оспори твърденията на някакъв непознат, няма да се бори срещу теориите му, макар и да изглеждат верни - затова стилът някак си ми куца; всичко е изтипосано в няколко страници – „ами ти си нещастен заради това и това; дааа, заради това съм нещастен; ами, направи това и това, младежо/девойче и слънцето ще изгрее и на твоята улица.” Лесно е да се каже, трудно е да се направи – пък ходи ми разправяй, че книгата ще преобърне животът ти за една вечер.
Работата е там, че съм „за” положителните идеи и книги и т.н., но в този полу-абсурден вариант ги подлагам на лека негативна критика. Анди можеше да не се мъчи да създава герои, а просто да направи сборник с мъдрости. Корицата на книгата си го казва сама – въпрос на гледна точка е дали ще ви допадне или не. За мен най-хубавият момент, като цяло беше в последния лист на книгата.
P.S. Със същия успех „Проницателят” можеше да се казва: „Всички ние сме в калта, но някои от нас гледат към звездите.”
Работата е там, че съм „за” положителните идеи и книги и т.н., но в този полу-абсурден вариант ги подлагам на лека негативна критика. Анди можеше да не се мъчи да създава герои, а просто да направи сборник с мъдрости. Корицата на книгата си го казва сама – въпрос на гледна точка е дали ще ви допадне или не. За мен най-хубавият момент, като цяло беше в последния лист на книгата.
P.S. Със същия успех „Проницателят” можеше да се казва: „Всички ние сме в калта, но някои от нас гледат към звездите.”
November 11, 2020
Simple. Cheesy and predictable, but endearing and encouraging. A good reminder to be kind to others and to oneself.
October 22, 2025
Приятно мотивиращо четиво, от онези книги, които биха ти помогнали, ако се намираш в конкретен момент в живота си и имаш нужда от лека светлинка в тунела. Определено имаше добри попадения като мисли и разсъждения. Книгата се чете бързо и е с много достъпни примери от ежедневието ни. Описаните житейски съдби, докоснати и променени от главния герой Джоунс, са си в стандартен американизиран стил и затова не ги усетих лични и близки. Но все пак има доста моменти, над които можем да се замислим...
Тревогите - 40% са за неща, които изобщо няма да се случат, 30% са за неща в миналото, на които вече не можем да влияем, 12% са за неща, които си въобразяваме за нашето здраве и тяло, 9% са за "Какво мислят другите за нас", и останалите 8% са реално основателни смислени тревоги, Но с повечето от тях човек лесно може да се справи!!
Мъдростта е способност да виждаш бъдещите последици от решенията, които взимаш днес.
Много е важно, дори по време на най-тежки периоди да си даваме ясна сметка, че те са нормална част от живота, който също се състои от приливи и отливи, така че няма за какво чак толкова да се тревожим. В края на краищата, всеки един от нас се намира или в криза, или излиза от криза, или се е отправил към поредната криза в живота си.
Тревогите - 40% са за неща, които изобщо няма да се случат, 30% са за неща в миналото, на които вече не можем да влияем, 12% са за неща, които си въобразяваме за нашето здраве и тяло, 9% са за "Какво мислят другите за нас", и останалите 8% са реално основателни смислени тревоги, Но с повечето от тях човек лесно може да се справи!!
Мъдростта е способност да виждаш бъдещите последици от решенията, които взимаш днес.
Много е важно, дори по време на най-тежки периоди да си даваме ясна сметка, че те са нормална част от живота, който също се състои от приливи и отливи, така че няма за какво чак толкова да се тревожим. В края на краищата, всеки един от нас се намира или в криза, или излиза от криза, или се е отправил към поредната криза в живота си.
February 7, 2024
Overall I enjoyed the book. It follows an old man who enters people's lives and offers a different perspective on the situation that they're going through.
I feel like the way that he just inserts himself into people's lives is a little awkward and unrealistic. A lot of these people were just picking this old man up from the side of the road that they didn't know and giving him a ride.
Couldn't be me I'm not trying to end up on the news!
I'm not sure that I would ever read this book again, but it was definitely a good reminder that a shift in your perspective on situations can make all the difference.
I feel like the way that he just inserts himself into people's lives is a little awkward and unrealistic. A lot of these people were just picking this old man up from the side of the road that they didn't know and giving him a ride.
Couldn't be me I'm not trying to end up on the news!
I'm not sure that I would ever read this book again, but it was definitely a good reminder that a shift in your perspective on situations can make all the difference.
August 17, 2021
Хареса ми, беше приятна. На моменти имаше доста клишета и очаквани развития на събитията, но пък някои истории могат да те накарат да се замислиш и да промениш нагласите си. Особено ако периодът от живота ти е такъв.
November 7, 2011
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
BOOK REVIEW BY JO RAE JOHNSON
From a distance you may think that Jones is a homeless man, alone with no family, and only a small suitcase of belongings. Move closer and Jones would tell you he’s a man with a wealth of places to stay, friends who love him like family, and possessions meant to be shared. Jones would say you might need to change your perspective.
Andy Andrews introduces us to Jones in his latest book, The Noticer. Andy is living under a pier and has no job, vehicle or family. Surprisingly, Jones doesn’t offer Andy quick solutions to his circumstances. He helps him find something far more valuable—hope. Andy’s first assignment is an unusual one, read three biographies. Jones explains to Andy, “Other people’s experience is the best teacher. By reading about the lives of great people, you can unlock the secrets to what made them great.”
Andy is the first of many people Jones will touch. A couple filing for divorce is taught the dialects of love. A depressed, divorced man learns “that a person could lose everything, chasing nothing.” A group of teenagers are taught to read life “leaves” to gain the vision necessary to pick a life partner. Jones meets a plethora of people at every age and circumstance in need of a change of attitude.
Willow, an older, widowed woman who believes her life is over will learn through Jones “the most important part of your life has not yet been lived.” A young, entrepreneur who sees dollar signs in lieu of people is instructed, “Life is like a game of Monopoly. You may own hotels on Boardwalk or you may be renting on Baltic Avenue. But in the end, it all goes back in the box.”
Have you ever met someone like Jones? Are you a Jones to others? This book opens the door to such questions and many others. How important are the circumstances in your life or is your perspective your greatest obstacle?
I once saw a toddler discover his hand. He moved his palm close to his face, eyes wide, and mouth open, intent on his flexing fingers. As I watched him, I felt envious of his ability to find delight in something I rarely notice. This book reminded me of that child and encourages me to look for new perspectives on everyday situations.
Remember the song, “Be careful little eyes what you see?” Today, with the doom and gloom of the news media, I find myself needing vision correction in order to keep a positive focus. While reading this book, I realized Jones had a message for me too. “Whatever you focus upon, increases.” I’m putting on my rose colored glasses; it’s going to be a beautiful day and good things are coming my way!
BOOK REVIEW BY JO RAE JOHNSON
From a distance you may think that Jones is a homeless man, alone with no family, and only a small suitcase of belongings. Move closer and Jones would tell you he’s a man with a wealth of places to stay, friends who love him like family, and possessions meant to be shared. Jones would say you might need to change your perspective.
Andy Andrews introduces us to Jones in his latest book, The Noticer. Andy is living under a pier and has no job, vehicle or family. Surprisingly, Jones doesn’t offer Andy quick solutions to his circumstances. He helps him find something far more valuable—hope. Andy’s first assignment is an unusual one, read three biographies. Jones explains to Andy, “Other people’s experience is the best teacher. By reading about the lives of great people, you can unlock the secrets to what made them great.”
Andy is the first of many people Jones will touch. A couple filing for divorce is taught the dialects of love. A depressed, divorced man learns “that a person could lose everything, chasing nothing.” A group of teenagers are taught to read life “leaves” to gain the vision necessary to pick a life partner. Jones meets a plethora of people at every age and circumstance in need of a change of attitude.
Willow, an older, widowed woman who believes her life is over will learn through Jones “the most important part of your life has not yet been lived.” A young, entrepreneur who sees dollar signs in lieu of people is instructed, “Life is like a game of Monopoly. You may own hotels on Boardwalk or you may be renting on Baltic Avenue. But in the end, it all goes back in the box.”
Have you ever met someone like Jones? Are you a Jones to others? This book opens the door to such questions and many others. How important are the circumstances in your life or is your perspective your greatest obstacle?
I once saw a toddler discover his hand. He moved his palm close to his face, eyes wide, and mouth open, intent on his flexing fingers. As I watched him, I felt envious of his ability to find delight in something I rarely notice. This book reminded me of that child and encourages me to look for new perspectives on everyday situations.
Remember the song, “Be careful little eyes what you see?” Today, with the doom and gloom of the news media, I find myself needing vision correction in order to keep a positive focus. While reading this book, I realized Jones had a message for me too. “Whatever you focus upon, increases.” I’m putting on my rose colored glasses; it’s going to be a beautiful day and good things are coming my way!
January 1, 2025
Изключително лека книга, чете се супер бързо и всички може да намери по някоя друга различна гледна точка.
February 13, 2024
THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS. IT IS JUST A SMALL, short read but so beautiful. I’m a sucker for the stories in life coming together.
August 15, 2022
A simple read but one of the best books on perspective I’ve read. One I will have to read again throughout my life.
Read
July 15, 2018"Човек може да направи всичко, което поиска. Може да постигне всичко, което пожелае. Нещата не опират до пари. Нито пък до липса на време. Когато трябва да постигнеш нещо велико в този живот, обикновено онова, което ти липсва, е идея. Времето и парите, приятелю, също са въпрос на гледна точка."
"Много от съкровищата на живота остават скрити за нас просто, защото ние самите никога не ги търсим. Често не задаваме правилните въпроси, които биха могли да ни отведат към решението на всички наши проблеми. Толкова сме оплетени в страхове и различни неща, за които съжаляваме, че всяка надежда ни се вижда като глупав авантюризъм."
"Възстановявайте живота със сърце, изпълнено с благодарност. Може да сте изгубили къщата си, но не сте изгубили дома си. Помнете, че още дишате."
"Какви са първите ти мисли през първите десет минути, след като се събудиш сутрин?
Уокър сви рамене:
— Ами нали се сещаш... какво имам да правя, на кого трябва да се обадя, с какво трябва да се захвана най-на-пред... Такива работи.
— Тоест мислиш за най-наложителните и трудни дела за предстоящия ден?
— Да, точно така.
— Добре — продължи Джоунс. — Не казвам, че не трябва да мислиш за нещата, които трябва да правиш, но ти препоръчвам към тях да включиш и някои по-различни мисли. Сложи до леглото си бележник и химикалка и в момента, в който се събудиш, ги вземи и ги дръж в ръка първите десетина-петнайсет минути от деня си. В бележника искам да съставиш списък на всичко, за което си благодарен в този живот. Записвай имена, предмети, чувства... всичко. Не забравяй да добавиш в списъка чистите чаршафи, на които спиш, и покрива над главата си — знаеш, че милиони хора са прекарали нощта кой знае къде под открито небе. Когато си хапваш закуската или я пропускаш нарочно, спомни си, че милиони хора нямат нищо за ядене. Когато записваш нещата, за които си благодарен, млади човече, тогава използвай щедро въображението си. Нека не ти бъде неудобно да записваш все едни и същи неща всяка сутрин. Задължително трябва да ги записваш. Ако само си мислиш за тях, магията няма да подейства. — Джоунс се усмихна широко. — Но ти това го знаеш. Все пак водиш битка не срещу нещо друго, а срещу въображението си!"
Това е книгата, която препоръчвам на всеки! Пълна с истории, които можеш да запомниш и да извлечеш поука от тях за собствения си живот. Във всяка глава участват нови герои, които с историите си те карат да се запиташ как би постъпил ти, ако беше на тяхното място и дали би погледнал на ситуацията "от друга гледна точка". В началото като видях, че е кн��га за самоусъвършенстване и донякъде очаквах да не ми хареса, тъй като в другите, които съм чела, съветите са дадени като твърдения, които според мен въобще не могат да ти помогнат в реалния живот. Тук е различно - съветите, които се опитва да ни даде Джоунс всъщност са поднесени със ситуации, които доста по-силно влияят и ни карат да се замислим, а и нямаш търпение да прочетеш следващата глава или поне при мен беше така.
В образа на Проницателя аз виждам един колега от университета и знам, че ще прочете това, затова ще му дам съвет да прочете и "Проницателят се завръща" и да продължава да ни поднася съветите си, подобно на Джоунс - не напълно ясни, за да можем сами да вземем точното решение! :)
"Много от съкровищата на живота остават скрити за нас просто, защото ние самите никога не ги търсим. Често не задаваме правилните въпроси, които биха могли да ни отведат към решението на всички наши проблеми. Толкова сме оплетени в страхове и различни неща, за които съжаляваме, че всяка надежда ни се вижда като глупав авантюризъм."
"Възстановявайте живота със сърце, изпълнено с благодарност. Може да сте изгубили къщата си, но не сте изгубили дома си. Помнете, че още дишате."
"Какви са първите ти мисли през първите десет минути, след като се събудиш сутрин?
Уокър сви рамене:
— Ами нали се сещаш... какво имам да правя, на кого трябва да се обадя, с какво трябва да се захвана най-на-пред... Такива работи.
— Тоест мислиш за най-наложителните и трудни дела за предстоящия ден?
— Да, точно така.
— Добре — продължи Джоунс. — Не казвам, че не трябва да мислиш за нещата, които трябва да правиш, но ти препоръчвам към тях да включиш и някои по-различни мисли. Сложи до леглото си бележник и химикалка и в момента, в който се събудиш, ги вземи и ги дръж в ръка първите десетина-петнайсет минути от деня си. В бележника искам да съставиш списък на всичко, за което си благодарен в този живот. Записвай имена, предмети, чувства... всичко. Не забравяй да добавиш в списъка чистите чаршафи, на които спиш, и покрива над главата си — знаеш, че милиони хора са прекарали нощта кой знае къде под открито небе. Когато си хапваш закуската или я пропускаш нарочно, спомни си, че милиони хора нямат нищо за ядене. Когато записваш нещата, за които си благодарен, млади човече, тогава използвай щедро въображението си. Нека не ти бъде неудобно да записваш все едни и същи неща всяка сутрин. Задължително трябва да ги записваш. Ако само си мислиш за тях, магията няма да подейства. — Джоунс се усмихна широко. — Но ти това го знаеш. Все пак водиш битка не срещу нещо друго, а срещу въображението си!"
Това е книгата, която препоръчвам на всеки! Пълна с истории, които можеш да запомниш и да извлечеш поука от тях за собствения си живот. Във всяка глава участват нови герои, които с историите си те карат да се запиташ как би постъпил ти, ако беше на тяхното място и дали би погледнал на ситуацията "от друга гледна точка". В началото като видях, че е кн��га за самоусъвършенстване и донякъде очаквах да не ми хареса, тъй като в другите, които съм чела, съветите са дадени като твърдения, които според мен въобще не могат да ти помогнат в реалния живот. Тук е различно - съветите, които се опитва да ни даде Джоунс всъщност са поднесени със ситуации, които доста по-силно влияят и ни карат да се замислим, а и нямаш търпение да прочетеш следващата глава или поне при мен беше така.
В образа на Проницателя аз виждам един колега от университета и знам, че ще прочете това, затова ще му дам съвет да прочете и "Проницателят се завръща" и да продължава да ни поднася съветите си, подобно на Джоунс - не напълно ясни, за да можем сами да вземем точното решение! :)
February 15, 2025
i liked this book a lot more than i thought i would
May 5, 2024
waste of my time
February 9, 2024
I'm struggling with how to describe this modern parable. It's inspirational, motivational, heart-warming, life-changing, all wrapped up in a simple summary sentence of "you just need a little perspective." I highly recommend this book, especially the audiobook version.
January 23, 2016
Mix some Mitch Albom, the Five Love Languages, and a touch of the Peaceful Warrior and you'll have The Noticer. A cute little book that is a nice easy read about getting life in perspective. There are some real gems is this book. Nothing earth shattering, just those little nuggets, that if you are smart to take and hold for a while, just might turn your world into a goldmine. My take home 'nugget' that felt like a bit of the 'Jonesing' I needed myself was this one ....
"Five seagulls are sitting on a dock. One of them decides to fly away. How many seagulls are left?"
'Well ... four."
"No," Jones responded. "There are still five. Deciding to fly away and ACTUALLY flying away are two very different things."
"Listen carefully to me. Despite popular belief to the contrary, there is absolutely no power in intention. The seagull may intend to fly away, may decide to do so, may talk with the other seagulls about how wonderful it is to fly, but until the seagull flaps his wings and takes to the air, he is still on the dock. There's no difference between that gull and all the others."
This will haunt me until I take flight. I hope if this book finds you, you'll find what you need to notice too!!!
"Five seagulls are sitting on a dock. One of them decides to fly away. How many seagulls are left?"
'Well ... four."
"No," Jones responded. "There are still five. Deciding to fly away and ACTUALLY flying away are two very different things."
"Listen carefully to me. Despite popular belief to the contrary, there is absolutely no power in intention. The seagull may intend to fly away, may decide to do so, may talk with the other seagulls about how wonderful it is to fly, but until the seagull flaps his wings and takes to the air, he is still on the dock. There's no difference between that gull and all the others."
This will haunt me until I take flight. I hope if this book finds you, you'll find what you need to notice too!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,397 reviews