In The Final Summit
Although fictional, he draws lessons from the real-life experiences of many well-known leaders from the past. He even sprinkles in anecdotes from a few that aren’t so well known. Andy takes more of a “how-it-was-done” approach to solving life’s problems rather than just give us another missive on what modern experts say.
The book is practical, philosophical, theological, and historical.
The storyline focuses on a final summit at which the main character of the book, David Ponder, along with many great leaders from the past – all dead but in heaven – will confer in finding the two word answer to one significant question:
What should humanity do, individually and collectively, in order to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?
Obviously, the question assumes humanity has strayed from the path and they are close to doom. The answer provides practical advice for getting realigned.
There was one very interesting and practical tidbit that didn’t directly apply to the question but is useful nonetheless. Andy gleans insights from two leaders, Winston Churchill, and Abraham Lincoln, on how to handle depression. Very relevant for people today.
Philosophically the book explores ideas such as hope, wisdom, courage, self-discipline, and character all of which are obvious choices for the answer but none of which are exactly right. Although none are THE answer all of them are illustrated clearly in the discussion.
Andy plays a little with theology, humanizing the historical figures who attended the summit. Winston Churchill smokes his cigars, several attendees show signs of age and they freely express their anger and frustration. These touches are useful because it makes the story a bit more relateable to earthlings, the ones for whom the book was written. [Read more…] about “The Final Summit” by Andy Andrews
Dr. Chapman departs from academic definitions of love, which are mostly intellectual and therefore cold, and discusses what he refers to as “emotional” love. This is the romantic kind often portrayed in novels and movies and rooted in our psychological makeup. 
represents David Platt’s concept of discipleship and he explains it best by derogating what he considers its biggest obstacle, the American Dream. However, even though he holds significant degrees and is clearly articulate, the book is thin on substance, sketchy on interpretation and heavily emotive. 