Thursday, October 17, 2019

THE BAGGAGE HANDLER by David Rawlings, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

The Baggage Handler is a finalist for the Christy Awards in the First Book category for 2018.
“Life isn’t about what you’ve got. It’s about what you do with what you’ve got.”
What I liked:
It was interesting to see how each of the characters handled the situation when they were confronted with their baggage. There was a funny spot when a T.V. had a soap opera with triplets named Ranch, French and Cesar.
The personage of the baggage handler was good at nudging people to look at themselves but wasn’t pushy.

What I didn’t like:
I understand that this was supposed to be an allegory but it came across to me as a disguised self-help book.
There were a couple of phrases that were repeated word for word: “clouded blue eyes, a look approaching wistfulness.” and “ black curly hair, threatened to spring free.”
But the thing I found wanting was the lack of scripture or plain Biblical teaching. I think this could have been a much better book if it had included a clear scriptural teaching. The only mention of God was in the acknowledgments.
Sorry this was a miss for me.

* I received a copy of this book in a giveaway from Celebrate Lit in April, 2019. I wasn’t required to give a review. All opinions are my own.*

BackCover Blurb:
In a similar vein to The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews or Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory, The Baggage Handler is a contemporary story that explores one question: What baggage are you carrying? 

“The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings is an extraordinary novel that lingered in my heart long after I finished it.”—Colleen Coble, USA Today bestselling author of The House at Saltwater Point and the Lavender Tide series 

When three people take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, their lives change forever. 

A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job.
A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister's house before her niece’s wedding.
And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive.

When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave.
In this modern-day parable about the burdens that weigh us down, David Rawlings issues an inspiring invitation to lighten the load.

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy The Baggage Handler at Amazon
Buy The Baggage Handler at Christianbook.com

2 comments:

  1. This book sounds like a very good read, I would love to read it. We all carry baggage with us that's for sure! I really love the cover. Thank you so much for sharing your book review. God Bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I always smile when I see Alicia has commented. thanks so much for your faithful friendship. It means a lot to the reviewers that you take the time to do so!

    ReplyDelete

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