Book Summary:
Nobody lies to their Uber driver. The anonymity functions like a truth serum, putting everyone’s raw and unfiltered selves on full display. But it is in those rideshare confessionals – when human lives are intersecting without the usual pretense, that you discover the heights of human potential. And you hear some powerful stories. A woman stopping a suicide on the other side of the world. A heart attack healing a fractured family. A husband celebrating with his wife, on his last night alive.
Intersections is a collection of nine short stories, all based on the true events and experiences of rideshare passengers. As you follow the characters through life-and-death journeys, they give you hope in humanity’s potential and inspire you to remain present to the infinite possibilities for wonder all around us.
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Review:
Numerous individuals have utilized rideshare services and hold varying perspectives regarding their brief interactions with drivers and fellow passengers. Andrew Spink recounts his experiences engaging with passengers during his tenure of over three years as a rideshare driver. He has encountered individuals from diverse nations, speaking various languages, with a wide array of life experiences. These encounters have prompted him to explore the profound depths of human emotional capacity.
The book has three distinct sections: Water, Earth, and Fire, each containing three poignant and introspective narratives derived from genuine encounters with rideshare passengers. While the foundational elements of these narratives are rooted in reality, the author embellishes them with contextual depth, drawing from personal perspective and imagination. The author aptly describes these stories as true fiction. These narratives elicit profound emotions of astonishment, sorrow, and pure joy.
The writing is undeniably amazing, skillfully weaving magic with words and the sequence of events in each story. The stories are brimming with intense emotional moments and just the right amount of humor and suspense. As a reader, I was fervently rooting for the characters and yearning for a specific outcome, only to be blindsided by a twist, as exemplified in “Secrets” and “The Skeptic.” I assume the author has mastered this expertise of connecting with his audiences through his experiences as a solo show performer and public speaker and has applied the same to his books.
I have absolutely no negative remarks about any aspect of this book. I particularly adored the short-story format and the captivating, warm writing style. The cover and the title are perfect as well. The editors have done an exemplary job, as I found only a couple of minor errors. Therefore, I rate this book a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. I also see the potential for web series based on these stories and more.
This book is a must-read for lovers of short stories and anyone who enjoys delving into human connections and emotions. The thought-provoking nature of the stories will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, encouraging you to reflect on life and recognize the overlooked but valuable moments that bring magic to our existence. However, due to the presence of profanity, this book is best suited for mature readers.
Seetha E., Review of Intersections
About the Author:
Andrew Spink is a storyteller. Through his work as an author, solo-show performer, comedian, and public speaker, he curates journeys through the human experience that examine our beliefs, tickle our sense of wonder, and spur us on toward meaningful living. He lives in Seattle with his wife and two daughters, where he feels guilty for not being outdoorsy, avoids coffee while frequenting cafes, and walks his dog to fit in with the crowd.