Consequential Strangers: The Power of People Who Don't Seem to Matter.But Really Do

Melinda Blau and Karen L. Fingerman, PhD

ISBN 10: 0393067033 / ISBN 13: 9780393067033

Published by W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 2009

About this Item

This interesting book by psychologist Karen L. Fingerman and award-winning journalist Melinda Blau (best known for the Baby Whisperer series), addresses the concept of "Consequential Strangers" - people that we meet briefly but that actually have strong impact on our lives. The authors write in the introduction, "This is a different kind of 'relationship book.' It won't teach you the rules or give you ten keys that will make you more attractive, loved, or successful, but it will make you think. It will change your definition of what an 'important' relationship is. And it will make you more aware of the people you encounter on the job, in your neighborhood, wherever you play and pray, in public arenas, and in cyberspace." This book provides a novel perspective and insights on human interactions.

Seller Inventory # 324

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Consequential Strangers: The Power of People Who Don't Seem to Matter.But Really Do
• Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company, New York
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0393067033
• ISBN 13: 9780393067033
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First.
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Other Non-Fiction

About this title

Synopsis

“Challenges us to rethink our circle of relationships. . . . A mind-expanding and heart-opening book.”―Daniel Goleman, author of Social Intelligence

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. 1 chart

About the Authors

Melinda Blau, co-author of the best-selling Baby Whisperer series, writes extensively about relationships and trends. She lives in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Karen L. Fingerman, PhD, the Berner Hanley Professor at Purdue University, lives in West Lafayette, Indiana.