I was reluctant to accept for another Andy Andrews book for review because I’ve not found his previous work compelling. The title, The Butterfly Effect (How Your Life Matters), intrigued me.
The butterfly effect theory simply stated says a butterfly can flap its wings and the resulting motion of air will cause other movements in the air, which can ultimately start a hurricane on the other side of the world. Andrews uses this premise to show that each person on earth has the same type of on other people, now and generations later.
Andrews proves his point by tracing how the decision of one 19th century professor set the course of the United States for generations. And how one former slave influenced a 20th century vice-president. The linear progression of each of these individuals is interesting, I was looking for more story.
While not categorized as a gift book, the size, quality of cover and paper, along with the graphical layout is gift book quality. The 100 pages can be read in one sitting. The Butterfly Effect might be a worthy graduation gift.
When I finished reading the book, my first thought was that I had just read a magazine article stretched to make a book. Had I picked it up while browsing at a book store, I wouldn’t have bought it. I was expecting something with more substance. I was expecting complete stories.
Tell me more about that unknown professor. Who was he? How did he get in a decision-making position? What qualified him to be where he was at the pivotal moment in history? Make him real. Make him matter to me.
Andrews attempts to use the two examples of people who are in positions that lend themselves to be influential. I think most readers may be like me in thinking that I’m not a vice-president or professor, how can I make decisions that influence the world?
As with other Andrews’ books, I was less than impressed with the content. The idea is good, but it just didn’t fulfilled the promise.
The Butterfly Effect (How Your Life Matters)
Andy Andrews
ISBN: 978-1608100286
$14.95
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