I am a follower of Jesus, and I found tremendous benefit in this book based in Buddhism. I'm certainly not going to lay down my faith (I hope it's strong enough to survive reading a book), and I found many valuable insights in this piece.
If you're new to understanding mindfulness, this book accomplishes an enriching plunge into the topic. It's something that people of all faiths, living in this world together, need to do a lot more of.
If you're a person who has poor social skills and doesn't understand why you can't participate in conversations well, I would think this book would be critical. That's certainly not me (unless I'm just unaware!) but I imagine this would be a fantastic primer for learning how to listen well and respond mindfully.
Finally, the category I consider myself to inhabit: if you're a person who does well in social circles but senses that there's a deeper realm to conversation, a place where you find connections to other people that have meaning and engage you in the glimpses others give to their lives; this is the book to start that journey. Conversation is more than just an exchange of facts, it is a mixing of lives. It can be, anyway. The need for genuine connection to other humans is universal, and finding those connections can happen through the practice of these simple, accessible guidelines.

An adorable book that is mostly common sense but still good to read about it again. Everyone should read this book!

What a beautiful and practical guide to strengthening connections with others through our daily conversations. While social media has its place, it is no replacement for connecting with people in real time in the same space. I love the emphasis on conversations not having a goal beyond being in the present and being open and compassionate towards those you’re with. Love the observation that our conversations are our breath and state of mind made manifest. Just as in silent meditation, we can create more peace and understanding by being more aware and present and less resistant to what arises. Limiting distractions and paying attention can turn the most mundane interactions into opportunities for greater connection. It also provides the ballast to maintain your equanimity in the most contentious and difficult of exchanges.

I received a free pre-release copy of this book from NetGalley for review. I requested this title since I’ve enjoyed reading Sakyong Mipham’s words of wisdom in the past. He does not disappoint here. With short chapters and reflections, this book is perfect for morning readings to start your daily interactions with positive intentions.

The Lost Art of Good Conversation by Sakyoung Mipham is a beautiful book about conversation and how to be fully engaged in this day and age. This book shows us how to be present and bring kindness to our conversations. I enjoyed this book and I think that everyone should read this if only to see the art and beauty in a conversation.

I really like how this book comes together. "The wisdom behind conversation is that by acknowledging each other’s humanity through open and communal exchange, we are testifying to the vibrancy of human nature."The author Sakyong Mipham is from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and draws on that custom to dispense wisdom surrounding the importance of being in the moment and cultivating good conversational skills. So it's not just about turning off social media though that is discussed, it's more of trying to train the mind to engage in good conversation and some how-to in order to bring about successful results.

There are reflections for readers to ponder throughout the text, and some are quite stimulating;"Reflect on what you have learned in conversations at different times in your life, and from whom. What would you like others to learn from talking to you?"The book is divided into five parts from "why conversation "to "strive for conversational excellence" with each part having several chapters. It is a helpful guide to focusing on conversations.This book will no doubt be of great assistance to those seeking to be more mindful in their communications.There is indeed an art to good conversation. "In order to have good conversation, we must appreciate its artistic elements. This art has to do with easing the minds of others, creating valuable and genuine interactions. It is an art of interchange."I love that the book makes one do self-inventory concerning their conversations and their conversational style. This is one I recommend as it hits just the right notes, not preachy at all, just like talking to a friend who is offering you some good advice. Sorely needed in these times when people are having fewer face to face interactions, which we need more of now to cut through all the conversation nullifying distractions. This is not a book to be read and put away, you will find yourself returning to the book for reminders and reference.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for a honest review. The book will publish Oct. 17, 2017