NOTE: I was not paid to review this book. It is an unbiased and objective review. If you have a book with Jewish or Israel related content and would like me to write a review, contact me for details of where to send me a review copy of the book.
Book Review: Stories for the Sake of Argument, by Robbie Gringras and Abi Dauber Sterne
Nobody likes to get into an argument. Well, most people don't. Some people just love a good argument!
The truth is that nowadays even when we argue it often is not an argument, it is just each side stating his/her position and then not listening to the other side, and not rebutting each others points. It is usually my way or the highway, and the other guy is just an idiot.
Robbie Gringras and Abi Dauber Sterne wrote a book that is meant to get people to argue. Stories For The Sake of Argument is just that - stories meant to get people to argue. The stories are Israel and Jewish-centric, so for us Jews, these are sure to get the participants pumped up. Even Jews who dont love to argue in general still love to argue about Israel.
The book has 24 or so stories, broken down to a few categories. Each story comes with some background information and some leading questions, to get the juices flowing. In a group setting, maybe around your dinner table, Shabbos table, Yom Haatzmaut barbecue picnic table, someone would read the story and give the background for those who might not know it already, and ask the leading questions, and then let the arguing begin, as each person around the table chimes in!
We actually did this, picking some random stories, over the Pesach holiday, at some of our meals. Maybe some do not need a book like this for guidance at starting an argument around the table, but many people would appreciate some good topics and some leading questions, so the conversation, the argument, stays focused. I think we all enjoyed the discussions, the arguments, that ensued - at the next meals they asked for more!
Stories for the Sake of Argument also has some sections at the end with some guidance itno arguing and different types of arguments or positions.. The idea really is to develop tools to talk with people even when disagreeing with them, while listening to other people's opinions and having your opinions heard as well. A good argument helps everyone either develop their own positions further or rethink their own positions and consider other possibilities.
Stories for the Sake of Argument has not yet been published but form what I understand is set to be published before Yom Haatzmaut (the date I saw is May 5. 2022). For now you can get more information at the website, as it is not yet available on Amazon.
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