The Traveler's Gift (Hardcover) Reviews

I was given the Travelers Gift for a gift in 2005. I read it the first time in about 2 hours. I couldn't put it down. I must have read it about 8 times through the following 14 months. Every time I was hit with a difficult situation that I thought I couldn't handle, I would read the book from beginning to end. There was always something that I had missed before or had forgotten that helped me open my eyes. It wasn't that the book would give me the answer, but it would put things into perspective so that I could see the answer.

In November 2006, my boyfriends daughter was killed in a car accident. In October,our house was broken into and robbed..while we slept. In December, three weeks before Christmas, I was fired without provacation.

Then on January 9th, 2007, my 17 year old son committed suicide. He jumped off an overpass on the freeway. He initially survived the fall and didn't have any broken bones and for a time, we thought he would make it. But then 12 hours later, he died. The big question "why me?" seemed to haunt me. All the doubts, fears and anger that David Ponder had felt, I was now feeling ...in full force. I felt like my entire life was literally ending and I wanted to die. Initially the only reason I didn't was because of my other three children and my boyfriend. I love them very much and I couldn't do that to them. But I wanted to die. In the past, I would just go read the book and keep reading it till I could see the answer. But I was afraid of the answer. I was afraid there was no answer. So I didn't read it for about 9 months. I kept it right next to my living room TV where I couldn't help but see it, but held off reading it. Then one day, I just made myself do it. It was then that I realized, I am not meant to know the reasons why for everything. We are like 2 year old children in Gods eyes. He could try to explain things to us, but we lack the ability to comprehend.

Looking back over the last 14 months, I have now seen how my life has changed as a direct result of my son's dying. I had been angry with him because he cut his life short and he had so much to offer. Then I realized that my NOT fulfilling my potential was just as bad, if not worse. I had a responsibility to do everything in my power that I had a talent for.

Last October, I started taking voice lessons. I started my own business and I am now employed full time on a great team. I now have a closer relationship with my other children and we do more things together. I worry less about money and how much I have or don't have. I focus on the things that will last.

The book gave me the tools that I needed to survive the darkest hour of my life. I have recommend it to everyone I know. When I gave the eulogy at my son's funeral, I used quotes from the book to help those who were also struggling. Thank you so much Andy, for following your dream and helping me find the courage to pursue mine.

Tari C

Thank you so much for the pleasure of your book! I looked forward to my time with David Ponder every evening as I relaxed and traveled along with him. The revelation of each person's gift was confirmation for me in many areas. I've been working, loosely speaking on a book for several months. I was capitavated by how you wove the past w/the present. The spiritual w/the physical and the doubt/realism of David's former life w/the hope/faith of his new beginning/future! The chapter on forgiveness, especially of myself for my past mistakes really spoke to me, I needed to be reminded of that again. I was able to release an issue I had picked-up again. I plan to obtain the study guide as well as your other books. Please plan to speak in or near Washington, DC...I'd love to come see your presentation!! Thanks so much and God Bless You!

Cherrie Hook from Woodbridge, VA

There are certain tools that I go to when I need inspiration, motivation and function when the world seems insensitive and uncooperative. This book is at the top of the list. The Seven Decisions DVD is tied with it for first. I would consider this book, itself, the eighth gift to be added to the seven in the book. Andy has awaken me in times of despair and has fueled me for the future. I have high respect for Andy Andrews, his character, his love and passion in the gift he's been given. A gentleman and a man of integrity as it shows in this book and his corresponding DVD. Thank You Andy. You've literally saved a life.

Jonathan Wittschen from Charleston, SC

I can not thank Andy enough for writing a truly inspirational book. I was given this book from a colleague who is also in the financial services industry. I did not know what to expect, but have been preaching the power of Andy and the Seven Decisions. I believe this book found me or I found it at a time in my life that was in a transition. I will continue to recommend it to others.

E Spencer C from RIDGEFIELD, CT

Hi Andy, just want to thank you for your book, I was your flight attendant last week. Your message was inspirational and motivational even to a died in the wool atheist like yours truly. One does not have to be a Christian or even believe in god to use these principles. I intend to use them and have already ordered two more as Christmas gifts. Thanks again and take care. Hugs, Bernadeene

bernadeene jaspers

This was one of the best books I've read in a long long time. Being in this industry and having met Andy Andrews personally at our company conference, I had to read it! It will teach you the 7 decisions that you can use to achieve any kind of success in life. And the best part about it is, they are explained in great detail by using a great combination of fiction and fact from the World history. I had tears or joy and sorrow while reading this book and felt like I was taken to this journey of awakening myself. I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. I'm sure you will find it life changing as well. Rex Patel http://www.LiveWealthyLife.com

Rex Patel from MD

Dear Mr. Andrews, I seem to be at a loss for words. So I will simply speak from my heart. I literally just finished The Travelers Gift. I immediately searched for you online. You could only imagine my thankfulness when I realized I could contact you via email. Tears come to my eyes as I write these words to you now. You have given me a great gift with your decision to write this book and I wanted to thank you for that. I am grateful that you chose to share your thoughts, fears and words of encouragement. It felt as though you were speaking directly to me. I have read many "self help" books. Yours is truly one to pass on, and I will, many times. Again, thank you.

Nancy Kelly from Cottage Grove, MN

Hi Andy, My 20 year old daughter is living in London and is about to spend her first Christmas away from home. A little over a year ago after dropping out of school and with no real direction in life, I helped show her how she could make a life long dream, like most other things in her life, become a reality!

I was both, extremely proud of her, and sad that I would miss her; yet happy she was following her dreams. Jodie's departure left a gaping hole in my life and was only the beginning of a lot of changes in my life. For some strange reason I have allowed my age enter into my life equations and this has affected my decisions, mostly poor ones, it seems, this year; consequently I have had a bad year and as a result have never questioned, and doubted, myself as never before. A few weeks ago I hit rock bottom and found myself a dribbling mess in my Vegie Garden one day. I finally realized how much of a failure in life I had been and did not think I could, nor wanted to, survive the day.

Thankfully I have a marvelous wife and two other amazing daughters who I know love me very much, yet I felt they deserved better. When I thought of them it was only the pain they would have borne through my weakness that stopped me, and made me realize how lucky I really am.

Yesterday, I was searching for a book to send to Jodie for Christmas. I could not find anything suitable and was about to give up when I happened to notice your book The Traveler's Gift. After browsing though your book I thought this will be great for Jodie. On further reading, I started to get even more interested and decided to buy a copy for myself.
Wow, what a wonderful surprise, I can truly say I feel this book was written about me and for me. I have lived it and more. I can not believe how much it has changed my thinking in just 24 Hours. I found myself feeling sorry for myself, again today; I quickly checked myself and remembered to be happy, and it works!

The timing of this could not have been better, I am ready for change and have resolved to take control again.

So to you Andy, my heartfelt thanks - you have helped change another life; and all the one's around it - what a gift.

Shane Smith from Bacchus Marsh, Australia

This is a wonderful book. It has made me realize that I really do need to follow The 7 Decisions of success to be successful.

Joshua McManama from n/a, DE

Since reading your book The Traveler's Gift and incorporating the seven decisions into my daily life I have overcome so many negatives that I had allowed to run my life. Anger, FEAR, jealousy, and of course ingratitude.

No more, I am dedicated to these seven decisions and the results have been phenomenal, I am an associate agent with a well known insurance company and before i didn't have the confidence to believe I could run an office, I am running the office and am enjoying much success. I truly believe I can do anything with the right attitude, I wake up smiling ready to conquer the world thankful for each day God has given me. I no longer blame anyone for my life's circumstances instead i take control of it and accept responsibility for my past mistakes. I firmly believe we are all here by God's grace and he will allow us to succeed if we allow ourselves to. i no longer try to sabotage my success but welcome opportunities that God sends my way. Thank you I am looking forward to reading Island of Saints.

Robin Chapman from Ansted, WV