“The Final Summit” by Andy Andrews

In The Final Summit Andy Andrews gives very clear and practical instructions for saving humanity one person at a time.

Although fictional, he draws lessons from the real-life experiences of many well-known leaders from the past. He even sprinkles in anecdotes from a few that aren’t so well known. Andy takes more of a “how-it-was-done” approach to solving life’s problems rather than just give us another missive on what modern experts say.

The book is practical, philosophical, theological, and historical.

The storyline focuses on a final summit at which the main character of the book, David Ponder, along with many great leaders from the past – all dead but in heaven – will confer in finding the two word answer to one significant question:

What should humanity do, individually and collectively, in order to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?

Obviously, the question assumes humanity has strayed from the path and they are close to doom. The answer provides practical advice for getting realigned.

There was one very interesting and practical tidbit that didn’t directly apply to the question but is useful nonetheless. Andy gleans insights from two leaders, Winston Churchill, and Abraham Lincoln, on how to handle depression. Very relevant for people today.

Philosophically the book explores ideas such as hope, wisdom, courage, self-discipline, and character all of which are obvious choices for the answer but none of which are exactly right. Although none are THE answer all of them are illustrated clearly in the discussion.

Andy plays a little with theology, humanizing the historical figures who attended the summit. Winston Churchill smokes his cigars, several attendees show signs of age and they freely express their anger and frustration. These touches are useful because it makes the story a bit more relateable to earthlings, the ones for whom the book was written.

Gabriel the archangel figures prominently and the setting of the summit is a heavenly place.

Historically the book is rich. Characters from several countries whose lives were separated by many thousands of years attend the final summit and make their contributions: King David, Joan of Arc, Winston Churchill, and others.

One of the most interesting attendees was Eric Erickson who played a pivotal role in bringing victory to the Allies in World War II but is hardly represented in history. Eric is one of six remarkable people to be featured prominently in the book and accurate details from each life is shared.

I would love to give you the answer but you will enjoy it much more if you read the book. You won’t see it coming but you’ll love it when it arrives.

The book is the sequel to The Traveler’s Gift and includes discussion questions for each chapter. The book also includes contact details for Andy and valuable links for additional resources.

Other books by Andy

In The Traveler’s Gift David Ponder is supernaturally introduced to seven historical leaders and under their tutelage learns the seven decisions that determine personal success.

The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective. Nancy Lopez, LPGA Hall of Famer, says, “this is the best book I have ever read in my life.”

In The Butterfly Effect Andy says, “Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world.”

All three can be purchased inexpensively here

The Final Summit was provided free of charge by BookSneeze in return for which I have written the preceding book review. No additional remuneration was given and no controls were imposed on my opinions. All the ideas expressed here are entirely my own.