The Best Strangers in the World
Stories from a Life Spent Listening
-
-
4.1 • 34 Ratings
-
-
- $12.99
-
- $12.99
Publisher Description
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“The Best Strangers in the World is a witty, poignant book that captures Ari Shapiro’s love for the unusual, his pursuit of the unexpected, and his delight at connection against the odds.”—Ronan Farrow, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and New York Times-bestselling author of Catch and Kill and War on Peace
From the beloved host of NPR's All Things Considered, a stirring memoir-in-essays that is also a lover letter to journalism.
In his first book, broadcaster Ari Shapiro takes us around the globe to reveal the stories behind narratives that are sometimes heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, but always poignant. He details his time traveling on Air Force One with President Obama, or following the path of Syrian refugees fleeing war, or learning from those fighting for social justice both at home and abroad.
As the self-reinforcing bubbles we live in become more impenetrable, Ari Shapiro keeps seeking ways to help people listen to one another; to find connection and commonality with those who may seem different; to remind us that, before religion, or nationality, or politics, we are all human. The Best Strangers in the World is a testament to one journalist’s passion for Considering All Things—and sharing what he finds with the rest of us.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Radio journalist Ari Shapiro invites us to share in his most interesting off-mic moments. His engaging memoir takes us along on his incredible journey, from growing up as the only Jewish kid in his elementary class—and as the only out gay person in his high school—to a journalistic career that found him eventually becoming a host of NPR’s All Things Considered. Along the way, Shapiro offers plenty of fun and outrageous stories about everything from behind-the-scenes moments from his time as a White House correspondent during the Obama administration to his side gig singing with the band Pink Martini. The Best Strangers in the World inspires us to be a little more curious about the world—and each other.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this genial debut memoir-in-essays, NPR host and occasional Pink Martini singer Shapiro mixes reported vignettes with reflections on his own life. As one of a few Jewish children at his North Dakota elementary school and later one of the only openly gay students at his Oregon high school, Shapiro describes how his lifelong "otherness" and natural capacity for performance launched his career as a professional raconteur. In brisk and lucid prose, Shapiro recounts the ups and downs of his impressive résumé, including clandestinely traveling aboard Air Force One with President Obama, touring with Pink Martini, and grieving beside Orlando's LGBTQ community while reporting on the 2016 Pulse nightclub shootings. Shapiro reflects on these "seemingly effortless achievements," however, by acknowledging, "I am aware of how blessed and lucky I am. I have a job I love, I'm happily married, and millions of people pay attention to what I have to say. But the cliche end of that sentence would be, ‘And I do it all without breaking a sweat.' Well... I sweat like a goddamn snowman in heat." Shapiro's style is engaging and unfussy, and his spotlighting of other people—mostly those whose stories he's told on NPR—adds depth and empathy to the proceedings. Longtime listeners and first-time callers alike will delight in this collection.
Customer Reviews
Ari Shapiro is multi talented. Not just NPR.
Fascinating to follow Ari Shapiro’s story in print. Always loved All Things Considered.
Love listening…
Was always a fan of NPR. Expanded the love for Ari after catching him and Alan at the Café Carlyle, though he took my journalistic heart the summers before when I attended the very Fire Island Chita show - regret not attending the VIP meet and greet which was the underwear party ;). Digress, a great read from a fine soul. Sending thanks and love.
This book is a treasure
And so is Ari Shapiro!