Synopses & Reviews
This modern morality tale by gifted writer and speaker Andy Andrews teaches seven fundamental strategies for creating a successful life.
Much like the bestselling books by Og Mandino, this unique narrative is a blend of entertaining fiction, allegory, and inspiration, with just a touch of self-help. Gifted storyteller Andy Andrews gives us a front-row seat for one man's journey of a lifetime.
David Ponder is at a crossroads. Having lost his job and the will to live, he has been supernaturally selected to travel through time, gathering wisdom for future generations. Visits to historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, King Solomon, and Anne Frank yield the Seven Fundamentals for Success that will impact the entire world. A visit to the future reveals the result of David's journey, the fruits of his labor.
Ultimately, like David, readers will see how the perspective of our own circumstances is dramatically altered when we glimpse the "big picture" of life.
Review
"Andrews effectively combines self-help with fiction to catch readers' interest, sustaining momentum while simultaneously passing on instructions for positive thinking....Some astute thinkers may be put off by the simplistic story line, but Andrews does an exemplary job at providing positive suggestions for overcoming life's obstacles." Publishers Weekly
Review
"[A] breezy little fantasy reminiscent of It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol....At book's end, there is a strong element of faith, but Andrews uses a light touch. Readable and less sentimental than Richard Paul Evans's The Christmas Box, this will find a ready audience." Library Journal
Review
"The Traveler's Gift provides a powerful and compelling road map through the highways of life." John Schuerholz, General Manager, Atlanta Braves
Review
"Full of insight one can use throughout life. A wonderful story...people of all ages will enjoy reading." Randy Travis, Entertainer
Review
"I could not put The Traveler's Gift down. The story itself is gripping, but the wisdom is for the ages." Thurl "Big T" Bailey, Musician, Former NBA Star
Review
"In the tradition of Og Mandino, Andy Andrews has spun an engaging morality tale." John C. Maxwell, Best-selling Author
Synopsis
Much like the best-selling books by Og Mandino, this unique narrative is a blend of entertaining fiction, allegory, and inspiration. Storyteller Andy Andrews gives a front-row seat for one man's journey of a lifetime. David Ponder has lost his job and the will to live. When he is supernaturally selected to travel through time, he visits historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, King Solomon, and Anne Frank. Each visit yields a Decision for Success that will one day impact the entire world.
Synopsis
Coming Soon the Continuation of David Ponder's Story in The Traveler's Summit
What makes the difference between failure and success?
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestseller, The Traveler's Gift offered a modern-day parable of one man's choices.
Only a few months ago, David Ponder was a successful executive. Now he's a desperate man. In times of great uncertainty, we need divine wisdom. Many of the greatest minds in history overcame personal struggles and adversity, and they emerged the stronger for it. What guidance would iconic heroes, such as Abraham Lincoln, King Solomon, and Anne Frank, give us today in our ever-changing climate of world events?
Join David Ponder in The Traveler's Summit on his incredible journey to discover the Seven Decisions for Success that can turn any life around, no matter how hopeless a situation may seem.
The Traveler's Gift became required reading for some of America's high schools and a "life skills" tool for members of several college sports teams as well as some MLB and NFL franchises. Discover with David Ponder that attitude makes the difference between success and failure.
Synopsis
National Bestseller--New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly
What makes the difference between failure and success?
Only a few months ago, he was a successful executive. Now he's a desperate man. Join New York Times bestselling author Andy Andrews as he shares David Ponder's incredible journey to discover the Seven Decisions for success that can turn any life around, no matter how hopeless a situation may seem to be.
Synopsis
A New York Times bestseller with over 1.3 million copies sold Only a few months ago, he was a successful executive. Now he's a desperate man. Join David Ponder on an incredible journey to discover the Seven Decisions for success that can turn any life around, no matter how hopeless a situation seems.
Forty-six-year-old David Ponder feels like a total failure. Once a high-flying executive in a Fortune 500 company, he now works a part-time, minimum wage job and struggles to support his family. Suddenly an even greater crisis hits: his daughter becomes ill, and he can't even afford to get her the medical help she needs. When David's car skids on an icy road, he wonders if he even cares to survive the crash.
But an extraordinary experience awaits David Ponder. He suddenly finds himself traveling back in time, meeting leaders and heroes at crucial moments in their lives--from Abraham Lincoln to Anne Frank. As David speaks with each of these historical figures, they share their personal philosophies with him. By the time his journey is over, he has received seven secrets for success--and a second chance. Among these crucial decisions for success are:
- The buck stops here, and I am responsible for my past and my future
- I will seek wisdom and be a servant to others
- I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit, and I will forgive myself
- Today I will choose to be happy and be the possessor of a grateful spirit
The message is simple: Life is about choices. While we have little control over the events that occur in our lives, success is determined by the choices we make daily. The Traveler's Gift will challenge you, inspire you, and give you seven decisions that you can employ to determine your own personal success.
Acclaim for The Traveler's Gift:
- Good Morning America's "Read This " book selection for May 2003
- Hit the New York Times bestseller list and remained there for 17 weeks
- Reached #5 on the New York Times Business Bestseller list
- Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestseller
- Translated into nearly 20 languages, including Braille
About the Author
Andy Andrews is a comedian, author, inspirational speaker, corporate entertainer, television celebrity, and a serious fisherman. He has performed for four United States presidents; appeared at Ceasars Palace, The Mirage, and Bally's in Las Vegas; and toured with stars such as Kenny Rogers, Joan Rivers, Cher, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, and Bob Hope. He also wrote the Storms of Perfection series, a collection of true stories of courage and triumph; Tales from Sawyerton Springs, a series of short stories first published in Country America magazine; and the Go For It series for children.
Reading Group Guide
The unique narrative of
The Traveler's Gift blends fiction, allegory, and inspiration, with a touch of self-help. It gives a front-row seat into one man's journey of a lifetime.
David Ponder has lost his job and the will to live. When he is supernaturally selected to travel through time, he visits historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, King Solomon, and Anne Frank. Each visit yields a Decision for Success that will one day impact the entire world. Then, a visit to the future reveals the result of Davids journey, the fruits of his labor.
General Questions
1. What is the significance of the title? How is time travel important to the book?
2. Andrews incorporates facts and details about American history into The Traveler's Gift. Why is it important that David visited the historical figures during crucial moments in history? Why does Andrews suggest that successful people have more than a "limited view" of history?
3. In what ways does Andrews explore the importance of associations with other people? How do peer groups affect a persons success?
4. Dreams are a recurring motif in the book. How does each historical figure emphasize the importance of dreams as vehicles for success? What is the purpose of dreams in this book?
5. At the end of the book, the speaker in the arena says, "Until you have accomplished what you were put on earth to do, you will not you cannot be harmed." How is this concept of a "hedge of thorns," or protection, fitting to the journey David has taken? Do you believe this type of protection is possible?
6. Talk about the theme of leadership in the book. Which historical figures talk about leadership, and how do those comments directly relate to the person speaking? What overall definition of leadership does Andrews offer?
Personal Reflection
1. How does the book exemplify the differences between people who encounter despair? Is your experience different or similar? How does what youve read in this book help your own times of crisis?
2. The Traveler's Gift underscores the importance of rising above the opinions of others. How do your self-perceptions dictate your success? What advice does David receive for differentiating between wise counsel and criticism? How can you apply this advice to your life right now?
3. In what ways can you use the life lessons in The Traveler's Gift to encourage and change the lives of others?
4. Why might The Traveler's Gift be a vital book for our country and planet at this time?
5. Each historical character refers to faith in some way. What is Andrews suggesting about the connection between faith and success? Would you agree that the book defines success as a combination of personal initiative and divine motivation?
6. Andrews presents a specific method for absorbing the Seven Decisions reading each decision aloud, morning and night, for twenty-one days and sharing the decisions with others. Why is this particular method given? Would another method be just as effective?
Chapters One and Two: David Ponder
1. The book opens during a crossroads in Davids life. How does Davids mindset about his personal crisis change by the end of the book?
2. Discuss the criticisms the seven historical characters make about David. Do you think they should have been tougher on him? Easier?
3. How does your opinion of David change throughout the book?
Chapter Three: Harry S. Truman
The First Decision: The buck stops here.
1. President Harry Truman tells David, "You have chosen the pathway to your present destination. The responsibility for your situation is yours." Do you believe that an individuals present state is solely determined by personal choice and responsibility? Why or why not?
2. Truman says, "Our thinking creates a pathway to success or failure." Can you remember a particular instance when your thinking created success? When your thinking led to failure? Have you seen evidence of this truism in the lives of others?
Chapter Four: King Solomon
The Second Decision: I will seek wisdom.
1. King Solomon says, "We, as humans, are always in a process of change. Therefore, we might as well guide the direction in which we change." How does the decision to "seek wisdom" help you guide the direction in which you change?
2. What point is King Solomon making when he tells David that "serving is a way we can place value on one another"? He says, "A wise man is a server." Why?
Chapter Five: Joshua Chamberlain
The Third Decision: I am a person of action.
1. The book opens with a quotation by Joshua Chamberlain, an obscure figure in American history. How does this quote set the tone for the book? Why do you think Andrews chose a quote by Chamberlain instead of one by another historical figure in the book?
2. Chamberlains lack of historical recognition does not correspond with his historical contribution. How does this challenge or affirm your definition of success? Through Chamberlain, what does Andrews say about the significance of our actions, especially actions that are unrecognized?
Chapter Six: Christopher Columbus
The Fourth Decision: I have a decided heart.
1. Through Columbus, what does Andrews say about the worlds perception of madness and its definition of reality?
2. When does persistence toward a goal become insanity and when is it an admirable trait for success?
Chapter Seven: Anne Frank
The Fifth Decision: Today I will choose to be happy.
1. Is Annes life considered a success in this book? Why or why not?
2. Do you think the pictures hanging in Anne Franks room are a metaphor for a stagnant life of failure or do they represent a vibrant life of success?
Chapter Eight: Abraham Lincoln
The Sixth Decision: I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.
1. President Abraham Lincoln tells David that the key to his future is forgiveness. Why is forgiveness such an important step for David at this point in his life? Whom does he need to forgive?
2. Is this Decision of greater importance than the other Decisions? Why or why not?
Chapter Nine: Gabriel
The Seventh Decision: I will persist without exception.
1. David visits the archangel Gabriel in "the place that never was," a large celestial warehouse that holds the lost dreams of humanity. Why is it important that Davids last visit with a historical figure occurs in this place?
2. Talk about the treatment of "fear" in the book. What is the relationship between fear and success? Why does Gabriel say that faith and fear are the same?
* It is the authors hope that your exploration of the Seven Decisions will lead to an extraordinarily fulfilled life and the desire to share the Decisions with others.