Author Tony Agnesi has written a new book that I recommend with my whole heart, if you like reading that makes you want to do well for others. We all have stories to tell. But Tony reminds us here, that many are worth telling in all our lives, and that being pivotal in people’s lives, can and does matter.
Full disclosure, I know Tony well. I reviewed his first book here a few months ago, (A Storyteller’s Guide To A Grace-Filled Life) and gave it a strong thumbs up. Tony and I have played golf, enjoyed a wine, a bourbon, and a cigar on occasion. When Tony and I, and lucky others, are fortunate enough to be on the course together, Tony shares stories of all kinds, and tells them well.
Tony Agnesi
He is a natural to write this book as his storytelling is strong, as are the messages they convey. I tell you this because to know Tony, is to know this book. He has placed himself as the right guy to tell any story, to anyone. And here he tells important stories, ones worth telling about peoples lives, the good, the bad, the powerful, the sad, and the role he has played in them and how they affected him. It is relatable to all, and is a simple, yet powerful reminder that helping people, is a flat out good thing.
Tony is a spiritual guy, but he is the best kind of one. In life, as in his writings, you feel a spirit as opposed to being told about one. Tony’s stories here are about his own life as a counselor to those who need, as a broadcast pro, and as just a guy walking through the world, are powerful, short and easy to read. And although approached from a spiritual perspective in many cases, Tony makes the great decision to be fallible himself within some of the stories, to be regular, and not preachy. He asks you only to consider a look within for self guidance, as opposed to stating you would be better if you did so. He writes, you read, he suggests, you decide.
Because of this communicative gift, this book reads quickly, effortlessly and leaves you with a feeling that you have just had a quality conversation with someone you would like to know, and talk about your own life with. Something I love about Angesi books is they are more like conversations, than a read. That talking about life, and what to do with it, is never a bad thing. And how can make a difference within your own life and community. In fact, after reading a couple of his books, I am convinced we don’t do it enough. He even challenges you to reflect on how each story in this 165 page book can be transferred to your own life. And maybe we don’t do that enough either.
Books like this that are uplifting, honest and straightforward are important reading in our world today, and there may not be enough like them. After reading this, I was happy, motivated and reflective, challenged to be more open and take inventory and journal my own life. When a book can move you like that, it’s a sure sign that the time spent reading, was time well spent.
And that’s MY story. Well done, Tony.
Tony’s first book, also a good read.