The Noticer by Andy Andrews is a blend of fiction and personal growth. Jones is ‘The Noticer’ and he basically goes around town helping people gain perspective. Sometimes he does this by reminding people that they are still breathing and should be living. Other time he does this by pointing out that we don’t have forever and rearranging priorities may be important.

I have read enough “personal growth” books to feel bored with the typical style. Andrews’ ability to weave a story into basic wisdom is impressive. Many will be familiar with the advice given, but its new format will open your ears up one more time.

The Noticer proved to be a great relationship book, too. Jones is able to help a couple gain insight into a marital problem that was, in reality, small but felt huge enough to call it quits. He also offers an interesting perspective on asking for forgiveness and what it means to ‘repent’, or turn from your old ways. Forgiveness is such a huge part of repairing a marriage that I believe this book’s ability to bring a fresh and practical understanding of the topic alone makes the book worth a look.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and it’s ability to dress old wisdom in a new way.

Andy Stanley’s book The Principle of the Path:  How to get from where you are to where you want to be gives a wonderfully simple explanation for why you are where you are.  Many of us have dreams that have not become reality yet.  We wonder why our goals haven’t been achieved, why our marriages are in shambles.  In this book Stanley simply asks, “What path are you on right now?”  This question is the core of the Stanley’s Principle of the Path because the path you choose to follow will lead you to a destination, whether you like it or not. 

The beauty of this book is that it has the power to speak to any situation in your life, including your marriage.  Stanley is able to draw on the abundant wisdom of Proverbs without ever seeming preachy or theologically complicated.  Though not a “how to” book by any means, in Chapter 4 he talks about a prayer that he and his family use to make important decisions that I believe would be beneficial for any family to use.

This book is not technically a marital resource, but I would encourage any couple thinking about marriage to read it. Remembering that your marriage is path with a destination will help you better evaluate if this person is the best choirce for getting where you’d like to be.