Consequential Strangers: The Power of People Who Don't Seem to Matter... But Really Do
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Book Overview
Our barista, our mechanic, our coworker--they populate our days, but we often take them for granted. Yet these are the people who bring novelty and information into our lives, allow us to exercise different parts of ourselves, and open us up to new opportunities. In their unprecedented examination of people on the periphery, psychologist Karen Fingerman, who coined the term "consequential strangers," collaborates with journalist Melinda Blau to expand on and make her own groundbreaking research come alive. Drawing as well from Blau's more than two hundred interviews with specialists in psychology, sociology, marketing, and communication, the book presents compelling stories of individuals and institutions, past and present. A rich portrait of our social landscape--on and off the Internet--it presents the science of casual connection and chronicles the surprising impact that consequential strangers have on business, creativity, the work environment, our physical and mental health, and the strength of our communities.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0393067033
ISBN13:9780393067033
Release Date:August 2009
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Length:298 Pages
Weight:1.14 lbs.
Dimensions:1.1" x 6.6" x 9.5"
Customer Reviews
4 ratings
Consequential who?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
I wasn't sure this book would grab me; I assumed this was obvious stuff. What I didn't expect was how extensive the research and interviews would be and how broad a scope it would address. I was definitely "grabbed"; it got me thinking about all kinds of relationships in my life and, most importantly, I now value them more. Enjoyable and provocative.
A Book That Should Not Be A Stranger
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Who can resist checking out the alluring title, "Consequential Strangers"? And then, eyeing the subject matter, you realize that some new and provocative idea is being presented. In this world of so much paranoia where outsiders are concerned, how wonderful to open up to the thought of feeling positive and needful of these 'consequential strangers' who are somehow essential to our social well-being. Extremely well-written and full of pertinent stories, this is an entertaining and worthwhile read, and, incidentally, educational from a sociological POV.
Who knew?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Who knew that a book about strangers would change the way I appreciate people in my life? This is a wonderfully spiritual path and I'll never look at a stranger, consequential or not, the same way again!
Consequential Strangers
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Consequential Strangers is a great read and will make you more conscientious of how the strangers you meet can and do have an impact on your life. As a regular coffee shop visitor who initiates conversations with strangers from time to time, this book has encouraged me to step it up, to make an even greater effort to meet new people. As I reflect back upon the many interesting people I've met over years, I now better understand how and why they have been consequential.
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