Talking Cure: An Essay on the Civilizing Power of Conversation

Talking Cure explores the art of good conversation, highlighting its pleasures and social benefits. Paula Marantz Cohen argues that conversation connects us in ways that social media cannot and suggests that it may be the cure to our troubled society. She discusses the role of food in encouraging conversation, the challenges of writing dialogue, the benefits of Zoom, the relationship to vaudeville acts, and the educational value of a good college seminar.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Talking Cure is a captivating exploration of the joys and societal benefits of engaging in meaningful conversations. Paula Marantz Cohen delves into the profound ways in which conversation connects us, surpassing the limitations of social media. She argues that embracing open and genuine conversations with one another can be a transformative remedy for the challenges facing our society.

Drawing from her extensive knowledge and experience in literature and culture, Cohen demonstrates how we acquire conversational skills in our families and carry them into the broader world, where we encounter diverse perspectives and sensibilities. She explores the role of food in fostering conversations, the complexities of writing dialogue in fiction, the advantages and disadvantages of virtual platforms like Zoom, the connections between conversation and vaudeville acts, and the educational significance of college seminars that encourage students to engage in thoughtful discussions about ideas.

Cohen also examines the influence of renowned groups of writers and artists throughout history, highlighting how their conversations fueled their creativity. She sheds light on habits that can lead to poor conversation and offers valuable insights into cultivating good conversational skills.

Blending the personal narrative of a beautifully crafted memoir with the warmth of an intimate gathering with friends, Talking Cure makes a compelling case for the civilizing value of conversation. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the dynamic chatter that shapes our cultural landscape.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691238500