Customer Reviews

Island of Saints: A Story of the One Principle That Frees the Human Spirit

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Generally I tend to avoid the self-help section, not out of arrogance, because in an imperfect world, the solutions offered are not a one-size-fits-all. Take my religion, lose weight my way, parent better children, be intolerant of those who do not measure up to perfect standards. This book has proven to be a pleasant surprise.

First, I was not looking to improve myself at the sale rack of our favorite children's bookstore. And here it was. Who have susupected a really good adult story that you could share with your children, or simply curled up with the cats and read. I, for once, expected nothing, and found a small treasure. Secondly, there's a really good story told here, with all the makings of a fable. The good guys win, and there's some unexpected characters: my favorite is Danny, the young man with Down syndrome. He's astutely portrayed, and lovingly given depth and sensibility. But, I am biased: my son has Down syndrome, and I love him.

Then for the history buff, there is the oft untold story of German U-boats in the Gulf of Mexico, small town life in the South during World War II, and, for good measure, a Nazi.

Third, and finally, there's forgiveness. Mr. Andrew's spin on that is worth the price of the book. He understands human frailty and fragile emotions, and has succeeded in going beyond the cliche "anger management" into a much more practical and liveable solution: forgiveness.

This a wonderful story that works on so many levels. It has a well delivered message and it is beautifully woven around an involving plot. It is also a history lesson. The intersection of setting and time are fascinating, particularly to anyone who has vacationed on the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. It's hard to imagine what life was like during World War II in what is now a popular vacation destination, but this book will take you there and have you wishing you could travel back to that time and meet these characters.

But, above all, this is a wonderful story.

Enjoy!

My 18-year old son brought me an advance copy of this book from the local bookstore where he works. He knows how much I admire Andy Andrews as a person and as a writer. The book met and even exceeded my high expectations. I'm a historian and believe in the way stories, like Andy's, whether fiction or non-fiction, enable us to understand the best and worse within the human spirit. Andy has shown us both the evil and the good. He has also demonstrated how we may choose to overcome evil by searching for the goodness in others. Andy's work reflects the importance of sharing stories that edify and uplift the human spirit. Thank you Andy for sharing your gift of storytelling.

I recently picked up Island of Saints from a clearance rack at B/N only because from reading the cover I assumed it was 'historical fiction'. I was wrong about the genre but still enjoyed the book. Not sure if it was really self-help for me but an interesting and heart-warming quick read with a wonderful underlying message. I am now interested in reading other books by Andy Andrews.

The Audio Book was absolutley amazing, and the story was one of the best I have even heard. It talks about forgiveness, and how forgiveness frees the human spirit. I recomend this book to anyone who has problems in the area of forgiveness, and to anyone who wants to be free from this burden.

Once again, Andy Andrews does an OUTSTANDING job. This deserves 10 stars.

Loved the story and the familiar setting. A shining example of love and forgiveness.

"Island of Saints" is about forgiveness. Harboring bitterness is like "drinking poison and waiting for the other guy to die". Forgiveness frees the wounded spirit of the wronged. It cleanses, frees, and releases the power of love for the aggrieved. It is powerful. It is central. It is essential for the life of faith, power, and strength.

To live a life of anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness is to live a life which is weak, powerless, and poor.

Andrews captures all of this in his parable. Great reading and a powerful message.

I ordered "Island of Saints", and "Heart Mender" and found out they are the same w/ name change. Could have returned

"Island of Saints", but lost the window of time. Great story, but did not need two of the same story. Wish I had known before I ordered. FYI to anyone who follows Andy Andrews.

I heard Andy Andrews speak at a business meeting over a year ago and instantly bought The Traveler's Gift. I loved it. I enjoy his style and his depth. Island of Saints did not disappoint. What a great message. Anyone struggling with the ability to forgive someone should definetly read this book. It is terrific.

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....But is it?

Andy is an amazing storyteller, and this book is proof positive of his skill.

Pulled from the little known theater of World War II, the American Gulf Coast, Andy weaves fact and fiction into a story about two people on opposite sides of the war, but on the same side of the heart...