What do you think?
Rate this book
The Book of Andy
To find contentment in the life we’re given is a treasure worth searching for.
What is the very best for us and our children? So often we think that we will obtain happiness when this or that happens—frequently related to our finances. We compare our life with the snapshots of happy faces posted on social media and feel terrible about our situation—often hopeless. What if we can live our lives, not defined by the trappings of this world, but by discovering contentment in the simple things and in what we are given?
In this modern-day Book of Job, Andy sits at the bottom of life’s pecking order. Working as a honey-dipper (a septic truck driver) and living in a single-wide trailer in small-town Montana, Andy longs for love and a better life. His only solace is found on the wild side of the river amongst the ponderosa and bull trout.
But when Andy is granted all that he desires, the peace he once found in his simple existence, and the serenity of dipping a dry fly into the Blackfoot River evaporates. A family secret that seems like a cruel betrayal emerges as a great blessing in disguise.
The Book of Andy is for everyone who feels that life has beat them down…for anyone who prays for a breakthrough. Fans of Walter Mitty, A River Runs Through It, and Forrest Gump will enjoy this humorous family saga of finding faith, love, and contentment.
What is the very best for us and our children? So often we think that we will obtain happiness when this or that happens—frequently related to our finances. We compare our life with the snapshots of happy faces posted on social media and feel terrible about our situation—often hopeless. What if we can live our lives, not defined by the trappings of this world, but by discovering contentment in the simple things and in what we are given?
In this modern-day Book of Job, Andy sits at the bottom of life’s pecking order. Working as a honey-dipper (a septic truck driver) and living in a single-wide trailer in small-town Montana, Andy longs for love and a better life. His only solace is found on the wild side of the river amongst the ponderosa and bull trout.
But when Andy is granted all that he desires, the peace he once found in his simple existence, and the serenity of dipping a dry fly into the Blackfoot River evaporates. A family secret that seems like a cruel betrayal emerges as a great blessing in disguise.
The Book of Andy is for everyone who feels that life has beat them down…for anyone who prays for a breakthrough. Fans of Walter Mitty, A River Runs Through It, and Forrest Gump will enjoy this humorous family saga of finding faith, love, and contentment.
318 pages, Paperback
Published July 25, 2021
55 people are currently reading
1362 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 8, 2021
The main character in this book, Andy (obviously) is such a breath of fresh air. He is naive and kind and tries his best to be a good person. This story is a perfect balm in this current atmosphere of conflict and division. I enjoyed spending time with Andy.
July 25, 2021
This witty, insightful story reveals the state of humanity through the citizens of Missoula, Montana. The reader meets the haves and have-nots, the cruel and the kind, the trustworthy and the wicked through the eyes of a shy common man, Andy Strobel. His work ethic rises above the lowliness of his job, and he revels in the simple pleasures of fly fishing with his dog Max and wood carving.
Andy’s true character is tested and tempted to the limits when he is thrown into unfamiliar circumstances beyond his education and experience to understand. Will he rise to the challenges or fall? Will he believe people’s words or actions? Will he remain true to himself or change to suit the expectations of others?
Anchored in contemporary Western Montana, the story delves into the history of Indians, explorers, and lumberjacks who forged the wilderness before settlers built the town. The historic development of the place parallels the stages of Andy’s self-awareness, his love of the land, and his attempts to establish his place in it.
Recommended for readers of James Thurber, Richard Paul Evans. Charles Martin, and Norman Maclean.
#TheBookofAndy #NetGalley #
Andy’s true character is tested and tempted to the limits when he is thrown into unfamiliar circumstances beyond his education and experience to understand. Will he rise to the challenges or fall? Will he believe people’s words or actions? Will he remain true to himself or change to suit the expectations of others?
Anchored in contemporary Western Montana, the story delves into the history of Indians, explorers, and lumberjacks who forged the wilderness before settlers built the town. The historic development of the place parallels the stages of Andy’s self-awareness, his love of the land, and his attempts to establish his place in it.
Recommended for readers of James Thurber, Richard Paul Evans. Charles Martin, and Norman Maclean.
#TheBookofAndy #NetGalley #
July 20, 2021
Reading "The Book of Andy" was like going on vacation. Let me explain. I grew up in Montana. I just didn't have an appreciation for it until I moved away. Now, getting back home is a treat. Timothy Browne captures the majesty of "Big Sky Country" in such a way that the benefits of a mountain vacation came to life for me while reading about Andy's adventures. Thanks Dr. Browne!
July 24, 2021
I enjoyed the story of Andy. He is a likeable character that you want to root for. Loosely based on The Book of Job from the Bible, Andy is tested all his life. He is told that he will never amount to anything and that he ruins everything. When thing turn around for him, Andy stays true to himself and the beliefs his mother taught him. When you read this, you will realize what the parable is. If you enjoy thought-provoking reads, you will love The Book of Andy. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 18, 2021
I received this book as an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Not my usual genre, so found this book to be very thought provoking and uplifting. Andy is your every day average guy, with his luck being no luck. Just an honest guy doing an honest job, just barely getting by, being a "honey-dipper" he's busy keeping people's septic system's running smoothly, until it explodes, literally. What an adventure! Well written, great character development with a fun story line. This will make you happy, sad and cheering on Andy, Abby and the rest of the people that touch on the story of Andy. Loved it
Not my usual genre, so found this book to be very thought provoking and uplifting. Andy is your every day average guy, with his luck being no luck. Just an honest guy doing an honest job, just barely getting by, being a "honey-dipper" he's busy keeping people's septic system's running smoothly, until it explodes, literally. What an adventure! Well written, great character development with a fun story line. This will make you happy, sad and cheering on Andy, Abby and the rest of the people that touch on the story of Andy. Loved it
July 6, 2021
Promise me a fresh twist on a familiar theme, and I'm tempted. "The Book of Andy" is said to be a flip-side of the Book of Job, with the Devil seeking to corrupt one of God's most loyal and devoted followers. Ok, I'll take the bait!
Instead of being blessed like the Biblical Job, Andy is an underdog, working as a septic-tank driver and doing the dirtiest work on earth for ten dollars an hour, which is barely enough for him to pay rent on a single-wide trailer. He is the butt of every joke, the scapegoat whenever things go wrong. He never made it past eighth grade. "You have protected him from the trappings of the world," Satan tells god. "But now stretch out your hand and bless everything that he has, and he will surely forget you."
Andy's fortune does change, to the point that he has Oprah wanting to tell the world his story. This is where all plausibility took a hike. I should have seen the red flags waving: whenever an author promises a story as riveting as some best-seller, e.g. "Fans of Walter Mitty, A River Runs Through It, and Forrest Gump will enjoy this humorous family saga," my expectations plummet.
The story is engaging, despite how annoying the unsavory characters are, and Andy does not disappoint the reader. The plot twist at the end, however, just didn't ring true for me.
It's not hard to identify with Andy, but it's so hard to see him just accept whatever abuse the locals dish out at him. On seeing someone else targeted, Andy develops a spine (and a fist) in a hurry. The underdog is heroic, after all.
He also makes awesome wood carvings, and he's nimble on the slippery rocks of the scenic river that runs through the tale along with the Mandalorian, a character from another best-selling franchise, and for some reason, that pulls me out of this story and reminds me that Andy, like the Mandalorian, is a fictional character.
The river, the geological history, the backstory on gold, and the descriptions of Montana are some of the best aspects of this novel.
The mean people are two-dimensional, awful, unlikable. The school cheerleader and the star football player have no redeeming virtues, quirks or character traits. Andy's boss is even worse. The septic explosion is as predictable as it is un-funny. If not for the river, the fly fishing, Andy's rescue dog, and a mail carrier who has cerebral palsey, I would have quit the book at once.
Carrie and Will, their estate, their wealth, their superficiality, could have been conveyed with a smidgeon of subtlety, but no, they are the Beautiful People who have it all, including the selfish and self-absorbed attitudes.
The priest struck me as another cardboard cutout. No insights, no depth of character, no inspiration here. Even his jokes were trite. (E.g., retelling the old joke about the 80-year-old man at the confessional who isn't even Catholic, but he's "telling everyone" about - well, in case you haven't heard this one before, I'll leave it at that..)
This novel reminds me of another Hallmark-variety, feel-good story of good fortune and paying it forward, "Harry's Trees" by Jon Cohen.
There are good scenes in The Book of Andy, to be sure, especially the river, the mountains, the town's history, and some of the family dynamics. Fans of Hallmark dramas will love this. Fans of Norman Maclean ("A River Runs Through It") may like it. My standards are more exacting than the average reader's, as my degree is in English teaching, and I've read, edited, and reviewed so many books for so many years, I'm harder to impress.
#TheBookofAndy #NetGalley
Instead of being blessed like the Biblical Job, Andy is an underdog, working as a septic-tank driver and doing the dirtiest work on earth for ten dollars an hour, which is barely enough for him to pay rent on a single-wide trailer. He is the butt of every joke, the scapegoat whenever things go wrong. He never made it past eighth grade. "You have protected him from the trappings of the world," Satan tells god. "But now stretch out your hand and bless everything that he has, and he will surely forget you."
Andy's fortune does change, to the point that he has Oprah wanting to tell the world his story. This is where all plausibility took a hike. I should have seen the red flags waving: whenever an author promises a story as riveting as some best-seller, e.g. "Fans of Walter Mitty, A River Runs Through It, and Forrest Gump will enjoy this humorous family saga," my expectations plummet.
The story is engaging, despite how annoying the unsavory characters are, and Andy does not disappoint the reader. The plot twist at the end, however, just didn't ring true for me.
It's not hard to identify with Andy, but it's so hard to see him just accept whatever abuse the locals dish out at him. On seeing someone else targeted, Andy develops a spine (and a fist) in a hurry. The underdog is heroic, after all.
He also makes awesome wood carvings, and he's nimble on the slippery rocks of the scenic river that runs through the tale along with the Mandalorian, a character from another best-selling franchise, and for some reason, that pulls me out of this story and reminds me that Andy, like the Mandalorian, is a fictional character.
The river, the geological history, the backstory on gold, and the descriptions of Montana are some of the best aspects of this novel.
The mean people are two-dimensional, awful, unlikable. The school cheerleader and the star football player have no redeeming virtues, quirks or character traits. Andy's boss is even worse. The septic explosion is as predictable as it is un-funny. If not for the river, the fly fishing, Andy's rescue dog, and a mail carrier who has cerebral palsey, I would have quit the book at once.
Carrie and Will, their estate, their wealth, their superficiality, could have been conveyed with a smidgeon of subtlety, but no, they are the Beautiful People who have it all, including the selfish and self-absorbed attitudes.
The priest struck me as another cardboard cutout. No insights, no depth of character, no inspiration here. Even his jokes were trite. (E.g., retelling the old joke about the 80-year-old man at the confessional who isn't even Catholic, but he's "telling everyone" about - well, in case you haven't heard this one before, I'll leave it at that..)
This novel reminds me of another Hallmark-variety, feel-good story of good fortune and paying it forward, "Harry's Trees" by Jon Cohen.
There are good scenes in The Book of Andy, to be sure, especially the river, the mountains, the town's history, and some of the family dynamics. Fans of Hallmark dramas will love this. Fans of Norman Maclean ("A River Runs Through It") may like it. My standards are more exacting than the average reader's, as my degree is in English teaching, and I've read, edited, and reviewed so many books for so many years, I'm harder to impress.
#TheBookofAndy #NetGalley
July 26, 2021
Oh my - how I grew to love Andy as a character - and a person. He's the lowest of the low status wise, low paid, horrible job, living on his meagre wages - hand to mouth - and just about keeping his head above water. He tries to be a good person but he keeps getting knocked down. But in the wonderful words of the mighty Cumbawamba - he gets knocked down, he gets up again, never gonna keep him down... and this is basically the running theme of the book.
Until that is, one day, after a disaster which is best left for you to discover yourself, he finds himself blessed with fortune. The underdog is about to turn...
But the narrative is peppered with discussions between good and evil, Satan and God. Discussing what to do with and to Andy, where the line is drawn. How far to push and when to hold back. Setting out the ground rules.
Underdog soon becomes hero and his touch knows no bounds. Or past histories. He finds the things that most people take for granted. But he gives back too.
There's a message contained within the words of this book. Obviously. An important one, one that Andy finds easy. Because, well, he's Andy. A simple soul. With a good heart.
But it's not preachy. You'll take what you want/need from this book. Nothing more, nothing less. If it's just the story you want, that's there too. There's layers depending on what you want to take. How deep you choose to delve.
One thing's for certain (I hope anyway). You will be rooting for Andy, all the way through.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Until that is, one day, after a disaster which is best left for you to discover yourself, he finds himself blessed with fortune. The underdog is about to turn...
But the narrative is peppered with discussions between good and evil, Satan and God. Discussing what to do with and to Andy, where the line is drawn. How far to push and when to hold back. Setting out the ground rules.
Underdog soon becomes hero and his touch knows no bounds. Or past histories. He finds the things that most people take for granted. But he gives back too.
There's a message contained within the words of this book. Obviously. An important one, one that Andy finds easy. Because, well, he's Andy. A simple soul. With a good heart.
But it's not preachy. You'll take what you want/need from this book. Nothing more, nothing less. If it's just the story you want, that's there too. There's layers depending on what you want to take. How deep you choose to delve.
One thing's for certain (I hope anyway). You will be rooting for Andy, all the way through.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
July 25, 2021
Growing up in Andy’s neck of the woods, I was skeptical of how the author, Timothy Browne, would be able to effectively honor the unique beauty and diversity of my Western Montana … ill founded concern!!! Kudos Dr. Browne on another ‘must read’ lovely story!
‘The Book of Andy’ is a sly, tongue-in-cheek tale filled with humor, subtle romance, and intriguing obstacles. The storytellers descriptive prose is on point creating vivid, lively scenes, and endearing characters.
I do believe my new-found favorite word, historically correct, is ‘honey-dipper’!! LOL
I’m not going to share any more of the delightful details found in ‘The Book of Andy’ but I will admit that quit often, I was not prepared for where Andy’s series of events led me. (Hint, hint, page-turner)
I fully appreciate and applaud the faith that Timothy Browne is determined to share in all of his fabulous novels. Thank you Dr. Browne!! I’m a firm believer in Our Lord and Savior’s Secret Weapon that is readily available to each and every one of us.
So, do yourself a favor & READ THIS BOOK!
‘The Book of Andy’ is a sly, tongue-in-cheek tale filled with humor, subtle romance, and intriguing obstacles. The storytellers descriptive prose is on point creating vivid, lively scenes, and endearing characters.
I do believe my new-found favorite word, historically correct, is ‘honey-dipper’!! LOL
I’m not going to share any more of the delightful details found in ‘The Book of Andy’ but I will admit that quit often, I was not prepared for where Andy’s series of events led me. (Hint, hint, page-turner)
I fully appreciate and applaud the faith that Timothy Browne is determined to share in all of his fabulous novels. Thank you Dr. Browne!! I’m a firm believer in Our Lord and Savior’s Secret Weapon that is readily available to each and every one of us.
So, do yourself a favor & READ THIS BOOK!
August 29, 2021
Underdog story with some history. Overall, enjoyable and easy to read, although an unusual story arc.
July 11, 2021
Just finished an advance copy of THE BOOK OF ANDY. Poor Andy seems to have no luck at all. Dysfunctional family, dead end job and nothing to look forward to, life seems so hard on him. But like the parables this earthly story has a heavenly meaning. When Andy chooses to give up good things for the better thing he realizes how blessed he has it. The desire for more, bigger or better isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
The title, The Book of Andy, is referential to The Book of Job, the Old Testament story of God and the Devil playing fast and loose with an honorable man. In the original story Job was a righteous man and to prove to the Devil that Job’s faith in God was strong and not based on material possessions, God allowed terrible tragedies to befall Job, and lo and behold! Job never lost his trust in God. In this contemporary retelling of the story, Andy is a loser with an 8th grade education working at the lowest of jobs, cleaning septic systems, who is held in contempt by practically everyone. Through it all he maintains his love for God and family and lives an honorable life. In a twist on the Biblical story God allows the Devil to tempt Andy with money, fame and lust to show that a true man of God will not be led astray by any of such trappings.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was an entertaining read, well written with a captivating plot and lots of great details that served the story well. . The characters were well drawn, both earnest Andy and the tempters he meets.
My real issue is with the original premise of God and Satan using Andy as a pawn in their relationship.That story has always seemed more like a cautionary tale to teach the Jewish community to serve the Lord, and not true to the concept of a God whose steadfast love endures forever.
I did love the narrative between God and Satan, partly true to the language of The Law and partly an ironic modern retelling. Even better was the final chapter which was so great it almost made up for my initial misgivings.
I invite you to read The Book of Andy for yourself. You are sure to gain something from the story.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was an entertaining read, well written with a captivating plot and lots of great details that served the story well. . The characters were well drawn, both earnest Andy and the tempters he meets.
My real issue is with the original premise of God and Satan using Andy as a pawn in their relationship.That story has always seemed more like a cautionary tale to teach the Jewish community to serve the Lord, and not true to the concept of a God whose steadfast love endures forever.
I did love the narrative between God and Satan, partly true to the language of The Law and partly an ironic modern retelling. Even better was the final chapter which was so great it almost made up for my initial misgivings.
I invite you to read The Book of Andy for yourself. You are sure to gain something from the story.
January 30, 2022
Most of the people who read my reviews know me, most of them are likely related to me somehow. So most everybody who is reading this review is aware I abhor religion. It is the root of all evil…quite literally. However, I will read anything, otherwise this book wouldn’t have been on my shelf. So, I dug right in.
I’m not gonna lie, I’m not familiar with the story of Job. I read the bible back in college, but I’ve finished thousands of books since then, and I promise I didn’t really pay attention. This book claims to be a modern adaptation of the book of Job, and since I have no memory of it, I read this one with zero expectations. I just wanted a good story, and that’s what I received. Andy is just an all-around decent fella surrounded by assholes. Over the course of the book, Andy gets a few windfalls, and the assholes get a whole lot of kicks in the pants. Seems like it went how it should, karma-wise anyway. I dig a story with a good guy that gets rewarded, bad guys who get their own “rewards,” and even a little romance.
I’m not gonna lie, I’m not familiar with the story of Job. I read the bible back in college, but I’ve finished thousands of books since then, and I promise I didn’t really pay attention. This book claims to be a modern adaptation of the book of Job, and since I have no memory of it, I read this one with zero expectations. I just wanted a good story, and that’s what I received. Andy is just an all-around decent fella surrounded by assholes. Over the course of the book, Andy gets a few windfalls, and the assholes get a whole lot of kicks in the pants. Seems like it went how it should, karma-wise anyway. I dig a story with a good guy that gets rewarded, bad guys who get their own “rewards,” and even a little romance.
August 13, 2021
Based loosely on the theme of the Book of Job from the Christian Bible, but in reverse, Andy is tested by gaining that which he lacks. It is presumed by Satan that this nice boy who is the butt of everyone’s jokes will forget his solid upbringing of wanting to do the right thing if he is given wealth, notoriety, respect, etc. Satan tells God that Andy will forget him if given more (as he begins the story with only God to depend upon).
Nice plot. Enjoyable, believable characters. I highly recommend!
Nice plot. Enjoyable, believable characters. I highly recommend!
January 16, 2025
One can't but help liking Andy, the main protagonist. He has one of the most worthless jobs in America which is septic pumping and hauling. He is bullied by his coworkers and his boss, Mac, puts Andy down constantly. Andy's fortunes change when he finds gold on his deceased father's mineral claim. Andy loves fly fishing and the Blackfoot and Gold creek rivers. Andy has a quiet existence until he is in a vehicle accident. The characters are believable and the plot moves along. Andy is very kind and doesn't realize many find him offensive. Andy's kindness prevails and it lightened my heart.
August 2, 2021
Excellent story Timothy Browne!!
Andy, a simple man who finds himself and what and who are important to him. Loved the descriptions of the Blackfoot and feeling the cool water, seeing the fish and flies, in our old family stomping grounds of Johnsrud Park! Loved that it has many surprises, not a "predictable" story! 😍👍 Keep up the story telling and I'll keep buying your books!!👍
Andy, a simple man who finds himself and what and who are important to him. Loved the descriptions of the Blackfoot and feeling the cool water, seeing the fish and flies, in our old family stomping grounds of Johnsrud Park! Loved that it has many surprises, not a "predictable" story! 😍👍 Keep up the story telling and I'll keep buying your books!!👍
December 25, 2021
I've read several of Mr. Browne's books and have loved every one of them. I read The Book of Andy after having read Larimer Street, and it's hard not to paste in the 5-star rating I gave it as well. This book is absolutely wonderful, such a great story with an ending that "won't disappoint!" I loved it and can't recommend it enough.
July 4, 2021
I just frankly didn’t get the whole point of this book. I feel the writing itself is reasonable. But the storyline just isn’t there in any shape or form for me, it was a real task to get anywhere on this.
August 5, 2021
This was a most satisfying story: good vs evil, God vs Satan, love vs lust, humor vs tears. I seldom rate a book with 5 stars, but this one earned it. Timothy Browne is a new author to me and I need to find out what else he has written.
August 14, 2021
The Book of Andy
I absolutely loved this book and didn't want it to end. Andy was such a good guy and I knew he would do the right thing. Will be watching for more stories by you Mr Browne.
I absolutely loved this book and didn't want it to end. Andy was such a good guy and I knew he would do the right thing. Will be watching for more stories by you Mr Browne.
December 17, 2021
Andy Rocks!
If ever anyone deserved to win the lottery, it was Andy. He was nonetheless heroic and humble. Obedient almost beyond belief to the Higher Power as he understood it, Andy is a character who is, above all, human. Humorous and relatable. Well done.
If ever anyone deserved to win the lottery, it was Andy. He was nonetheless heroic and humble. Obedient almost beyond belief to the Higher Power as he understood it, Andy is a character who is, above all, human. Humorous and relatable. Well done.
April 6, 2022
I could not put this book down, wonderful .
This book was absolutely wonderful, filled with great emotion of a humble man. It was truly an example of what family and Faith can do. I highly recommend reading the book of Andy.
This book was absolutely wonderful, filled with great emotion of a humble man. It was truly an example of what family and Faith can do. I highly recommend reading the book of Andy.
July 26, 2021
Thank you for the free Arc
Not my usual read but I totally enjoyed it
Not my usual read but I totally enjoyed it
August 6, 2021
Amazing read
Another wonderful read! Could not put it down. A great story of good and evil, by an amazing author. A must read.
Another wonderful read! Could not put it down. A great story of good and evil, by an amazing author. A must read.
December 11, 2021
Wonderful book
I enjoyed this book very much. It is well written and the characters well developed. It is poignant retelling of the story of Job with a slight twist.
I enjoyed this book very much. It is well written and the characters well developed. It is poignant retelling of the story of Job with a slight twist.
October 4, 2022
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Such an interesting and different book! Everyone should read.
December 26, 2025
Very unique
Excellent as always. Enjoying this author very much. You can relate and be a part of the story. Enjoying all his books.
Excellent as always. Enjoying this author very much. You can relate and be a part of the story. Enjoying all his books.
December 19, 2021
Book mail
Well Wriiten.
Loved the story.
Descriptive background and characters.
Everyone must read to find what is important in their life.
Well Wriiten.
Loved the story.
Descriptive background and characters.
Everyone must read to find what is important in their life.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews