2016-17 Centerpiece Book
As part of each theme year, MUSE selects a centerpiece book for the campus community to read and discuss. Thanks to a generous grant from O.C. Tanner, MUSE is able to distribute hundreds of copies of these books at no cost to students.
#1 New York Times Bestseller
Humans of New York: Stories is the culmination of five years of innovative storytelling on the streets of New York City. During this time, photographer Brandon Stanton has stopped, photographed, and interviewed more than ten thousand strangers, eventually sharing their stories on his blog, Humans of New York, which has over 20 million followers on social media.
In Brandon’s new book, Humans of New York: Stories, the interviews accompanying the photographs go deeper, exhibiting the intimate storytelling that the blog has become famous for today. Ranging from whimsical to heartbreaking, these stories have attracted a following of more than 15 million people across several social-media platforms.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
“What started in 2010 as a zealous project for the former day trader has resulted in more than 400 pages of sheer inspiration. This is a well-crafted work; each image and story is strategically placed. ”
―Library Journal, 10/1/15
“Some street photographers hide behind phone booths like paparazzi so their subject won’t be aware of their presence, but for Stanton it’s precisely that awkward interaction, the tearing down of the wall between strangers, that he covets.”
―The Huffington Post on Humans of New York
“His subjects vary in age, nationality, religion, and other demographics, and their
individual stories reflect on different facets of the human experience, from struggles
to heartbreak to inspiration. . . .
New readers and seasoned fans can’t help but become engrossed with the stories Stanton
tells.
―Publishers Weekly, 8/10/15
Book Discussion Groups
Are you interested in reading our centerpiece book within a discussion group? MUSE facilitates campus-wide, student-run book discussion groups. If you would like to join an existing group, or if you’re a student looking to start a Humans of New York: Stories discussion group of your own, email Libby Henriksen at e.henriksen@muse.utah.edu for more information. Book discussion group leaders can earn money for the time they spend organizing a group, gathering participants, and leading the discussion.
Teaching Humans of New york: Stories
Faculty members interested in teaching Humans of New York: Stories in their Fall 2016 or Spring 2017 semester classes may contact Libby Henriksen at (801) 587-3172 or e.henriksen@muse.utah.edu for more information on obtaining copies of the book and incorporating it into their curriculum.