Talking to Strangers

** I have so many mixed feelings **

medium: audiobook

If this book was about misjudgements on Hitler made by Neville Chamberlain or the coupling effect that led to the suicide of Sylvia Plath or the spies from Cuba that tricked the CIA - I would have enjoyed it through and through, and I did.
Gladwell, as always, spins a captivating narrative-driven by thorough research and delivers a work that gives you multiple TIL feels and leaves you re-thinking about your worldview. Which is what books must do! But this book's focus was on modern issues and the way he tackled heavy, important contemporary topics in his work felt like it lacked empathy and nuance. I believe, his work at large could have talked about racial discrimination by police, college date rape cases and pedophilic mentors with more compassion and insight. The constant strive for objectivity bordered on victim shaming and “understanding” of a racist individual who abused power.

It was an interesting read but not one of his best works. I'd recommend it for the historical parts tho.

PS. I'd recommend the audiobook as I feel this book was designed with the audio medium in mind - the interview clips, the court testimonies, the songs that go with the theme, it was truly a fun experience and Gladwell has one of those wonderful voices. :)