The Baggage Handler was certainly an interesting read with the Baggage Handler. As the author states, we all have baggage we carry around every day. This story focuses on gaining freedom from your baggage. With the Baggage Handler being a symbol of Jesus, the meaning is clear. The story made me think. It made me contemplate what I need to hand to Jesus. A book like this can't be ignored. Try as hard as you might, but this story will stick with you. That is what all stories should do and this one nailed it on the head.
The writing style is relatable and understandable. With smooth transitions and an engaging tone, this supports the plot.
I suppose you want to hear about the plot. In all honesty, it had some surprises that I saw coming and others that I did not see.
I would recommend this novel to those who know they have baggage to sort out and those who don't think they have any - because you do. (sorry if i burst your bubble)

Personal Rating: 4 Stars
Content Rating: 4 Stars

I received this book in exchange for a honest review. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required. ( )

This was the perfect book to read heading into the New Year. No better time to think about what baggage you can get rid of. ( )

I really enjoyed this little book. it's an allegory, but it is so much more. In it we meet three people, each battling their own demons. I challenge those who read this book to find someone or even themselves in this book. How much baggage do each of us carry around? How does it limit our our options? How does it adversely affect our lives and our health? I really can't say I loved the three people's stories. I can't say that i found myself in one of these three people, but I can say that it made me realize that I had baggage of my own. Is it going to change my life? I don't know, but self awareness is worth something. I think we all need a baggage handler to help us through this life of toil and trouble. I highly recommend this book. And I have my own copy which makes it so much more special. I intend to share it with anyone who asks. ( )

The Baggage Handler is a contemporary story that explores one question: What baggage are you carrying?

Three people take a flight that will change their lives forever.

Fresh off a run-in with his wife, harried businessman David disembarks the plane angry and impatient.

Gillian thought she would be more excited about coming to her niece’s wedding, but she is just hoping to survive.

Malcolm has gambled everything on this trip to start his fledgling artistic career. To him, failure means working in hardware in what his father calls “a real job.”

After each picks up the wrong suitcase, they make their way to a mysterious baggage depot in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed.

A simple baggage mix-up at the airport is more than an inconvenience when it forces three people to face the baggage they are unknowingly carrying around.

I had heard a lot of great things about The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings, so I was thrilled to get the chance to read this debut novel. The buzz said it is a parable, and it certainly is. This book made me dig deep into my own attitudes, expectations, experiences, and insecurities — the baggage that is part and parcel of who I am. Insightful, thought-provoking, and a real conversation starter, this book gets a very highly recommended rating from me.

It all begins with three people with lost baggage. Each is facing struggles at the end of their plane rides, and the experience of searching out their lost baggage is not pleasant. Add an enigmatic baggage handler who forces them to face their real selves, and you have a riveting look into what people carry around with them and their inept means of dealing with it. The characters Rawlings created are well-developed, not the stereotypes often found in parables. They were very real and relatable from the opening chapters. Did I see myself in any of them? Maybe. 😉 The baggage they carry, often unrecognized or not of their choice, includes envy, unforgiveness, and unworthiness. The doubts and fears each exhibit come from the depths of the human experience. And that is what makes The Baggage Handler so powerful — its universal message. A light is shown on what we all need to deal with. The setting of the baggage facility is masterfully depicted — you’ll see when you read the book. Not everything is resolved in the way I would have liked, leaving me feeling both hopeful and sad. But isn’t that how it is in real life as well?

Perfect for a book club discussion ( you will want to talk about this book!), The Baggage Handler is a must-read! I cannot wait for more from Rawlings.

Very Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )