One sentence summary:
Humans of New York is the inspiring and captivating storytelling journey through the real lives of everyday people in New York City.
Book genre:
Non-fiction, photo-basd memoir
Main topic of the book:
Humans of New York is a unique collection of interviews and photo stories highlighting the individual experiences of hundreds of people living in New York City.
Key ideas:
- Stories have power: Stanton’s mission is to show that everyone has a story worth sharing.
- Expanding horizons: Every person in New York—from CEOs to street vendors—has a story worthy of recognition.
- Finding beauty in the everyday: Stanton’s photos and interviews capture extraordinary moments in the lives of everyday people.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Interviews and photos: Each chapter of Humans of New York features an interview Stanton conducted with a random person in the streets of New York as well as a stunning photo taken by Stanton of the person—together, forming a portrait of the subject’s life.
- Transcending labels: Stanton’s goal is to remove labels like “homeless” or “immigrant” from the people he interviews, and to shed light on their human story and complexities.
- Introductions: Stanton first started Humans of New York with the simple goal of introducing strangers to his readers. Through these introductions, Stanton provides a window into a world far beyond his own experience.
Key takeaways:
- Underneath every label is a unique life story and common humanity.
- Stories are powerful and can open our hearts and minds to the experience of others.
- Everyone has something interesting that we can learn from.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Brandon Stanton is an American photographer, blogger, and storyteller. He is the author of the popular Humans of New York blog and book series, widely hailed for its captivating storytelling that brings greater attention to the lives of everyday people.
Target audience:
Humans of New York is for people of all ages who enjoy captivating stories, photography, and learning more about the lives of those who make-up our world.
Publisher and first publication date:
First published in October 2013 by St. Martin’s Press.