The Traveler’s Gift

The Traveler’s Gift
By Andy Andrews

This book was a gift from the Bama. She had mentioned that it was one of Carrie’s favorite books of late, so I put it on my birthday book list. Thank-you Bama, and thank-you Carrie for the inspiration to read it. The book is an enjoyable quick read, mainly because it does an entertaining job of conveying seven virtues for success that man should subscribe to. The physical book I read actually has a coincidental story to it. It was actually a traveling book, as I read it on a flight from Dayton to Denver. I left it behind me first at the ticket counter, then on the plane in Detroit, then in the restaurant in Detroit. It now lay on the coffee table here in my bachelors’ apartment in Denver. The book was as adventuresome as the story.

As there are many “step” books to particular goals, this book took an interesting twist off of the old Scrooge story in a Christmas Carol. Instead of three ghosts there were seven famous people from the past as teachers of the seven lessons for success. Being that the famous people were world leaders, with one exception, the lessons takes a fable style tone and applies significance not only to man the individual, but man the society. Hence one could consider Andy Andrews a reincarnation of Aesop.

Like Christmas Carol’s final chapter, the time traveler David Ponder in this book, similar to Scrooges dreams, finds himself in the future; a future where the results of his goals and aspirations are realized; with a vision that motivates him towards success. The book contains three elements for its own success. First are seven lessons, worth being reminded of. Second the pages are strewn with catch phrases worth committing to ones oratory library. Third you catch a bit of historic trivia that helps bring life to the catalogue of facts forced upon ones academic life. All three hit a Home Run with me as I turned the last page and closed the covers, coincidently at the same time the wheels touched down in Denver.

I invite you to read the book, internalize the lessons as prescribed and for fun go back and find your favorite metaphor. If one has read my previous reviews and remembers, I set a goal this year to discover through reading where man lost his sense of self responsibility. History taught me that there has been an evolution perpetuated by the philosophers of the 1800’s and their influence crept into our schools before finally they faded into oblivion. History and literature has also taught me this year that through tragedy man does triumph over societies drawn into dependency. In tragedy as portrayed in this book, you discover the lessons of self reliance. I have a sister who has mastered this world on her own in silence; in more ways than one. She now teaches youngsters how to do the same. Once you appreciate this fact with the aid of this book, you can then help mankind. Share it with those you love. Thank you Carrie for your recommendation, thank-you mom for the Travelers Gift.


If I associate with chickens; I will learn to scratch at the ground and squabble over crumbs. If I associate with eagles, I will learn to soar to great heights.