The Lost Choice: A Legend of Personal Discovery

by Andy Andrews

In their Denver suburb, journalist Dorry Chandler and her detective husband, Mark, discover a strange object bearing a message etched in an ancient language. Joining forces with anthropologist Dylan Langford and his archaeologist girlfriend, Abby Warner, the team is enthralled by the mysterious artifact and its baffling message that appears to date back thousands of years. The anticipation builds as they uncover a trail of clues — each piece of evidence shedding new light on the object’s significance. The Chandlers may have unearthed a fragment of one of the most profound relics in mankind’s history and the key to understanding the extraordinary achievements of esteemed men and women throughout time. Will the team discover the secret behind this mysterious historical object? Or will its message be lost forever?. From the author of the New York Times bestseller The Traveler’s Gift comes a gripping quest to uncover mankind’s destiny. Elegantly blending gripping fiction, extensive research, and a powerful message of hope, The Lost Choice illuminates the timeless principles for transforming your life and the world.

Genres: Fiction, Self Help, Historical Fiction, Inspirational, Book Club, Christian, Personal Development

239 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2004

About the author

~ Hailed by a New York Times writer as a "modern-day Will Rogers who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America."

~ Spoken at the request of four different U.S. Presidents

~ Every single minute a book by Andy Andrews is sold somewhere in the world!

~ New York Times Bestselling Author of The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift

Source:
http://www.andyandrews.com/

Reviews

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It gave me a lot to think about. I liked the approach of learning from the lives and contributions of great people. I felt a desire to learn more about each of the characters in history who were incorporated into this novel. George Washington Carver, Booker T Washington, William Wallace and others. What counsel and advice would those individuals provide to us today? That is a question worth thinking about.

More than anything I loved the concept of this story . . . that every one of us have the opportunity and obligation to make a difference in the world. We make that difference by making a choice. One of my favorite passages from this novel reads as follows: “Everybody – every single body – makes a difference! But there is a choice that determines what kinda difference you will make. Most folks don't see how important they are . . . how much tey matter to all of us. So they never choose to do somethin' special wif' their lives. And not makin' a choice? Tha is a choice . . . a lost one.”

Another one of my favorite passage comes from the section with George Washington Carver. In that section he talks the impact our choices have on the world. “I am convinced – that every choice one makes and every action one takes, or doesn't take, significantly affects the lives of everyone else. We are all connected to each other through our actions. Our decisions to act or not to act, to help or not to help—well, those choices create a ripple effect that can last for centuries.” The character then goes on to talk about the multitude of people who perhaps contribute to a world changing invention and poses the question, “To whom do we owe the debt of gratitude for enriching our lives significantly with that invention?” The inventor? The author of book which may have inspired the inventor? The teacher who inspired the author of the book? The creator of a scholarship fund? A doctor who delivered one of these people? Or perhaps the man who drove the wagon delivering the lumber which built the doctor's office where one of these men or women were born. I love the message, “WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE!!!”

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that this book was a YA...however, I loved it! I loved the message that it gave and how it was given (through the past and present). It reminded me of Paul Coelho's, THE ALCHEMIST, in that it was a very positive and uplifting lesson to life.
You know if I read a book in one day, all the way through, that I really, really enjoyed it! That is not to say that others will or will not. This is just my preference in a book, and at this particular time in my life...what I really needed right now. Saying that, I do believe that every young adult will get a little bit of history with fiction with a learning lesson and should most absolutely read this book~ ironically I received it from a teacher friend of mine.
So if you are looking for a little bit of happiness and a way to connect with our human race...make sure that you check your choices because they impact EVERYONE! We are ALL connected~ Oh...and read this book!!!!!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I would like this book because the beginning started out a little cheesy. A little cheese is okay every now and then, especially if the book has a good message. The moral of the story is that everyone on the planet has the potential for greatness. It is up to us to choose to act and live up to our potential. There are a few really great quotes from the book "The Lord always provides me with changing ideas. Not that I am special. The Lord provides everyone with life-changing ideas. These ideas are quite literally a treasure map from the Almighty. It is up to each of us, however, to choose to dig for the treasure. Every man and woman on the planet contains within them the power to change the world, but this power is only manifested when one makes a conscious choice to use it." (pg.89)

"There are those who would say, 'Let us be patient. Let us sit and wait upon the Almighty.' I say to them, 'Get up! The Almighty is waiting on you!' Make no mistake, the Lord God instructs us; He leads us and inspires us, but He expects us to do something with the gifts we've been given. It is a choice that too few make." (pg. 145)

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed each book I've read by Andy Andrews. The mystery of this one is curious and the history behind it is intriging. The conversation between George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington concerning WHO to thank... was THE BEST. We tahnk the teacher who encouraged the child to become an author...who wrote the book that inspired a person to invent something that changed the world! Or thank the woman who created the scholarship so a young person could go to college and become the teacher who encouraged the child...OR we thank the man who drove the wagon that carried the lumber that built the Dr. office where the woman's life was saved who bore the child who grew up to create the scholarship....truly we are ALL linked together for the Greater Common Good. My library cataloged this book as 813.54 and not in the fiction section.

[Joan Bannan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but it didn't knock my socks off. It had a strong message and it was a good message. By the end of the book, I felt like I had been listening to a motivational speaker, a very good motivational speaker, who augments their theme with stories from the past and the present.

I can't say that the present day story pulled me back into it. I would not have abandoned it, but I pulled myself back for the sake of our upcoming book club. I did enjoy discovering more about the historical figures, who supposedly owned one of the mysterious icons.

I'm still not sure how I feel about the central icon that seemed to have mystical powers to bring out the best in its owners. That, like the present day story, felt a bit flat, leaving me with several unanswered questions.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book....read along with The Butterfly Effect ...both by Andy Andrews....great perspective of how one small thing I do can change the entire world.....the ending wasn't what I wanted but lots of things in life are.....but I will continue to do as God leads me to make a difference in my world!

[Loretta F. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by Andy Andrews! While it's a bit hard to follow because of the different eras it covers, this book gives the reader much to consider concerning choices! I'll be thinking on this one for a long while. I give it 4 stars because it does have some language in it.

[Liana Roller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting concept and I loved that it went between the present time and history.

[Youndyc · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm feeling inspired already - or, I would be, if I weren't feeling so cynical. I bought this book not realizing that Andy Andrews is one of those business/motivational speaker authors. The story is a contrivance to allow him to look back at certain historical characters and focus on the "choice" they made to "do something special" with their lives choices (and, of course, by making this choice they made the world a better place and if only you would choose also to do something special with your life you would make the world a better place). The characters of the "story", as a result, lack any substance. But, on the bright side, it is a quick read and I learned a few things. For example, I knew almost nothing about George Washington Carver before reading this book.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I thought the premise that possession of pieces of an artifact is what made all the great people in history great was a little cheesy, and I did not like the ending. But what I did like was the in depth picture into various points in history and people. For instance, where has George Washington Carver been all my life?? He is my new hero now. I enjoyed retelling what I learned to the kids at dinner.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, confusing at parts and exciting at others. Over all it wasn't too bad.

[Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a fun book. I loved that they incorporated different historical events into the plot. It kind of reminded me of national treasure.

[Jeremiah Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And tha's where you'd be dead wrong!" Mae Mae said as she pointed her finger. "Everybody -- every single body -- makes a difference! But there is a choice that determines what kinda difference you will make. Most folks don't see how important they are... how much they matter to all of us. So they never choose to do somethin' special wif their lives. And not makin' a choice? That is a choice ... a lost one.”

Andy Andrews is a modern legend when it comes to storytelling. It has been said that the greatest story telling commandment is to make the audience care -- emotionally, intellectually, aesthetically. Andrews is able to do just that. His ability to recreate on the page the lives of influential men and women around the world draw in audiences to what end up being incredibly inspirational stories. There is no doubt that the works of this author ought to be taught unanimously in our schools today.

In The Lost Choice Andrews reminds us that each person, no matter how seemingly insignificant they are has the ability to positively or negatively impact the people that surround them every day. More importantly, we are reminded that intentions do not turn into accomplishments. If we always intend to make a difference but never choose to make that difference then it is of little value. If only our society today could realize that we talk too much and act too little how much better off we would all be.

Andrews relates this message in a beautifully crafted story that brings vivid characters to life and creates a mystery in the minds of his readers. This book is an instant classic for any lover of historical fiction, mystery, or inspirational stories.

[Kev Willoughby · Rating 3 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix “National Treasure,” a 104-year-old woman, and Joan of Arc? You get a solid historical fiction book by Andy Andrews, who is known for his love of biographies and his ability to extract inspirational life lessons from some of the most compelling lives throughout history.

I find myself saying this a lot lately, but this story starts out slowly, and it takes a good 65-70 pages to get going. Stick with it. Because once it takes off, it is enthralling, with a storyline reminiscent of the adventures of Benjamin Franklin Gates in the National Treasure film series. In The Lost Choice, Andy Andrews’ plot centers around three or four relics that have a very powerful meaning and have been handed down to some of the most influential lives of the past several hundred years. Among the biographies that Andrews brings to light are Joan of Arc, William Wallace, Booker T. Washington, Oskar Schindler, George Washington Carver, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Alfred Vanderbilt.

Although quite a diverse list of famous people, Andrews does a masterful job of grouping these people into three very distinct categories, each one represented by a relic that has supposedly been passed down from generation to generation throughout history. The four main characters in the story that chase down the relics and discover the legacy of each piece are, fittingly, a detective, a newspaper reporter, a museum curator, and an archaeologist.

If you’ve read Andy Andrews before, you are familiar with his style and his love of the biography. Once again, he spins a masterful tale that allows the reader to walk away with meaning and inspiration and a desire to apply what’s been learned in order to make an impact on the world, one person at a time, a la the “butterfly effect” that Andy writes about often. You’ll enjoy this one.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was the most different I've ever read. I began reading it with the expectation it would be like all other books - that the story line would follow along from beginning to end. Well, it kinda does, and it kinda doesn't. I'll put it this way: the interesting story line runs like a thread throughout the book, but it is interspersed by "vignettes" of historical accounts, real ones from what i could tell through my research online, of people like Booker T. Washington, Napoleon, the Founding Fathers, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington Carver, etc. I won't spoil the book and tell you what they all had in common. The story line is what ties all the "vignettes" of these historical figures together. It was very fun and interesting to read. However, I strongly disliked the ending. The story never "wrapped up". So it's like you reach what could potentially be the climax of the book, only to find it just ends. Just like that. no ending to the story. However, I will say that that may be part of the whole experience. To just never know. I will say this too: it left it wide open for a sequel.

As another author, Richard Paul Evans, does, this author drops a lot of golden nuggets of wisdom in his book. Many times I wanted to stop the audio and jot down a quote, and many times I did. I love books (and other media) that leave me thinking or enrich my thinking and life in some way. This book did not disappoint.

It's a good read. Just understand it won't follow the regular book format.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book at the library on a whim. And in the beginning I was a little skeptical to be honest. But I quickly began to really enjoy not just the mystery of the artifacts, but the stories about the people- some historical fiction (emphasis on historical). But what I liked best was how it inspired me! This idea that we are all connected and affect the world around us rings true to me. Even the choices we think we aren’t making are still making a difference.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
“Everybody- every single body- makes a difference! But there is a CHOICE that determines what kinda difference you will make. Most folks don’t see how important they are...how much they matter to all of us. So they never choose to do somethin’ special wif their lives. And NOT makin’ a choice? That IS a choice...a lost one.”
AND
“In any case,” Adams said, “I DO believe that words, paintings, a statue, or an object can harbor within it the unique power to inspire. And when one is inspired, an action is often taken. Only actions will change the world, Thomas. Intentions will not. Words will not. Only direct action BY YOUR HAND, will ever change anything.
There are those who would say, ’Let us be patient. Let us sit and wait upon the Almighty.’ I say to them, ‘Get up! The Almighty is waiting on you!’ Make no mistake, the Lord God instructs is; He leads us and inspires us, but He expects us to DO SOMETHING with the gifts we’ve been given. It is a choice that too few make”.

[Dana McNeely · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began reading, I tried to categorize this book. An ancient adventure, on the order of Raiders of the Lost Ark, because of the mysterious artifact. A split time story, jumping from important historical events to present day. An allegory? This is a book that didn't fit a mold, that surprised and delighted me as I hurried through it. I read it in one day. It's an important book. Lifechanging, perhaps. At the very least, extremely intriguing.

I don't want to spoil anything for you, but I highly recommend to anyone who wants to take a chance on a piece of fiction that may be lifechanging. Or who enjoyed Raiders of the Lost Ark. Or who enjoys history or present day headlines. Or treasure hunts.

I stumbled on THE LOST CHOICE when browsing through free online library options through HOOPLA. I recognized Andy Andrews as an author I'd heard great things about over at least ten years, but I'd never gotten around to reading anything by him. So glad that loss was remedied.

Give this book a try. Be prepared to be surprised.

[Nancy Holte · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always hard to review an Andy Andrews book. The reader strolls between fiction and history seamlessly. Andrew's books are consistently inspiring, encouraging, and educational. In this story, he jumps back and forth through different eras, which drove me a little crazy at first, but once I saw how it all came together, he'd hooked me.

When Dorry and Mark's 8-year-old son finds a bronze object in the ravine behind their Denver home, a search for its origin begins. The stories of who has owned the bronze object, or other ones similar to it, reveal fascinating, short vignettes of Oskar Schindler, Alfred Vanderbilt, John Adams, and George Washington Carver, among others.

The most significant thing about this book is how Andrews reminds the reader that one person can change the world by his or her decisions. You won't walk away from reading it feeling insignificant, no matter what you've accomplished in life. I highly recommend it, and if you're an audible listener, this story is brought to life by Andy Andrews himself.

[Diba · Rating 4 out of 5]

این یه کتاب هیجانی نیست که بخواین ازش انتظار کشش و معما داشته باشین، یه کتاب انگیزشیه که در قالب داستان نوشته شده و دقیقا مثل کتاب ملت عشق، قسمتی در زمان حال هست که شخصیت های خیالی و لوس داره، و پارت هایی که در زمان های گذشته ست و بر اساس شخصیت ها و وقایع تاریخی واقعیه که این قسمت ها واقعا ارزش خوندن داره و با شخصیت هایی آشنا میشید که احتمالا تا حالا چیز زیادی ازشون نشنیدین درحالی که تاثیر خیلی مهمی توی دنیا در زمان خودشون و بعد از اون داشتن.. اینکه همچین انسان هایی واقعا بودن و ساختگی نیست و اطلاعات همش مستنده خیلی حس دلگرم کننده ای داره...و فلسفه ی اصلی کتاب اثر پروانه ای در سرنوشت انسان هاست که توی همون زندگی های مثال زده شده مشخص شده..گه از اینجور کتابا که براساس شخصیت های الهام بخش واقعی و وقایع تاریخی هستن دوست دارین، کتاب درمانگر از همین نویسنده هم همینطوره ولی با داستان پردازی خیلی قوی تر و کشش دار تر.

[Monika Leubner · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a crap ending they did not even figure out what the relic is or the base of it which i guess the only thing you needed is the translation which isnt even realeased. Just overall not very good to be honest was expecting a lot motre then this. Guess the whole a legen of personal discovery is very true. Also the translation is nice and in terms of saving and such thats good would have been nice to know where the relic came from why it was made why the guy smashed it what is its purpose why why why.. I have more questions then asnwers and i dont like it. Like why was nothing resolved in this. Cool sinking of the lusitania though and the translation only good things in the book really.

[Charmaine Diedericks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a few years ago and went searching for the title to read again.

If I ever write a book, this is the type of book that I want to write. Meaningful lessons wrapped in an intriguing and beautiful story, written in a down to earth manner. I am reading a few other books at the moment, but I just don't want to finish any of them. It took me a while to realise why, pompous books, written in flowery language, with absolutely no point or meaning to any of them. This one is different, it touches your heart and stays with you.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was "so Og Mandino". I miss Og Mandino. I read every book he'd every written several decades ago, and I'd say it looks like Andy Andrews has now taken up the torch for "inspiration to be your best self through story" genre. I read it in one day (granted, I had 6 hours in a car to help the effort) but I was engaged through the whole book. A strength in this story is that Andy Andrews has researched historical facts and has woven them into the story brilliantly, which I like a lot. I highly recommend!

[Lynn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the past year, Andy Andrews has become one of my favorite authors. His combination of story telling intermixing fiction, history and a positive Christian message is great. This is another great book by Mr. Andrews and I thoroughly enjoyed it. One word of caution: do NOT skip the prologue. I know many people are tempted to skip things like that, but if you do that with this book, you will be lost as to what is going on!

[A.J. McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Andy Andrews, and I will definitely read another. At first, I was confused about whether I was going to read a novel or a self-help book, but I guess it's a combination of both. The writing itself was less than extraordinary, and the ending left me with a feeling of wanting more. But where it redeemed itself was in the depictions of historical characters and events. This is what sparked my curiosity and had me googling late into the night.

[Christine Ku · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a mystery, it is average to be honest and I’m not sure that is the genre that my library put it under (then again, I don’t need to rehash that libraries don’t assign books to the right genres and nowadays I think publishers and authors also play with genres and subgenres as a marketing gimmick). But it does have a strong thematic statement that touches me. And it’s done well so that it entices thought rather than bashing you in over the head with it. So overall, I like it.

[Lindy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready yourself for a journey with many notable persons in our history; George W. Carver, Joan of Arc, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alfred Vanderbilt and more. What ancient artifact bound these people together and spurred their contribution to mankind?

How could this discovery move you to great heights?

This story weaves fiction, fact and God’s wisdom into a tale that traverses time and may answer the age old question ‘why are we here?’.

[Stamen Stoev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Пленителна и вдъхновяваща история. Имаш усещането за пътуване във времето, докосвайки се до атмосферата, в която е направен избор за вземане на съдбовни решения. И накрая оставаш замислен и претегляш тежестта на взетите или невзети от теб решения. Взети или не и в двата случая си направил избор - съзнателен или подсъзнателен.

[Dorie Pardone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is incredible. Yes, there were some places where the chapters dragged on a bit, but overall the book was really interesting. I love the way the author made connections with his fictional story to history. Although the best part of the book was the message it gave you. It really leaves you thinking about it and how it can change your life.

[Ryviera Shayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where does this man get his stories?!? Andy has done it again! TOTALLY unexpected! I had no idea where this one was going or how it was even going to get there! If you are a fan of the valuable but elusive, surprising but important, Andy fan or not, you are going to find something about this book to appreciate! Keep 'em coming, Andy! We all need books like this!

[Colleen Aben · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE him. Fantastic book and super interesting how the stories wove together. I would love to hear how much of this is based in fact and how he came up with the idea. I will say a couple of chapters (the war and Nazi Germany) lost me a little bit on how the artifact was tied in. Great message and nuggets of wisdom.