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The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity
The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity
The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity
Audiobook6 hours

The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity

Written by Andy Andrews

Narrated by Andy Andrews

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

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About this audiobook

David Ponder is back—and this time, the fate of mankind may be in his hands.

This is humanity’s last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent mankind hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship—and that answer is only two words.

With time running out, it is up to David Ponder and a cast of history’s best and brightest minds to uncover this solution before it is too late. The catch? They are allowed only five tries to solve the ominous challenge.

Readers first encountered David Ponder in the New York Times bestseller The Traveler’s Gift. Now, in The Final Summit, Andrews combines a riveting narrative with astounding history in order to show us the one thing we must do when we don’t know what to do.

“Every generation or so, God produces a person who can communicate like no one else. His words are like cool water to a thirsty civilization. Andy Andrews is one of the best I have ever seen.”

—Zig Ziglar, America’s #1 Motivator and Best-Selling author

 

LanguageEnglish
PublisherThomas Nelson
Release dateApr 11, 2011
ISBN9780849949838
Author

Andy Andrews

Andy Andrews is a bestselling novelist, speaker, and consultant for some of the world’s most successful teams, largest corporations, and fastest-growing organizations. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Noticer, How Do You Kill 11 Million People?, and the modern classic The Traveler’s Gift. For more information, please visit AndyAndrews.com.

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Reviews for The Final Summit

Rating: 3.8200000133333334 out of 5 stars
4/5

75 ratings21 reviews

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  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    This book is the sequel to The Traveler’s Gift, which I did not read. In The Final Summit, the Archangel Gabriel brings a message from God to David Ponder. Gather all of the Travelers together and they must answer the following question with a two-word answer: “What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?”I was very disappointed in this book. It seems that it is part spiritual fantasy, part new age self-help. I didn't find this book particularly interesting or intriguing, and it was definitely not spiritually sound. It seems in this book God tells man “save yourself”!The beginning felt creepily like an infomercial for the get-rich-quick with real estate shown on late night TV. I also found it odd when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to David and told him that he was considered by the other travelers as “The greatest of them all”. In another scene David meets Winston Churchill (another traveler) and has a cigar with him.While the main point of the story (the end) is not a bad idea, it certainly is not a Christian view of what our focus in life should be. There is also a good lesson for living debt-free.I have read good Christian fantasy and have even read secular fantasy that had more Christian delineation of good and evil than did this book. I can't recommend this book.A copy of The Final Summit was provided free of charge by Thomas Nelson Publishing for review with the understanding that the review will be my honest opinion.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    What a wonder mid week finale. Ponder and friends do it again.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I love Andy Andrews style of communicating hope and encouragement. Someday I will meet him, maybe as a Traveler ?
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Andy Andrews does it again! I became and Andy Andrews fan when I read The Heart mender, this book was no less enjoyable. The book chronicles the journey of David Ponder who is sent to gather all the “Travelers” together to answer questions. The book is filled with many twists and turns throughout. As was the case with the last Andrew’s book I read – this one is so difficult to put down. I wanted to know exactly how the entire thing would turn out. However, I do wish that Andrews had pointed more to the personal relationship needed with Jesus Christ in order to enter heaven. There is not really any mention of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity and our dependence on this to have eternal life. Even in this I would recommend this book for an enjoyable read.
    Thank you Thomas Nelson, Booksneeze, for this review copy.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was a very intriguing read. Andy Andrews doesn't disappoint. The ending of the Summit put me on the edge of my seat and kept me there! Learn life principles with suspense leading the way!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a great book to inspire on in search of answers to life's problems. Although it is more of a narrative than an actual story, it presents a lot of historical figures in debating main issues. It is a lesson in history, in debate, in key events wrapped up in fantasy. The characterizations were humorous & descriptive in an unique way. I listened to this book on CDs. The author - Andy Andrews - added effectiveness in the marvelous manner he created the voices on the CDs. He did an excellent job of portraying various individuals.I feel the conclusion of the story will surprise most.Because of the discussion matter, plus Andrews effectiveness in presenting this information, I felt it is important enough to rate it with a Four Stars Book Review rating.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    i really did make every effort to get further into this book...
    enjoyed the personalization of historic characters - not sure of accuracy...
    but, sorry, no couldn't get it completed enough to write a compelling review ~
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The Final Summit by Andy Andrews is another book featuring David Ponder. He is first seen in Andy's book The Traveler's Gift. I have never read that book and although there were a few allusions to that book it did not detract from the story. In this book David is giving the challenge to answer one question that can save humanity from itself. It is the last chance for them (no pressure right?). The question is "What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?"

    David is taken by Gabriel, the archangel, to a room of traveler's (from what I understand this part would make more sense if I had read the other book) from history. He gets to ask for help from five different travelers and tries to answer before he calls a new traveler. The travelers who come to help are people like Winston Churchill and King David.

    Although this book is fictional it is definitely a self help book and unfortunately reads like one. I suppose if you enjoy self help this would not be an issue but it's not my favorite genre. I was somewhat frustrated at how little story there was and how much talk of different virtues and self help ideas there was. It was very hard for me to get into and enjoy this book. I have read The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews and loved it but this book was not my favorite. However, it's one redeeming quality for me is that it names many different characters from history and gave me ideas for different people I would like to read biographies on. :)

    I received a free copy of this product through Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    The Final Summit, Andy Andrews David Ponder has been tasked by the archangel Gabriel to lead a group of ‘travelers,’ historical figures of note throughout time that have made some impact on society, there job is to conduct the Final Summit in answering the question of discovering what one principle will save all of humanity, and without the correct answer mankind will come to an end.Andy Andrews has shown his abilities as a writer in creating a story that is compelling and thought provoking. The concept behind the Final Summit and the idea of what principle will help to get humanity back on track is interesting, as David Ponder with the help of many historical figures searches for the answer, the author spends chapters on possibilities and defining each of these words. With only five chances to answer the discussions that ensue are interesting and in some cases speculative to what each figure would say had they been in the situation.Throughout this book the story line was slightly aggravating where the author took many liberties on biblical accuracies; this books whole plot basis is not biblically based. If you are looking for a Biblically accurate Fiction story this is not your Book.As a book of pure fiction, the story makes some valid points and through the seven decisions in the beginning of the book offers sounds advice to living a better life. The authors writing style keeps you intrigued and in the story; however, the plot line and chapter layout becomes repetitive and predictable.Complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishing through Booksneeze.com
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    What is the one principle that will save humanity? That is the question that David Ponder and a bevy of historical figures must answer in The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity, the latest novel by acclaimed speaker and writer Andy Andrews. Mankind’s greed, pride, and hate have brought us to the brink of destruction and now God has given us one last chance at salvation by bringing together the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, George Washington Carver, Joan of Arc, and other great minds from throughout history to provide the two-word solution to the problem.This book was a page-turner. I found great enjoyment in the storyline, seeing the characters interact and sometimes wondering how such a meeting of “giants” would really go. I read the book in a very few sittings and found myself laughing often. Despite the enjoyable story, great insight is found in the book as well. The reader will learn, or be reminded of, many principles that have been used by successful people throughout history. The final “solution” is a tried and true act that is part of successful living.Unfortunately, I wish that the author had stayed closer to biblical truth. Numerous statements throughout the book differ from biblical teaching and the final solution, while beneficial on a humanistic level, falls far from the one “solution,” the only one capable of “saving” humanity from its destruction: Jesus Christ.If you want to be inspired or just entertained, I encourage you to read this book. Do not, however, expect to find biblically sound teaching within its pages.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Today I am reviewing The Last Summit -A Quest To Find The One Principle That Will Save Humanity by Andy Andrews. This book’s main character David Ponder is in what I called act three of his life. He is in his seventies widowed and grieving. He is then given a high task by the Archangel Gabriel. Operation solve the world’s problem and save the world from ending. I have to say talk about pressure. Don’t worry David is given a lot of smart and fun characters to help. I loved this book! I wish I could have thought process that the Author Andy Andrew has. He took history, fiction and wove them together to make some thing so inspirational fun and educational. Every one needs to read this book from high school to college students, any one who is in a management position with employees and most important parents. This book gives you leadership advice and important life lessons. The best part it is entertaining and a page turner. It is a short read at 224 pages. I give this book 5 stars. If you like to tweet positive quotes there are some real gems in this book. It is also very relevant to today’s world with talks of government talking of shut downs and bad economy. There were moments in this book where I thought wow how lucky am I to have gotten to review this book. I will be reading more of Andy Andrews’s books.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Whew that was a long summary. You know, perhaps it is just my opinion, but when it requires 4 paragraphs to explain a book- perhaps that is not a good sign. I have to say- this book has great intentions. It was a great premise. A man- who was able to travel time and meet every influential person that ever lived? Man, wouldn't I love to be that person. And to top it off- the main character and all of these historical figures have to work together to save mankind? That is the makings of a fantastic book.On a side note- I LOVED the Heart Mender. It is probably on my list of top 50 favorite books. It was satisfying, historically accurate, and just a surprisingly good read. I am pretty sure that this what The Final Summit was missing- heart. How could I root for a cast of characters that were completely full of themselves. They all seem to have wonderfully inflated egos... seems odd and wrong. I do have to say, this book had one of the most incredibly disappointing endings I have read for awhile. I literally tossed the book when I was done I was so incredibly frustrated. (Never mind the fact that this book comes off sounding like some sort of new age self help book).
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Andrews takes us on a journey with character David Ponder to answer the question, "What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?" The character, Ponder, meets such reknown Time Travellers as Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, and many others in the quest for the answer.The truths that Andrews brings to light will cause one to stop and "ponder" ones own pathway through this journey we call Life.I fully give this book Five Stars and my Thumbs Up Award!I highly recommend this book for all readers, teens to adults of all ages!The guides in the back of the book make it perfect for group study as well! A perfect additon to every home and church library!***DISCLOSURE: A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze review program for independent, non-biased review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is my first book by Andy Andrews. Although I did not read the first one in the series, The Traveler's Gift, I did not feel left out. Andy did an amazing job filling the the readers of what has happened previously, without re-writing the entire book. I was blown away by the amount of history I learned from this book. I loved learning about Eric Erickson, Winston Churchill, King David, and many others. Andy Andrews did his research and it was evident. Although I was slightly disapointed with the 'final answer' (I had my own figured out right away...) it made sense, and of course would change the outcome of humanity. I feel this book was written at the right time, and hopefully our culture can figure out the answer to save us all!
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    This book is the sequel to The Traveler’s Gift, which I did not read. In The Final Summit, the Archangel Gabriel brings a message from God to David Ponder. Gather all of the Travelers together and they must answer the following question with a two-word answer: “What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?”I was very disappointed in this book. It seems that it is part spiritual fantasy, part new age self-help. I didn't find this book particularly interesting or intriguing, and it was definitely not spiritually sound. It seems in this book God tells man “save yourself”!The beginning felt creepily like an infomercial for the get-rich-quick with real estate shown on late night TV. I also found it odd when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to David and told him that he was considered by the other travelers as “The greatest of them all”. In another scene David meets Winston Churchill (another traveler) and has a cigar with him.While the main point of the story (the end) is not a bad idea, it certainly is not a Christian view of what our focus in life should be. There is also a good lesson for living debt-free.I have read good Christian fantasy and have even read secular fantasy that had more Christian delineation of good and evil than did this book. I can't recommend this book.A copy of The Final Summit was provided free of charge by Thomas Nelson Publishing for review with the understanding that the review will be my honest opinion.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The Final Summit is the follow up novel of author, Andy Andrews, first successful literary hit, The Traveler's Gift.David Ponder is nearing the end of his life, his wife has recently died, leaving him lonely and miserable. At seventy four years of age, life is slowing down and there are no more surprises around the corner. Or so it would seem for the average person, however, David has a destiny to fulfill.One night, after another boring, routine day, David is visited by the angel Gabriel who informs him that he is to be the head of a summit for "travelers", those people in history who have shaped it, for better or worse. It seems God is not happy with humanity and wishes to end its misery, however, David and his cast of historical figures must answer one question, "What does humanity need to do, individually AND collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization"?David is allowed to converse with historical figures from history in order to come up with an answer to the question set before him. Taking advice from the likes of Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, King David, Eric Erickson, George Washington Carver, to name a few, the group discuss hope, self-discipline, ego and other of humanities aspects. During the discussions, a huge hourglass is increasingly dripping grains of sand, when the sands have stopped, then David must provide his final answer. Will the group figure out testimony that will save humanity or will the sands of time run dry and this age with it??As a stand alone novel, this isn't one that works well, you truly should read the first book to get the real significance of The Final Summit. David often refers to his youth throughout the pages, in which the prequel novel was set, and if you have not read it, you will wish you had in order to understand more of the motivation of David and the characters he meets.The book is easy to read, good flow and often times comical in its approach. The idea is rather a neat concept and it is intelligently written. David Ponder is one of those characters that you like, he is believable in character and prose. I found the historical figures a little stiff and less believable than I would've liked. Though the mannerisms are precise, their characters prose and thoughts did not match my interpretation of them. As well, I would've liked a little more oomph in the outcome of the situation. The final decision of the group wasn't what I had expected and it is much easier said than done. Andy Andrews may have given a solution to a problem but without the motivation and the enabling skills, the empowerment to act, then they are just that, words. As a fiction work though, it was a unique read that I am sure most will enjoy.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Andy Andrews does it again! I became and Andy Andrews fan when I read The Heart mender, this book was no less enjoyable. The book chronicles the journey of David Ponder who is sent to gather all the “Travelers” together to answer questions. The book is filled with many twists and turns throughout. As was the case with the last Andrew’s book I read – this one is so difficult to put down. I wanted to know exactly how the entire thing would turn out. However, I do wish that Andrews had pointed more to the personal relationship needed with Jesus Christ in order to enter heaven. There is not really any mention of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity and our dependence on this to have eternal life. Even in this I would recommend this book for an enjoyable read.Thank you Thomas Nelson, Booksneeze, for this review copy.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Final Summit by Andy Andrews is the second book about David Ponder, a "Traveler." He is introduced in The Traveler's Gift where he must travel through time to find the 7 secrets of success, but each book stands on its own in a complete novel. In The Final Summit, we find David Ponder, a successful businessman, who is well loved by colleagues and employees alike, mourning for his wife. He is now 74 years old and feels his life is over. The Archangel Gabriel appears to him and tells David he must attend a grand meeting of all the Travelers because humanity's survival is at stake. They must find a two word answer that an individual or humanity as a whole can do to save the human race, as God is thinking of starting over - a la Noah and the Ark.I enjoyed reading this book. The other Travelers who join David Ponder in this meeting are big names from history. Andy Andrews manages to blend them well into the storyline, giving a brief synopsis of each Traveler and their contributions to the world. He tempers the tense overtones of the meeting (after all, they are trying to save the human race) with tidbits of humor, especially through Winston Churchill trying to get the best of Archangel Gabriel.This book just made me feel good as I was reading it. The principals put forth as the answer are all things we should incorporate into our lives in order to make ourselves better people. But, you never feel like you're being preached at. I was a little let down at the final answer. Perhaps I was expecting something a little grander, more God-like. Yet sometimes, it's the little things that make the most impact.I would recommend this novel whether you're a Christian or not. It's a light read, I finished in two hours. You can be entertained and learn things about your self as you go. Who doesn't need to do that?
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book follows The Traveler's Gift, also written by Andy Andrews, and is one that once I started reading it, I was able to breeze through it, not wanting to put it down until the last page was turned.It's quite a unique concept, this storyline, introducing several historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, and more as part of the summit, or panel that the main character, David Ponder, was a part of.The dialogue between all of the central characters, including Gabriel, was very engaging and was what made this book such a page-turner, for me. It was quite insightful, the answer they came to.The author is quite talented, and is able to write a thoroughly enjoyable tale which is both inspirational and not overly so (so as to alienate others of different religions who may want to read this book). I would suggest reading The Traveler's Gift first, but definitely give this one a try.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Meet David Ponder, a 74 year old real-estate developer. David has had his ups and downs, financially and otherwise, but through it all he overcomes. After suffering an injury that leaves him comatose, David is allowed to travel through time, meeting various influential people and is presented with the "Seven Decisions for Success." He then uses these principles or "decisions" as the guiding focus for his life and tries to teach them to others. This is one of the reasons he has been chosen to lead all Travelers in an upcoming summit to decide humanity's fate. The quest begins to find the answer to the question: "What does humanity need to do individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?" At its heart this story is meant to be inspirational and motivational. It goes beyond the 'why are we here?' question to become a much more fundamental 'why do we deserve to be here?' David is allowed to interact with the previous Travelers and let me tell you this is quite the lofty group. He has previously met President Truman, King Solomon, Colonel Joshua Chamberlain (Civil War Hero), Christopher Columbus, Anne Frank, President Lincoln and the archangel Gabriel. These seven presented him with the Seven Decisions. At the summit he gets to meet and interact with Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, King David, and George Washington Carver. He is surrounded by a host of great historical figures such as: George Washington, Geoffrey Chaucer, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Albert Einstien, Thomas Edison, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, Michelangelo and John Adams. David is allowed to use the wisdom of five of these great minds to try and discern the answer to THE question before all hope is lost. There were points when the discussions between David and his appointed Travelers becomes bogged down by too much philosophy. Back-stories are also provided for some of the more obscure personalities, such as Col. Chamberlain and Eric Erickson (World War II hero). Although necessary to a certain extent, the amount of detail given somewhat detracts from the overall story focus. This is definitely a well-written and thought-provoking story. You feel that you know where the story is taking you and then you are taken off course. Although the dialogue between David and the historical personalities is highly fictionalized, it is believable. A good read for anyone interested in inspirational fiction.(NOTE: I received this book for free from the publisher through a book review blogger's program.)
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    David Ponder is an ordinary old man who is summoned by the archangel Gabriel to lead a meeting. “With a serious nod, Gabriel began:- You are at a turning point, he said- You, the human race, are balanced on a precipice, and He is not pleased. … now the Travelers are being convened with an opportunity to avoid what seems to me, the inevitable.” (page 32-3)The most influential leaders of the past history are gathered around a table to discuss ‘the one principle that will save humanity.’ “What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway to ward successful civilization?” (page 71)The Travelers in charge for the Answer are: Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, Eric Erickson, King David, George Washington Carver, and Joshua Chamberlain. The Final Summit is my first reading of Andy Andrews, so my opinions about this book could be incomplete.I was disappointed since the start of the book because, although the ingredients were ‘high level’, the result is poor.Reading the praise for The Final Summit, I was expecting a story stuffed with ideas, suggestions, and quotations from historical characters. I was also expecting a bit of fantasy.The style of the book suggests the idea kind of brainstorming meeting for insurances’ sellers, so motivational purposes are far from this book. The final answer ‘that will save humanity’ seems hanging over there, and so … It is not just double-entry accounting.I advise to reread hagiographies books, where ‘examples’ and suggestions comes from real life. Booksneeze has provided me with an Arc of this book.