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Start giftingIn Search of Common Ground
This audiobook uses AI narration.
We’re taking steps to make sure AI narration is transparent.
Learn moreAs heard on NPR’s “This American Life,” unlikely friendships challenge every kind of bias, to offer hope that our societies can heal
Much has been written about our polarized media, social bubbles, and intractable biases. Award-winning journalist Bastian Berbner circled the world to find a different narrative. In Search of Common Ground is his profound collection of true stories that prove it is possible to mend even our fiercest divides.
In Arizona, a former neo-Nazi befriends his Black parole officer. In Germany, an older couple dread the arrival of their new Roma neighbors—but are moved upon meeting them to offer help and become strong supporters. In Ireland, we see one friendship change the world when a gay-rights activist overturns a conservative mailman’s homophobia—and together, they help sway public opinion to legalize gay marriage. Other gap-bridging stories include:
Young Democrats and Republicans (United States),
A Danish policeman and a Muslim boy in danger of radicalization (Denmark), and
A neo-Nazi and a Palestinian prisoner (Germany).
With added historic and sociological research, Berbner gets to the root of what pushes people apart, and shows that we can dissolve divisions by simply meeting face to face. This is essential, uplifting reading for everyone who aspires to live without hate.
Bastian Berbner has reported portions of this book on This American Life; other outlets that have already featured this book include David Byrne’s newsletter “Reasons to Be Cheerful” and The Guardian. A reporter for the German newspaper Die Zeit, Berbner hosts the podcast 180 Grad (180 Degrees), where he first developed many of the stories in this book. He has been honored with some of the most prestigious journalism awards in Germany, where he lives.
Winner of the prestigious Audie Award (for History and Audio Drama), veteran actor Robert Fass is equally at home in a wide variety of styles, genres, characters, and dialects. A seven-time Audie nominee with over 100 unabridged audiobooks to his credit, Robert has also earned multiple Earphones Awards, including for his narration of Joe Golem and the Drowning City by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden. Robert has given voice to modern and classic fiction writers alike, including Ray Bradbury, Joyce Carol Oates, John Steinbeck, Carlos Fuentes, Isaac Asimov, Ellery Queen, Steve Berry, Jeffrey Deaver, and Nele Neuhaus, plus bestselling nonfiction works in history, politics, health, journalism, philosophy, and business.
Reviews
“At this moment, when it feels like the whole world is retreating deeper and deeper into competing camps who don’t listen to each other, it’s exciting to read about anyplace doing the opposite—and thrilling to have a whole book of them.”
“With his clear voice and flawless interpretations, Robert Fass’s performance aligns well with this socially conscious documentary…Fass is also adept at performing the intimate and often touching stories of the entrenched haters as they engaged with the people they hated.”
“It is heartening to read a book that understands we need to build trust to find real solutions to the issues we are facing around the world. One of the most critical elements of radical empathy is taking action to create change—and this book provides a path for doing just that.”
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