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| Two different versions of of the book cover. |
The book, Connected: The Surprising Power
of Our Social Network and How They Shape Our Lives was thoroughly
crafted by authors Nicholas A. Christakis and James H. Fowler. Each chapter
deals with a different aspect of how and why people are connected to each
other. Both authors come together offering their areas of expertise to create a
thoughtful and meaningful book that causes readers to open their eyes to the
world around them. Nicholas Christakis is a physician and social scientist
while James Fowler considers himself a political scientist. Christakis is a
professor of medical sociology at Harvard Medical School and Fowler also
studied at Harvard and is now an associate professor at University of
California, San Diego. Overall, both authors are widely acclaimed in their
fields of study so it seems only fitting that they would join together to
compose a book filled with research and arguments concerning connections that
exist around the world.
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| Nicholas A. Christakis (left) and James H. Fowler, authors of the book Connected pose for a picture together. |
Certain aspects that the authors explore may
be obvious to the reader. For example, the fact that people meet their spouses
through their friends and family is a concept that anyone could figure out on
their own without reading the book. Another well-known fact that they explore
is the fact that a smile is contagious. However what makes their book so
captivating is the fact that they explore not only the fact that a smile is
contagious but that emotions are contagious as well and can spread easily. In
addition, their book is very well researched and filled with a tremendous
amount of facts and footnotes. Nevertheless, the constant reference to facts
and numbers can get slightly repetitive and dull at times. There is no doubt
that the book you are reading is not fully explored and researched. A reviewer
by the name of Michael Bond comments on the larger impacts Christakis and
Fowler’s book may have on the way the world currently operates. He comments, “Given how triggers for illness
(smoking and eating habits, for example) and for well-being (positive moods)
radiate through social networks, should health authorities consider the effect
of treatments on whole networks rather than on individuals alone?” Bond is
suggesting that Connected could be revolutionary and cause the way the medical
field currently operates to be changed over time. Overall, Christakis and
Fowler do a remarkable job exposing people to realities that they are
surrounded by each and every day.
