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5.51k reviews for:
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know
Malcolm Gladwell
3.83 AVERAGE
5.51k reviews for:
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know
Malcolm Gladwell
3.83 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Well, this book is uncomfortable to read. It’s filled with questions, judgments, and miscommunications. Real life cases are showcased and analyzed. Some hit hard and make you think, while others leave you wondering, 'why were they even added?'.
The storytelling feels non linear, and in a non fiction case study book like this, ends up being confusing. It does make you think and question your assumptions about people. But the way it's presented as a whole isn’t the best.
The storytelling feels non linear, and in a non fiction case study book like this, ends up being confusing. It does make you think and question your assumptions about people. But the way it's presented as a whole isn’t the best.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This was an interesting and engaging book to read! I like Gladwell’s writing style. It is very easy to read for nonfiction, and I think for people who don’t read a lot of nonfiction, he outlines and integrates his main ideas in a way that is helpful for comprehension. I also found a lot of the studies and theories in this book very intriguing, and some of the ideas I’m sure I will remember for a long time! I did, however, think like there was a lack of analysis of the role that biases like racism and sexism play when we interact with strangers, but in the afterword it sounded like that might be more a focus in ‘Blink,’ so I might have to read that one too. Still, I feel like there is important context that is being blatantly ignored in some of the arguments and examples. Although I don’t think this was the most profound book in the world, it was definitely a worthwhile read!
Insightful and interesting but more cautionary than his other books.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Really interesting and thought provoking. Overall, I liked the "podcast-ing" (background music, many voices, audio artifacts) of the audiobook - there was one light "beep beep beep" that showed up multiple times that was a little annoying. I did have a slight hesitation with: this is a very well constructed argument based on case studies (anecdotes) and interpretation for the most part. There is some very interesting conclusions, but I wondered "could you spin another narrative?" Very important analysis of several very tragic events that result from our inability to talk to strangers.
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Warning: this book is HEAVY. It references high profile sexual abuse cases, rape, suicide, police violence and murder, and torture. Only read (or listen) when in the right headspace.
This book NEEDS to be listened to. I first admired Malcolm Gladwell’s narration and writings in his podcast, Revisionist History. In his audiobook, he creates an immerse experience with audio clips from interviews and first-hand accounts, all interspersed with Janelle Monet’s song “Say Her Name.” I can’t recommend the audiobook enough; it was all I wanted to hear in my spare time.
Talking to Strangers tries to explain Sandra Bland’s case, the psychology and circumstances of that appalling and calculated encounter with Trooper Encina. I think Gladwell does a good job in intertwining psychology with real life examples. It’s a good read, an even better listen, and makes you think about how we have come to develop psychological tools that ultimately benefit us as a species but, in certain situations, can also harm us. I knocked one star off because in an attempt to explain the individuals’ psychology in the examples he cites, Gladwell glides over the, what I think he would argue reductionist, but necessary context of racism, sexism, and US imprrialism. Nevertheless, the audiobook is definitely worth a listen.
This book NEEDS to be listened to. I first admired Malcolm Gladwell’s narration and writings in his podcast, Revisionist History. In his audiobook, he creates an immerse experience with audio clips from interviews and first-hand accounts, all interspersed with Janelle Monet’s song “Say Her Name.” I can’t recommend the audiobook enough; it was all I wanted to hear in my spare time.
Talking to Strangers tries to explain Sandra Bland’s case, the psychology and circumstances of that appalling and calculated encounter with Trooper Encina. I think Gladwell does a good job in intertwining psychology with real life examples. It’s a good read, an even better listen, and makes you think about how we have come to develop psychological tools that ultimately benefit us as a species but, in certain situations, can also harm us. I knocked one star off because in an attempt to explain the individuals’ psychology in the examples he cites, Gladwell glides over the, what I think he would argue reductionist, but necessary context of racism, sexism, and US imprrialism. Nevertheless, the audiobook is definitely worth a listen.
While the stories and examples were compelling, I felt the overall summary of his points, or advice on how to get around our flawed dealings with strangers could’ve used more narrative.
Very interesting but not Malcolm's best book. Quite long for the one point, he covers.