Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things

A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Coming Home

By: Amy Dickinson

Narrated by: Amy Dickinson

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

In Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things - her follow-up memoir to the New York Times best-selling The Mighty Queens of Freeville - America's most popular advice columnist, "Ask Amy", shares her journey of family, second chances, and finding love.

By peeling back the curtain of her syndicated advice column, Amy Dickinson reveals much of the inspiration and motivation that has fueled her calling. Through a series of linked essays, this moving narrative picks up where her earlier memoir left off.

Exploring central themes of romance, death, parenting, self-care, and spiritual awakening, this touching and heartfelt homage speaks to all who have faced challenges in the wake of life's twists and turns. From finding love in middle age to her storied experience with step-parenting to overcoming disordered eating to her final moments spent with her late mother, Dickinson's trademark humorous tone delivers punch and wit that will empower, entertain, and heal.

©2017 Amy Dickinson (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

" Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things is a very funny, whip-smart, charming, and addictively engaging memoir. I felt myself wanting to jump in to the pages and be with all of Amy's people, and of course Amy. The wisdom she is well known for is present on every page. This is a book you will want to read and give to the people you love (and maybe the people you aren't so crazy about)." (Brad Meltzer, number-one New York Times best-selling author of Heroes for My Daughter)

"This is awkward, because the characters in this book are real people, but I'm going to say it anyway: I love the people in this book. Jane! Bruno and the daughters! And Amy, who is very tough on herself, and funny and wise; I especially love her because she is a wonderful writer. Plus, she sings in the church choir. Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things is a terrific memoir." (Jane Hamilton, best-selling author of A Map of the World)

"A wonderful memoir of what family and home mean in these complicated times. Amy Dickinson will captivate you with her wit, wisdom, and honesty." (Delia Ephron, author of Siracusa)

"Many listeners will find her anecdotes relatable as she adopts a down-to-earth, open tone to recount both uplifting and challenging experiences.... Her heartfelt voicing displays her empathy as well as her sense of humor, both of which shine through in the answers she gives to those who write to her for advice." ( AudioFile)

Marvelous and Meaningful

I loved hearing from Amy through here writer's voice. I thoroughly enjoyed her heartfelt insights and reflections.

I felt connected

I found myself compelled to share this book with several of my friends. I could have written some of the passages, and that connection kept me drawn to the remaining chapters.

very touching

Would you listen to Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things again? Why?

yes- I enjoyed this book so much, I re-played sections while I listened the first time!

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the down to earth community ties and family bonds; just very heart-warming.

What does Amy Dickinson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I always prefer books read by the author and Amy has a great sense of humor.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes! I laughed AND cried!!

Any additional comments?

I have recommended this book to a few people-- and I'm planning to search out more of Amy's work.

An exercise in excellence. You

Bruno stopped by my house for a political signature and after engaging him in conversation told me I probably knew who his wife was. I did not. Our business was in NYC for many years and we did not need a local paper to keep up with Dryden business. So in our conversation Bruno mentioned that Amy’s books would reveal a lot. So we are avid audible listeners and to hear both books read by this adorable, precious extremely well written and read author herself was so charming and eye opening. I’m now in love with my nearby neighbor, her husband and family. I loved the writing and reading from what I now feel like is one of my family members. Amy you did yourself proud and Bruno, you as well......Mel Greene

Not funny, & got old after awhile

Seriously, she’s an advice columnist, marries a religious climate change denier after a brief courtship, rather than let his kids grow up & adjust to the idea, and doesn’t make sure her 18 year old stepdaughters are using birth control ? I listened a long time but couldn’t stand her angst anymore.

I returned this book after 30 minutes

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Wow. Action?

What do you think your next listen will be?

Back to suspense

Would you be willing to try another one of Amy Dickinson’s performances?

No

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Boredom

Any additional comments?

I bought this because I enjoy Amy Dickenson on the radio. Big mistake. The book is not clever, witty or entertaining. I didn't even like her as the narrator. Just boring, boring, boring. After 30 minutes, I stopped listening. Sorry Amy!