Encounters with Strangers

by Nubia DuVall Wilson

Encounters with Strangers gives new meaning to the saying, "Never talk to strangers." Experience city living and traveling abroad in this humorous compilation of real-life interactions that happened between strangers and Nubia DuVall Wilson over the span of eight years. Starting as an obsession with compiling comical episodes on the New York City subway, Wilson’s collection of stories expanded over time to include situations while traveling and when she lived abroad in Taipei, Taiwan. From subway catfights and disgruntled panhandlers to bumping into celebrities, this book of outrageous shorts will keep readers entertained.

212 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2013

About the author

Nubia DuVall Wilson graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University with a B.A. in English. She launched her journalism career in New York at Real Simple magazine. Her editorial work has covered various topics, such as travel, consumer products, women's lifestyle, and health. Prior to working at Real Simple, Nubia lived in Taipei, Taiwan where she penned numerous short stories about her humorous encounters with the locals and ex-pats. Inspired by the memorable characters from her travels in Asia, she started documenting humorous social interactions on the subway and in the city upon her return to New York. It became an obsession.

Reviews

[Kris Lugosi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads Giveaway Winner:

Between the energetic cover, the title, and synopsis, I was very happy to win this book.
After reading said book, I would not say that this is an outwardly laugh out loud read. Some of the author's encounters are very similar to my own which I found interesting and not necessarily a con to the book, but again the stories are more of the author's experience with strangers. I would have liked for more of the stories in this book to have told the story of Nubia interacting with these strange characters but a lot of times shes writes about avoiding the situation and listening for the outcome.

MAD SCIENTIST was really enjoyable, may not have laughed but it def. put a big smile on my face.A lot of these vignettes are very good hearted feeling and worth a smile.

I SMELL A RAT! has happened to me more times than I can count, and like the author would probably say, it really doesn't matter where you are from there are similar pros and cons wherever you go.

With how outgoing and as much traveling as the author does, I was a little shocked to learn about her bra reservations...WAVE EM LOUD AND PROUD LADY WE ALL GOTS TO WEAR EM AND YOUR'S WERE SEXY ;)

O' LAUNDRY WHERE ART THOU I did laugh at that one...reminded me of my Dud's n Sud's days with my mamma.

HUGS IN THE CITY is so me! I'm known as a "hugger" so that little stunt was awesome. Ted Talks also does a special on the people the author talks about.
SHAKE WHAT YOU GOT WITH PRIDE another note worthy vignette and YOU KNOW IT'S TIME TO QUIT WHEN...I'll just say according to the author...I should probably quit.

The book is well written, the vignettes short and sweet. Not as hysterically funny as I was hopin but a good down time read.

[Christina Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to win this book because it seemed like it was going to be hilarious. As someone who lives in a major city, I can attest to the crazy encounters you would have in NYC or other cities like it. This book, while humorous, wasn't really "funny". Also, some of the stories seemed rather incomplete. I would have rather heard about an encounter that lasted a little longer with more details and insight than a shorter one that might have been a little weirder. I did like the book, but I'm not sure I would have really paid to read it.

[Mallory Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already recommended it to many family members and friends. With each story came a glimpse into mankind. Some stories made you laugh while others made you take a deeper look at the homeless and mentally challenged and how tough walking in their shoes would be. I hope Nubia Wilson writes another book about her traveling adventures...I would surely read it!

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Pam Mooney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and witty frolic through the New York, Taiwan, and Europe. Each stranger encounter experience makes you want to know how that can be topped - and then you turn the page. A vivid picture is painted in each vignette that makes you think you are right around the corner ready to encounter the scene. A reminder that in todays world someone is always watching and at any point you may be the watcher or an unwitting participant in someone else's drama.

[Rich Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

We probably have all met many characters in our life that have come and gone and are soon forgotten.The author of this collection had the good sense to record these encounters and now published them for all of is to enjoy.This is a fast and easy way to spend a couple hours.I only wish there had been more stories from the around the world included but overall a good read. I won this book through goodreads in exchange for an unbiased review.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

i received the book free through goodreads. I really enjoyed this book. It was detailed. I could almost picture myself on the train. The stories are nice and short and to the point . It is great for a person who doesn't have alot of time to sit down and read. I really enjoyed this book and i hope she makes another edition.

[Traa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! We all have so many strange and true stories that come from nothing more complex than watching the people around us, and Nubia DuVall Wilson's are the pick of the litter! (My favorite was "Crybaby")

I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads. What a fun and fast reading book. This book is daily events in New York of passengers on the subways on the ground and other adventures in Nubia life. I give this book a four star.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strangers are people we don't know.This made for an interesting book because you never know what the other person or people will be like.Everyone is an individual with their own issues and mannerisms.These stories held new adventures with everyone that was met.Credit goes to Nubia for taking and making her experiences into a book.I loved the quote she used in the travel section."I have found that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them." by Mark Twain,Tom Sawyer Abroad.So very true!

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps because I live in a big city myself, I did not think the characters where all that wild. But Nubia does a nice job describing the characters she encounters in her travels throughout the world, but mostly in NYC. I appreciated her brevity as well; most stories were a page or two. Unfortunately, I thought her conclusions were occasionally corny, but mostly inane. Perhaps others will find them humorous and I hope they do.

[Kelly Glenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the short stories because they were easy and quick to read. I especially liked the NYC stories since I have been there. Some of the stories were fun and entertaining but others were not that special and seemed like normal, everyday life.

[Diane Lybbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very entertaining series of vignettes, mostly of daily encounters in and around NYC subway system. The author kept a journal and began a blog to share her stories, then turned them into a book. Easy, fun read.

[deborah trout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite funny

my grandad used to ride the bus all over the city (bus transfers were free), spent the day people watching. he said there was no funnier entertainment. ms Duvall Wilson is a good reporter of human nature.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the bite sized short stories. I was reminded of my encounters with strangers taking the train. It was a fun read.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of fun little stories about encounters with strangers during everyday life. Most of the stories take place in New York city.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining quick read. It was fun way to amuse myself on my own commutes on the subway in NYC.

[Claire Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun adventures

I enjoyed her accounts of interactions with strangers all over the world, but I am glad it was her instead of me.