By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Ari Shapiro's "The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening" is a memoir that ambitiously attempts to weave together the multifaceted experiences of a seasoned journalist, singer, and openly gay Jewish man. While Shapiro's credentials as a host of NPR's "All Things Considered" and a vocalist for Pink Martini are impressive, the book's execution leaves much to be desired.

The memoir is structured as a series of essays, each delving into different aspects of Shapiro's personal and professional life. He recounts his journey from being the only Jewish child in his elementary school to covering the Obama administration and reporting from war zones. ([barnesandnoble.com](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-best-strangers-in-the-world-ari-shapiro/1141674497?utm_source=openai)) These narratives, though potentially compelling, often come across as disjointed and lacking a cohesive thread. The organization of the essays feels random, resulting in a lack of a flowing narrative arc. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/ari-shapiro/the-best-strangers-in-the-world/?utm_source=openai))

Shapiro's writing style is undeniably polished, yet it borders on being overly curated, leaving little room for raw authenticity. His anecdotes, such as accidentally interrupting a meeting between Barack Obama and Joe Biden, are amusing but fail to provide deeper insights into his character or the events themselves. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/ari-shapiro/the-best-strangers-in-the-world/?utm_source=openai))

The memoir also delves into Shapiro's side gig as a singer with Pink Martini, offering entertaining vignettes about this unexpected turn. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/ari-shapiro/the-best-strangers-in-the-world/?utm_source=openai)) However, these sections feel like self-indulgent detours that detract from the book's primary focus.

While Shapiro's experiences are undoubtedly unique, the memoir's execution lacks the depth and introspection that would make it truly engaging. The essays touch on significant events and personal milestones but often skim the surface, leaving the reader yearning for more profound reflections.

In conclusion, "The Best Strangers in the World" is a memoir that promises much but delivers little. Shapiro's impressive career and diverse experiences could have made for a captivating read, but the book's disjointed structure and superficial treatment of its subjects result in a lackluster narrative. Readers seeking a deep, introspective memoir may find this work disappointing.

Final recommendation: Not recommended.

Recommendation: Not recommended.

written on: 5/1/2025