Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things

A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Coming Home

By: Amy Dickinson

Narrated by: Amy Dickinson

In Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things--her follow-up memoir to the NYT bestselling 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 stepparenting 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.

Critic reviews

"Funny, generous, thoughtful, and wonderfully crisp, Dickinson's memoir is one of those tales that make you proud to be a human--with all of our hopes, failures, and graces intact."—Gillian Flynn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Gone Girl

"Dickinson deftly recounts [her story] truthfully but without trespassing on family members' privacy...Her warm and generous spirit makes a reader feel as though they've been invited in for hot cocoa on a cold day."—Booklist (starred review)

"Amy Dickinson has written a simply wonderful memoir. It is courageously honest and touching, but most of all, hilarious and laugh-out-loud funny. She tells us what it is like to be human, to love and to lose and keep going, no matter what. This book is a life-affirming love letter to small town America and the true meaning of family and community. I couldn't have loved it more!"—Fannie Flagg, New York Times bestselling authorof Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

"[An] honest, funny memoir...especially potent when it comes to the blending of families...[a book] that won't disappoint."—Real Simple

"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

"Wryly sincere and poignant...Dickinson remains an engagingly chatty, witty, and relatable writer with sage insights."—Kirkus Reviews

"This book is a truth machine. A laugh machine. An I-needed-that-kick-in-the-ass machine. Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things is absolute proof that the best stories don't just entertain us; they reveal us. And lift us. Wherever you are in your life, you need this book."—Brad Meltzer, #1 New York Times bestsellingauthor 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. Plus, there is a line on p. 169 that makes me laugh every time I think of it. Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things is a terrific memoir."—Jane Hamilton, bestselling author of A Map of The World

"Poignant and revealing."—Bustle, Best Nonfiction Books of the Month

"Dickinson makes you believe in the ageless gift of love....In Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things, she is...making room for us to make our own mistakes, to leave the house with our hair unbrushed, to fall in love in a rush, to fall off the tightrope during that awkward blending family stage, and then to climb back on, quietly triumphant."—Beth Kephart, The Chicago Tribune

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!