The Power of Strangers by Joe Keohane is an inspiring book about connecting with those around us. Relationships with strangers, however brief, can help shape us and cultures. When I read the description, I knew I wanted to read this book. When I travel, I tend to seek out interactions with strangers, and find it incredibly fulfilling and inspiring. Though I adore these experiences, for some reason, this hasn’t translated as much in my daily interactions. Keohane explains why these interactions with strangers are so rewarding. He goes into a myriad of topics are covered relating to our interactions with strangers: the benefits, the fulfillment, cultural norms, history, etc.

Where this book really soars is the descriptions of interactions when individuals engage with strangers. From persons who seek out these experiences to organizations that encourage it. I felt so much hope in our basic humanity reading The Power of Strangers. Though we lived in an age of polarization, people can still connect if we seek out meaningful interactions and are open. Keohane gives tips in order to help us break the script of shallow niceties to spur more engaging interactions. I loved how just tweaking what you say or asking pointed questions can turn a daily interaction into a deeper experience.

I found the more academic chapters to be a little dry when he discussed the evolution of the interactions of strangers throughout history and the influence of religion. Though technology and social media are referenced throughout the text, I would have loved a designated chapter on the power of strangers online. I personally have fostered many fulfilling friendships with strangers online over the years. Overall, The Power of Strangers is a fascinating and inspiring book about human connection that has helped return some of my faith in humanity. I truly enjoyed this one!

Thank you Random House and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

So, for some reason NetGalley requires me to leave a rating and review on my own titles. Very odd. But if I don't, my overall feedback ratio appears inaccurately low.

If you are an author or publisher seeking a review/blurb from me, please note I only provide those on the books I thoroughly enjoy and read cover-to-cover. If I don't give you one (as is the case here), it doesn't mean there was a problem with the book, it simply means the book wasn't for me or it may not resonate with my fan-base. I will, however, give you five-stars because I know EXACTLY how much work went into getting this particular title here and I'm not about to drag down your overall score just because it didn't hit for me. I wish you nothing but the best.
jd

Journalist Keohane expresses his desire to learn to talk to strangers and explores primatology, religion and other fields to support his thesis that talking to strangers is a good thing.