It was a phrase that my daughter wrote on a birthday card that inspired this book. She said, I was a seasoned conversationalist with perfect strangers. I thought how true this was and started to plan a narrative based on my encounters with people I did not know. It’s those fleeting moments on a journey, at the shopping centre, or bus station that can spark interesting conversations that provide insight, a different perspective and creative thinking.

Conversations with Strangers - the Art of Creativity and Connection is divided into 12 themes, with an inspirational quotation, followed by the author’s personal story, and activities, questions to do or reflect upon. Some of the themes include loneliness, love, nature, goals, empathy and art. The reader can dip in and out of the pages allowing for pause and reflection.

There’s so much opportunity for creativity and connection. Even with a global pandemic that rocks families and communities, there is still opportunities to reach out and connect in meaningful ways. The beautiful photographs throughout the book compliment the text which is both warm and friendly. The practical self- reflection exercises are easy to follow and add another dimension to the creativity theme. Discover inspiration and wonder on every page as the author provides tips to connect to others.

At the end there is a final musings which sums up the book’s interests and themes.