Book Review - The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

The Final Summit is a sequel of sorts to the book The Traveler's Gift.  I have not read this book, but found that is was not necessary to understand The Final Summit.  Andy Andrews has created a parable of sorts, addressing the issue of how Christians, and people in general, can "save humanity".  The main character, David Ponder, has learned the Seven Decisions (during The Traveler's Gift), and now he is an old man nearing the end of his life.  As he contemplates life without his wife, who recently passed away, he is visited by the archangel Gabriel and told he is to join a summit of all the Travelers throughout history.  There task is simple: answer one question with a two-word answer.  The question is "What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?"  David and his fellow Travelers, including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, and King David, have five opportunities to answer the question correctly, or humanity's time will run out.

I found the story fast moving and interesting.  The historical characters were integrated into the story well, and I found that I learned some interesting facts about some of them.  One in particular, Eric Erickson, has a story almost too amazing to believe.  In fact, I googled him after reading his tale, and found it too be true.

The ideas presented were fairly simple to understand, but seem to be lacking in modern society.  However, the ultimate answer to the question was not quite the earth-shattering solution I expected.

The references to Christianity and God run throughout the novel, but act more as an anchor for the reasons each of the characters feels the way they do, or makes the choices they make, than as a means of "preaching" the message of Christ.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and thought it was entertaining. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy an inspirational and encouraging message.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”