The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews Book Summary [Notes]

After losing his full-time job, David Ponder struggled to feed his family and make ends meet. The guilt of not being able to provide for his family compelled Ponder to drive dangerously on an icy road, to ultimately crashed into a tree, where he’d remained unconscious.

During his stay at the hospital, David Ponder fall into a coma and dreamed many dreams. Except they weren’t quite “dreams.” But more like revelations.

In multiple occasions, these visions led Ponder into uncharted territories, mining timeless wisdom from biblical figures to our history’s greatest heroes.

Figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Columbus, President Truman, King Solomon, and many others made it in Ponder’s “dream.” These spirits guided him, and counsel him on how he could take care of his wife and ailing daughter. 

Sure enough, David Ponder listened and shared with us these seven critical decisions for personal success. 

Without further ado, please enjoy, The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews.

The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews Book Summary and Notes 📝

The first-person David encountered was President Harry S. Truman. Who, at the time, was on the verge of detonating two nuclear weapons over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

Truman informed Ponder to not look for excuses and to accept responsibility.

Decision #1: The Buck Stops Here 🛑

Decision #2: Seek Wisdom

After his briefing with President Truman, Ponder’s consciousness broadcast to the biblical King Solomon court.

Upon his arrival, he witnessed a dispute between two women; each claimed to be the mother of the same baby. (If you read the bible or went to Sunday’s school, you may already know that story.) In short, the wise King suggested that the baby be cut in half, split between the two women, to settle the dispute. 

One of the women was deeply moved by love for the baby — begged the King for mercy. While the other woman eagerly agreed to the split decision. 

After much observation, the wise King take into account both woman’s reaction, then made a logical decision to restore the baby to its rightful mother.

Solomon, who alone can see Ponder amongst the crowd, invites him to a private quarter where they discussed the importance of pursuing wisdom and seeking intelligent associates.

When they were done talking, the wise king handed Ponder a tiny scroll paper, that urges Ponder to seek wise associates.

God moves mountains to create the opportunity of his choosing. It is up to you to be ready to roll. — KING SOLOMON

King Solomon was a biblical king of Israel who reigns the throne around the tenth century BCE.

Decision #3: Become a Person of Action

Amid the bloodshed during the Gettysburg Civil War battle (1863), Union Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain noticed Ponder on the battlefield, pulled him aside, as he emphasized on the need to act with confidence even when circumstances were uncertain.

Chamberlain then handed Ponder a tobacco pouch with a note attach to it — highlighting the importance of acting decisively as a leader and always doing the right thing.

Many people move out of the way for a person on the run; others are caught up in his wake. — JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN

After reading the note, Ponder transfer to the next location.

Joshua Chamberlain (1828–1914) was an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War and a governor of Maine.

Decision #4: Have a Decided Heart

Ponder was now standing on one of Christopher Columbus’s ships, the “La Santa María (1492).

This was right before Columbus’ famous discovery of the Americas.

All the sailors who were on broad, left their homeland in search for new lands, but instead found themselves settled at sea for over 64 days.

The discouragement, the frustrations, the despair, all were written all over their faces.

In other words, they were overshadowed by a lack of faith and beliefs.

Except for captain Columbus, who remained respectively faithful to his vision, knowing that sooner or later, they will land on dry lands.

Columbus then turns his gaze over to Ponder, hands over a scrap of paper, highlighting the importance of having faith and maintaining a clear vision.

Criticism, condemnation, and complaint are creatures of the wind. They come and go on the wasted breath of lesser beings and have no power over me. — CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

Christopher Columbus (1451–1506) was an explorer who stumbled upon the New World for the Spanish monarchy to open new trade routes across the Atlantic Ocean.

Decision #5: Choose to Be Happy

Ponder’s next stop led him to Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam, where the whole family stayed hidden from the Nazi party, during the second world war.

Given the challenges these folks were facing, Ponder was surprisingly moved by the cheerfulness of Anne Frank — despite all the unfortunate events she had endured.

Courageously, the young girl tore up a few pages from her diary, reminding Ponder to be happy and gracious regardless of life’s situation.

Ponder soon realized that happiness is an inside job.

No one can give it to you or take it away from you. 

During turmoil and stressful time, choose to be happy. Our very lives are fashioned by choice. First, we make choices. Then our choices make us. — ANNE FRANK

Anne Frank (1929–1945) was a Jewish girl who died in the Holocaust. Her diaries were published after her death.

Decision #6: Greet This Day with a Forgiving Spirit

Ponder beam back to Gettysburg, but this time, he found himself inside a tent where President Lincoln was preparing to give his famous Gettysburg Address speech (1863).

Watching Mr. Lincoln from close range, Ponder quickly became fascinated by the man, giving how quickly Lincoln was able to forgive the Confederate States.

Lincoln, who only can see Ponder in the tent, asked his team for some privacy so that he could reassure to Ponder that forgiveness is necessary for both, his future and that of the State.

“Greet this day with a forgiving spirit.” Declared Lincoln, “Forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness. Forgive those who criticize you unjustly.”

You will find that God rarely uses a person whose main concern is what others are thinking. Be willing to forgive others as well as yourself. — ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) was president of the US during the Civil War.)

Decision #7: Persist Without Exception

Ponder is now in a vast warehouse accompanied by none other than the archangel Gabriel.

The warehouse consists of dreams and wishes others prayed for; but lacked the persistence or the mindset to follow through.

Upon his arrival, Ponder saw his family photos, the financial stability that never comes to fruition, the good health — and all the while, wondering where it all goes wrong.

The angel, who saw Ponder sobbing, put his hands, (or wings?) on Ponder’s shoulder as he advises him not to abandon his dreams, to work ceaselessly with absolute faith to achieve them. 

With persistence, prayer, and planning — anything is possible. Reason can only be stretched so far, but faith has no limits. The only limit to your realization of tomorrow is the doubt you hold fast today. — ARCHANGEL GABRIEL

The archangel Gabriel is known as the angel of revelation. He is often met in dreams by many people and has a significant role in many religions. 

Into the Future

Lastly, Ponder was transferred into a future version of the city he once lived in. In this future, Ponder saw himself owning a successful business, that teaches effective decision-making strategies.

From that vantage point, Ponder was a happy, fulfilled being. Both; his business and personal life were thriving. His family was in great care. Everything felt…surreal, yet promising. 

After all these experiences, Ponder woke back up in the hospital. His family was by his side. He soon realized he had been in a coma since the accident.

Ponder reassured his family that everything will be okay as he fetches for a pen to jot down everything he remembered:

• The buck stops here. I am responsible for my past and my future. (Truman)
• I will seek wisdom. I will be a servant to others. (Solomon)
• I am a person of action. I seize this moment. I choose now. (Chamberlain)
• I have a decided heart. My destiny is assured. (Columbus)
• Today I will choose to be happy. I am the possessor of a grateful spirit. (Frank)
• I will greet this day with a forgiving heart. I will forgive myself. (Lincoln)
• I will persist without exception. I am a person of great faith. (Gabriel)

When reaches into his pockets, Ponder found the tobacco pouch that was handed to him by Colonel Chamberlain in his possession.

He smiles, then hugged his family.

Final thoughts 💭

Control your thoughts and emotions because they govern your actions.

Have an ideal vision for the future you wish to have, then work your butt off to make it happen. 

As David Ponder realized, a promise made was a debt unpaid. Especially the promise he’d made to care and provide for his family.

Overall, The Traveler’s Gift is a great read. This narrative-driven fable would appeal to anyone interested in history, spirituality, and personal growth.