Ari Shapiro is a fabulous storyteller. This was very engaging and really kept me turning pages. Just fascinating to see behind the scenes and to know about this familiar voice from the radio. Lots of surprising details. Mr Shapiro did a great job of narrating this book. Not all authors are so gifted. ( )

As an admirer of Ari Shapiro's engaging journalism long before I was appointed news director of the NPR station in Western New York, I eagerly awaited the release of "The Best Strangers in the World." The book did not disappoint. Shapiro touched on a myriad of topics, penning a memoir that truly has something for every interest. Given Shapiro's wordsmithing skills, it's no surprise that many of the tales are masterfully spun. One section that discloses the author's problem with profuse sweating is downright hilarious. I do agree with some armchair reviewers who have suggested that a bit more care could have been taken in integrating the smorgasbord of subjects. The flow is a bit choppy in spots. But I quibble. Readers will glean many insights from Shapiro's stories "from a life spent listening." ( )

Narrated by THE Ari Shapiro! Ari has lived an uber-charmed life but you can't really hate him for it. His enthusiasm and genuine curiosity about people and their stories keeps us all recognizing the importance of seeing humanity in others. ( )

I wish I'd realized this was an Ari Shapiro read audiobook! The chapter from which the book gets its title did get the waterworks going. ( )

I don't like memoirs. They tend to be written by a person who makes a series of horrible decisions, then writes a book about it. Ari Shapiro's memoir is nothing like that.

This is the uplifting story of a life well-lived (at least to this point). His parents, supporting both his curiosity about the world around him and his decision, when quite young, to come out as gay. His nearly accidental entry into the world of NPR. His career progression, with tales of the humans he connected with along the way. His side gigs, which he goes all-in on. Funny stories from his time on the road, including his early interactions with Obama and his tendency to sweat. I laughed and I cried, and didn't want it to end. Great memoir, great writing.

I listed the audio version, which was (not surprisingly) well read by the author. ( )