‘The Final Summit: The Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity’ by Andy Andrews – Book Review

One of the most talented writers of our day is Andrew Andrews. I recently finished reading his latest release, ‘The Final Summit: The Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity.’

Here is the synopsis of this profound and insightful novel:

David Ponder is back – and this time, the fate of mankind may be in his hands. This is humanity’s last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent mankind hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship – and that answer is only two words.

With time running out, it is up to David Ponder and a cast of history’s best and brightest minds (from Winston Churchill and George Washington Carver to Joan of Arc) to uncover this solution before it’s too late. The catch? There are allowed only five tries to solve the ominous challenge.

Readers first encountered David Ponder in the New York Times bestseller The Traveler’s Gift. Now, in The Final Summit, Andrews combines a riveting narrative with astounding history in order to show us the one thing we must do when we don’t know what to do.

Here is the biography of the author:

Hailed by a New York Times reporter as “someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America,” Andy Andrews is a best-selling novelist and in-demand speaker for the world’s largest organizations. Zig Ziglar says, “Andy Andrews is the best speaker I have ever seen.” He has spoken at the request of four different United State presidents and at military bases worldwide, being called upon by the Department of Defense to speak about the principles contained in his books. Andy appears frequently on CNN, Fox News, and ABC’s Good Morning America. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Noticer and The Traveler’s Gift. Arguably, there is no single person on the planet better at weaving subtle yet life-changing lessons into riveting tales of adventure and intrigue – both on paper and onstage. He lives in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his wife, Polly, and their two sons.

I was awed by this ringing endorsement:

Every generation or so, God produces a person who can communicate like no one else. His words are like cool water to a thirsty civilization. Andy Andrews is one of the best I have ever seen.

--- Zig Ziglar, America’s #1 Motivator and Best-Selling author

Here is the book trailer for this interesting book:

And here is the story behind ‘The Final Summit’ – including some entertaining older footage of the author!:

The book recaps David Ponder’s first encounter as a Traveler, as shared in ‘The Traveler’s Gift:’

He knew that his time travel had been real. It was not a dream or hallucination as a result of coma from the automobile accident. The Seven Decisions he had gathered from the lives of the other Travelers had changed everything. Not just for David and Ellen, but for hundreds of thousands of others with whom he had gone to share the decisions. (p. 10)

A primary character in this novel is the Archangel Gabriel. Here is David’s 

description of this amazing creature:

In contrast to his own changes that Gabriel had mentioned, David saw that the archangel’s physical appearance was exactly as he’d remembered. He was well over six feet tall and muscular, with clear blue eyes and relatively short, curly blond hair that brushed his ears and eyebrows. (p. 29)   

David met many of the most remarkable people that have ever lived during this Final Summit. I have admired many of them for a very long time. It would hard for me to pick my favorite, but I really admire Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, and Anne Frank.

One of the solutions they decided upon that was impactful to me was ‘restore hope.’ Our church is involved in an outreach campaign knows by its acronym, EACH – Everyone A Chance to Hear. Hope is an important word for me with regard to that campaign. So I really appreciated Joan of Arc’s explanation why this is the correct solution:

“Don’t you see? If the most important part of your life is in the future, then it doesn’t matter how old you are or how sick you are. It doesn’t matter how fearful or depressed you might feel or how penniless you might be. By the virtue of the fact that you still draw breath, there is more to come. There is more laughter and learning…more victories. There is more. This is proof of hope, monsieur.” (p. 87)

I enjoyed the story, but I do have an issue with this book. My main bone of contention – and it is a big one – is that this book is published by Thomas Nelson, a Christian publisher. I am not sure if Andy Andrews professes to be a Christian, but it would seem that books published by a Christian publisher should point its readers to the real solution to our world’s problems – Jesus Christ. This is a self-help book; that is even how it’s categorized on the back cover. I just think Mr. Andrews, if he indeed is a Christ follower, lost a great opportunity to point his readers to the real solution – Jesus. From my reading of that book, Jesus is only mentioned once in this book, and not even by name. Abraham Lincoln shared this tidbit with Winston Churchill when they admired the table that they sat around:

“It was handmade,” Lincoln said with a twinkle in his eye. “Of course, you know the Boss’s Son is a carpenter.” (p. 166)

Perhaps I am being overly picky, but I really think Mr. Andrews missed a golden opportunity to give Jesus the glory He deserves when it comes to Him being the Salvation of the world. Don’t get me wrong – I was really inspired by and motivated by the process that the Travelers went through to get to their answer, and I don’t disagree with any of them. I think it just falls short in its answer. I do think it’s a worthwhile read, but one needs to read it with a discerning spirit and a discriminating eye. The Bible makes it clear that humanity will not save itself. That does not mean that we can’t live better lives by living out the principles in this book

I’ve had the opportunity to read two of Andy’s previous books – ‘The Boy Who Changed the World’ (you can read my review here) and ‘The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters’ (you can read my review here). The first book is geared to children, and is based on the principle elaborated upon in the second book, which is a lovely gift book.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Thomas Nelson and provided by them for review purposes.

‘The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters’ by Andy Andrews – Book Review

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think a lot about how all of my actions affect other people (I do more so than I used to, but still not often enough). In his wonderfully inspirational and lovely book, ‘The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters,’ Andy Andrews shares with us a scientific theory by that same name that emphasizes the fact that what we do affects and matters to other people.  
     
Here is Andy talking about the Butterfly Effect:

And here is the book trailer (with some powerful images and music):

Here is the biography for the author, Andy Andrews:

Hailed by a New York Times reporter as “someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America,” Andy Andrews is a best-selling novelist and in-demand corporate speaker for the world’s largest organizations. He has spoken at the request of four United States presidents and at military bases worldwide. Andy is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Noticer and The Traveler’s Gift, as well as The Lost Choice and The Heart Mender, and the children’s book based on The Butterfly Effect entitled The Boy Who Changed the World. He lives in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his wife, Polly, and their two sons.

In the Author’s Note, Andy explains what he learned from an old man named Jones (whose wisdom he shared in his book, ‘The Noticer’):

“When you know that everything matters – that every move counts as much as any other – you will begin living a life of permanent purpose. A life of permanent purpose will make you a better parent, a better spouse and a more valuable friend. Your productivity and financial success will soar to new heights when the old days of uncertainty, doubt, and depression fade into the past.”

          Of course, that conversation with Jones changed me. But even more, it became the guiding force that produced the kind of speaker and author I have become. You see, I understand fully that my very value as an author and speaker must ultimately be judged by the success you achieve. And as I consult with companies or speak to organizations and teams, I am keenly aware that much of my client’s (your) ability to succeed beyond imagination depends upon my ability to prove this very concept!...

          In these pages, I know you will find hope and direction for yourself, but I am most excited that you will now be equipped to lead others to their own life of permanent purpose! My hope for our families, our places of worship, our businesses, our nation and our world is an incredible life of permanent purpose that can be achieved when at last we understand: Every move we make and every action we take, matters not just for us, but for all of us…and for all time. (p. 3)

Andy tells his readers about the origin of the Butterfly Effect:

In 1963, Edward Lorenz presented a hypothesis to the New York Academy of Science. His theory, stated simply, was that:

A butterfly could flaps its wings and set molecules of air in motion, which would move other molecules of air – eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet.

Lorenz and his ideas were literally laughed out of the conference. What he had proposed was ridiculous. It was preposterous. But it was fascinating! Therefore, because of the idea’s charm and intrigue, the so-called “butterfly effect” became a staple of science fiction, remaining for decades a combination of myth and legend spread only by comic books or bad movies. (pp. 6-7)

What a neat concept!

Andy’s premise in this book is that the actions of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a colonel in the Union Army, on July 2, 1863, affect the world to this day. The men of his 20^th Maine division won a decisive battle in the Civil War that kept the United States intact:

Historians have determined that had Chamberlain not charged that day, the rebels would have won at Gettysburg.

Further, historians tell us, had the rebels won at Gettysburg, the South would have won the war…and the war itself would have been over by the end of the summer.

Most people assume that had the South won the war, today we would exist as two countries, the Union and the Confederacy. (pp. 46-48)

Further down the road of history, there would not have been the big, strong, wealthy, populous United States that defeated Hitler in Germany in World War II and Hirohito in Japan in the same war.

Andy also explains that the life of George Washington Carver affected the life of future Vice President Henry Wallace, whose life affected the life of young Norman Borlaug. Borlaug went on to win the Nobel Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for hybridizing high yield, disease resistant corn and wheat for arid climates, which is calculated to have saved two billion lives from famine.

Andy goes on to tells his readers of the uniqueness of each one of us:

          You have been created as one of a kind.

On the planet Earth, there has never been one like you… and there never will be again.

Your spirit, your thoughts and feelings, your ability to reason and act all exist in no one else.

The rarities that make you special are no mere accident or quirk of fate.

You have been created in order that you might make a difference.

You have within you the power to change the world. (pp. 104-105)

The very beating of your heart has meaning and purpose.

Your actions have value far greater than silver or gold.

Your life… And what you do with it today… MATTERS FOREVER. (pp. 108-109)

This is Andy’s second book releasing today; the other book is ‘The Boy Who Changed the World,’ which is the children’s book explaining this same concept (you can read my review here). This book is just as beautiful as the children’s book (which is beautifully illustrated by Philip Hurst). I would recommend this lovely gift book to all ages, and for all occasions. I will be keeping it on my nightstand to look at with regularity.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and provided by Book Sneeze, its blogger review program, for review purposes.

‘The Boy Who Changed the World’ by Andy Andrews; Illustrations by Philip Hurst – Book Review

My husband, Fred, is a shepherd in the children’s ministry at our church; he shepherds first graders. He often finds that Christian messages are reinforced in his life as well as in the life of the children. I had a similar experience while reading the first children’s book from Andy Andrews, ‘The Boy Who Changed the World.’

Here is the synopsis of this lovely book:

The Boy Who Changed the World teaches children how their actions can set off a spark that, in turn, influences the lives of others. As Andrews explains, “Every choice you make, good or bad, can make a difference.”

Who would dream that a boy playing in Iowa cornfields would save the lives of more than two billion people? This is the incredible story of Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, a simple boy with a desire to feed the hungry – but Borlaug couldn’t have accomplished this without the help of Vice President Henry Wallace, who was influenced by inventor George Washington Carver, who in turn was rescued by farmer Moses Carver.

This delightful children’s book tells the stories of how each life is interwoven by decisions – both big and small – of others. The decisions you make today truly can change the world. As George Washington Carver told young Henry Wallace, “Remember…God made you to make a difference. And I believe you will.”

Based on Andrews’ popular book, The Butterfly Effect, his beautifully illustrated children’s story culminates with a flourish of butterflies and a charge to children that they, too, can change the world.

Here is the biography for the author, Andy Andrews:

Hailed by a New York Times reporter as “someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America,” Andy Andrews is a best-selling novelist and in-demand corporate speaker for the world’s largest organizations. He has spoken at the request of four United States presidents and at military bases worldwide. Andy is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Noticer and The Traveler’s Gift, as well as The Lost Choice and The Heart Mender. He lives in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his wife, Polly, and their two sons.

And here is the biography of the illustrator, Philip Hurst:

After obtaining a degree in illustration from Kingston University, Philip Hurst has worked for clients such as Faber and Faber, Reed Publishing, Egmont, and Dalmatian Press. He and his wife and three boys live on the Romney Marsh in Kent, England.

Here is the book trailer with Andy Andrews describing his book; this trailer includes some of the beautiful illustrations from Philip Hurst:

I love how Andy shares this story; he is a master storyteller, after all!:

I want to tell you about the boy who changed the world. His name was Henry Wallace. Henry’s father was a professor, and one of his students was a young man named George.

Henry loved to go with George on expeditions in the countryside. George knew more about plants than anyone Henry had ever known.

And here is the story of the man who would one day raise one of the best botanists the world has ever seen, George Washington Carver:

I want to tell you a story about the boy who changed the world. His name was Moses Carver. He lived on a farm with his mom and dad way up North.

Moses pulled nails out of some old barn wood while his pet rooster Buzz watched.

“Moses!” his mother called as she walked toward him in the field. “What are you doing?”

“Well, I figured if I got these nails out of this wood, we could reuse it for something like patching the chicken coop or building a shed.”

“Thank you, Moses. That’s a wonderful idea. I’m sure Buzz will appreciate it come winter,” she said with a smile.

“He hasn’t helped with a single nail!” Moses chuckled.

“You know, dear, every choice you make, good or bad, can make a difference. I’m proud of you for making a good choice today.”

And here is the culmination:

It’s odd, isn’t it? Every time something happens, something else happens. That’s called the Butterfly Effect.

When a butterfly flaps its wings, it moves tiny pieces of air… that move other pieces…that move other pieces of air. In fact, on the other side of the world, they might be feeling a big whoosh of wind – all because a butterfly flapped its wings here just a moment ago.

That means every little thing YOU do matters: what you did yesterday, what you do today, and what you do tomorrow. God made your life so important that every move you make, every action you take, matters… and not only for you or the people around you. Everything you do matter for everyone and for all time!

When you think about it like that…WOW!

That means YOU can be the kid who changes the world!

This is a very inspiring story, with absolutely beautiful illustrations! I plan to pass this book along to the children’s ministry at our church. I highly recommend it to any parent who wants to teach some wonderful life lessons to their children.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Tommy Nelson, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishers, and provided by Book Sneeze, its blogger review program, for review purposes.