Book Review: The Boy Who Changed The World

"The Boy Who Changed The World" is a follow-up review to "The Butterfly Effect." Both books are authored by Andy Andrews. The former is a children's book version of the latter.

I am no children's book expert but I do know beautiful artwork when I see one. Credit goes to Philip Hurst's magical hands and extraordinary vision. The illustrations are breathtaking and just looking at them made me decide that I will use this book for my coffee table.

If you are a parent, I highly recommend that you grab a copy of "The Butterfly Effect" and get "The Boy Who Changed the World" for your child. Allow these books to remind your family of the profound truth that every little thing you do matters. The acceptance of God's decision to create you for a reason is important as you would want this lesson to be taught to your child.

One of the most powerful gifts a parent can give to a child is to let them know that they have the power to change the world and transform other people's lives. I challenge everyone to get a hold of this book and spend time with a child close to your heart. You will tear up as you read Andy Andrews' beautiful words.

Book Review: The Butterfly Effect

I had the pleasure of reviewing another book by Andy Andrews called "The Butterfly Effect." I am grateful for Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program -- bloggers like myself get opportunities to get nourished by today's brilliant Christian authors and thought leaders.

My husband and I are active in ministry. I frequently engage with people (mostly women my age) who feel like their life has little impact on anyone or anything.

The book is terrific for both big readers like myself and for those who barely have little time to sit down. It can be read in fifteen minutes.

The short reading time does not mean the impact of the content is compromised. The book talks about the following questions.

How significant is my life?

Do I make a difference?

When I move ...

When I act ...

When I do something ...

... does the universe notice?

Do I really matter?

Let me tell you about amazing people whose actions made an impact on my life today. They have probably wrestled with the questions above and hope that the following statements give a clear answer.

1) In sixth grade, I had an English teacher who made me write essays all the time. I had a couple of ones that were read in front of the class.
2) From the time I was ten years old until I was twelve, I was part of a church choir. Our music teacher rehearsed us after school every day and asked us to sing in church every Sunday.
3) My mother taught me how to read at 3 years old. I clearly remember the little chalkboard we had in our home and being coached on how to properly pronounce each letter.
4) In my junior year in high school, I had a teacher who personally coached me on grammar and linguistics and stayed in touch with me even after the school year. We are still connected to this day.
5) When I was a freshman in college, I had a close girlfriend who loved Jesus. At that time, I loved her but I couldn't imagine living the "clean" life that she had. She expressed how brokenhearted she was when she saw me light a cigarette. But she never ceased to pray for me and was there for me on days I hit rock bottom. It's almost crazy to think I how I have evolved since that time.

"The Butterfly Effect" shares specific stories on how seemingly tiny gestures of kindness dramatically affects someone's life and perhaps, even the entire universe. All of us does something that matters. We all have been created by our Father for a purpose that will make a difference. We all have a God-given power to change the world.  If you need a heartfelt reminder of this fact, I strongly recommend that you spare 15 minutes of your time today and read this book.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

"The Noticer" written by Andy Andrews is really a tough one for me to review. To those who have been following this blog, I am part of the Bloggers' Review Program of Thomas Nelson Publishers.

A reader's reaction to the book will generally be categorized into two: it is either you really love it or you really didn't care much for it.

Those who end up loving it are those who find it refreshing to read a light, inspirational Christian fiction after a series of heavy reading.

Those who end up not liking it probably has read something similar in the recent times and might find the story a little bit cliched and probably very reminiscent of Tuesdays With Morrie.

I consider myself more of the latter. However, I have a deep appreciation on the heart behind the book.

"Sometimes, All A Person Needs Is A Little Perspective" -- a reminder that we all need often. I know I do. The main character -- Jones -- is used as the messenger of wisdom-filled statements that catapult another character into a life-changing discovery. He challenges us to start noticing the little things we usually miss. These things usually do a lot in changing our approach to situations and problems.

Did I enjoy the book? I cannot say I did. I found a lot of the statements recycled. Example is an attempt to re-tell Dr. Gary Chapman's "The Five Love Languages."

Is it a nice, light, easy read? Absolutely. I guess I was just not looking for one at this time.

If there is one statement from the book I must share with all of you it is this wonderful definition of WISDOM:

”The ability to see, into the future, the consequences of your choices in the present.”

One thing I am about to check out and probably participate in:
“The Noticer Project: A Movement to “Notice” the Five Most Important People in Your Life.”

Anything that will encourage me to show love and appreciation to people is something I am always up for!