Living Well: Making a Difference

Andy Anderson

In Living Well...Making a Difference, author Andy Andersen makes a bold mark on modern thought. His philosophy is breathtakingly simple and wonderfully awe-inspired. His goal, which stems from his vast experience as a career Navy man, community leader, husband and father, is to coach readers in doing for others before they do for themselves. It is mankind’s grace that will positively impact one another’s lives and, in turn, our own.

In twenty-two succinct and life-changing chapters, with titles such as “Money and Materialism,” “What Can I do?,” and “Random Acts of Kindness,” Andy weaves lessons about patriotism, prejudice, forgiveness, and decency with affable humor that will lead to self reflection. These illuminating vignettes can be read as separate pieces of non-fiction and should be considered a naval aviator’s checklist for life. A serviceman’s call to servant hood, these inspirational missives shoot from the hip and celebrate a life of duty — our service to others; it is what makes the world go round.

My Take:

I absolutely loved this book!  It is absolutely full of hilarious advice that is both honest and practical.  I didn';t necessarily learn a ton from this book, because I don't really have a problem with spending more than I make and I am pretty responsible with my money.  But I think the advice given in this book would be indispensable for others.  The author gives some great advice on a number of topics such as living within one's means, money and materialism, listening and communicating, simplicity, forgiveness, positive relationships, and patriotism.  Some of his advice is what I call "facepalm" advice.  Something that seems so obvious that when one hears it, they put their face in their palm and shake their head.  Things like not buying a car that you can't afford, not buying a house with unnecessary upgrades that double the cost of the house you already can't afford, not building up credit card debt that equals your yearly salary.  Things that even kids know you shouldn't do, yet people keep on doing it!!!  The book has a great sense of humor about it, here is one of my favorite quotes, this one came from a section dealing with relationships:

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported on an experiment in which 276 people were voluntarily injected with cold viruses.  The people who were generally happy and were in healthy relationships were 4 times better at fighting colds.  Evidently, meaner people truly are 'snottier' people.

 The author really knows what he is talking about, he's been on the lecture circuit forever, but he doesn't take himself too seriously.  He cracks a lot of jokes to ease away from the heavy topics discussed in the book.  I think this is a great read for someone who just needs to hear some good advice on how to live well, hence the title of the book, Living Well.   I almost gave this book a top rating, but the pacing was a little off, so it gets a 2, Borders with a Coupon.

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!

***FTC Disclosure:  This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***

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