“Tell me the facts and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in heart forever.”
– Native American Proverb
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“Humans” — Brandon Stanton (Author)
I purchased a physical book the other day. It’s been probably ten years or more since I’ve purchased a hardbound book. I read a good deal these days, but my reading is done using the Amazon Kindle App on my Apple iPad. All our physical books were sold when we started full-time RV’ing in early 2015, so, it’s a big deal for me to now actually have a “real” book. Haha! :-)
I’ve followed the online posts of “Humans of New York” for years, enjoying both the photos and the stories. When I saw there was now a world collection titled simply “Humans” (Oct 2020), I decided to make the purchase. Using a bookmark to mark my progress, I’ve been reading just a couple of pages, a few stories with photos, early each morning, almost like a devotional. I often come away feeling thankful and, in a way, inspired.
Recommended.
I like how you use the book as so often we can just buzz right through a book and never let the images or words create the transformation that’s possible. So, i’ll be interested in knowing how this unfolds over the next few weeks. May have to look the book up myself.
I also read mostly on my kindle paperwhite. However, I have increased my printed copies of books over the past year and a half with the discovery of Abebooks, buying some books at a lower price because they are used. I also buy once in awhile because I enjoyed the book enough that a hard copy needed to be on my my bookshelf. But that philosophy will mean I need a bigger bookshelf. Sigh!
The book prompted me to read it this manner, Monte. Each Human’s photo and story are separate into themselves. Some stories can be uplifting, while some are disturbing. It seemed natural for pauses to process and contemplate. While reading back over my post, I realized that it might have given a less than accurate impression that only inspirational stories comprised the book. I’ll clarify that saying “Humans” is thought-provoking covering a range of human emotions and actions.
I doubt I’ll ever collect good books as I once did. I still love the presence of a good book, but ebooks satisfy my minimum needs.
Coincidentally, we received this book as a gift close to Christmas. I have yet to peak through it. On the long to-do list.
Mark, when you get around to reading “Humans,” I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Have you followed or read any of the “Humans of New York” posts or the website?
I have not heard of the Humans of New York stories until you mentioned them, and the relation to this book. So now I am definitely curious. I admit, when we first got the book, I told my wife – “there are too many… The End.” :-) But now that it comes with a trusted source recommendation, I’ll give it another chance.
As I commented to Monte, it’s not all positive. Some stories are little more than a couple of sentences, and others are a little disturbing, but I find it interesting relating the photos with the stories. Yes, there are a lot of stories which is why I’m taking it in small bites. It might not be for everyone, and after you get into it, you may feel the need to reevaluate your “trusted sources.” :-)
I was given this as a Christmas present by my daughter. I knew of him from his “Humans of New York” series. Unfortunately I haven’t had the time to sit and really absorb it. Hopefully, after the move to Maine I’ll have some quiet time.
Joe, the stories in “Humans,” like humans themselves, are a mixture of triumphs and tragedies. I enjoy the study of people. What makes them tick. How they can sink to the lowest of depths or soar to the heavens sometimes all in one lifetime. By understanding others, we can come to a better understanding of ourselves, and sometimes I could use a little help there. :-)