The Baggage Handler was a book by a new author for me. It was wonderful. I was intrigued by the back cover and the book itself did not disappoint. I loved the character development, the particular phrases the author used to get his point across, and how it mirrored real life. It definitely was a book that made me think long after I turned the last page so much so I'm still thinking about the message and its implications and I read the book over two weeks ago. This was a wonderful book I would definitely recommend others read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are exclusively mine.

This debut novel packs a punch.

David Rawlings dives deep into what can drive a person to act the way they do, and the domino effect it has upon them and others.

Through identifiable characters and settings that are sharp and clear, it is a fresh perspective in fiction that will stay with you for a long time to come. It's simply wonderful.

3.5 stars

"Who are you? . . . I'm the Baggage Handler. Now let me show you the way out."

Curiously, three different travellers find themselves holding the wrong suitcases, stuck in situations that have receding deadlines, and forced to wade through unneccesary protocols. When finally faced with the Baggage Handler and his nearly imperceptible urgency, they find that not only have the contents of their suitcases become weighted down, but that they must make a decision about what to do with the added weight.

What a perceptive little story! The author cleverly compares life's self imposed burdens to items in a piece of luggage that cause its carriers to stumble and often fall, under the weight of misconception, unforgiveness, and lack of confidence.

" . . .you don't need to carry this baggage. You have a choice."

Sharon Malthe Timmer's review Aug 14, 2019 edit

really liked it

If you are looking for a book that is a nice, easy read then this is the book for you. Three strangers each take the wrong suitcase from the baggage claim, but then they are all directed to pick up their bags at a facility in a remote part of the city.

This story was interesting in how the baggage handler points out the baggage that each of them is carrying, but how each one of their stories are unique to each one of them.

I loved that there were some questions also at the end because it helped me to deal with some of my baggage that I have been carrying around way too long!

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I like it! In fact, I think that many people really need to read this book!! It's not the typical fiction book, but I think that if you like Andy Andrews books, or David Gregory, or something like that, you will enjoy this book.

It's a quick read, but not a light read. There's a lot of depth to it, and challenge as to how you live.

Try it, I think you'll like it!