The Art of Gathering

How We Meet and Why It Matters

By: Priya Parker

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

"Hosts of all kinds, this is a must-read!" (Chris Anderson, owner and curator of TED)

From the host of the New York Times podcast Together Apart, an exciting new approach to how we gather that will transform the ways we spend our time together - at home, at work, in our communities, and beyond.

In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker argues that the gatherings in our lives are lackluster and unproductive - which they don't have to be. We rely too much on routine and the conventions of gatherings when we should focus on distinctiveness and the people involved. At a time when coming together is more important than ever, Parker sets forth a human-centered approach to gathering that will help everyone create meaningful, memorable experiences, large and small, for work and for play.

Drawing on her expertise as a facilitator of high-powered gatherings around the world, Parker takes us inside events of all kinds to show what works, what doesn't, and why. She investigates a wide array of gatherings - conferences, meetings, a courtroom, a flash-mob party, an Arab-Israeli summer camp - and explains how simple, specific changes can invigorate any group experience.

The result is a book that's both journey and guide, full of exciting ideas with real-world applications. The Art of Gathering will forever alter the way you look at your next meeting, industry conference, dinner party, and backyard barbecue - and how you host and attend them.

©2018 Priya Parker (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“As social animals, humans gather, meet, and bond - seeking meaning, purpose, creative expression, and more. In almost all cases this is an unconscious process leading to subtle frustration and a lack of satisfaction. For the last few years I’ve avoided social gatherings because I find them meaningless and banal. I learned much from this book. Priya Parker has created both an art and a science to gathering in ways that can bring joy and fulfillment to any meeting.” (Deepak Chopra)

“[A] remarkable new book about how we spend our time together, at work, at home, and beyond. If you want to get more out of every event, whether it's with your boss and co-workers or friends and family, The Art of Gathering can help.” (Bustle)

“[A] fantastic book.... Good things happen when people connect. Especially when we follow Priya’s sage advice.” (Forbes)

I am ready to practice the Art of Gathering!

I loved it as a companion to reading this in paperback! What I could not do it stop! I am a facilitator by career so this offered me so many tools that I am just going to throw it in my life toolbox & get to gathering!

what political organizers and more need to add to their meetings.

excellent content and performance. priya is wonderful and wise. read, practice, engage with design and heart.

So much opportunity discovered

From beginning to end I found the author painting color to every experience I have outlined. Within a few chapters I grasped the essence the material and was off to the races applying it to my meetings, and family gatherings. Recently we built a Casita and moved in my in-laws, my hope with a multigenerational home is to refine and strengthen the definition of family within a community and I see that being fulfilled in the way we gather. I'm time I hope to see our family unified in purpose and expanding our ability to make a difference in the community.

As a worship leader I especially found the content useful. In that context you are a host with a great responsibility and a strong purpose. In addition just as worship is important off stage as it is on stage, so too should emphasis be added to the title worship "leader." To me this puts a greater focus on your responsibility to your team, if you can raise them up and be intentional with your gatherings as a team (practice, fellowship, vision meetings, etc), they can all serve the congregation as leaders throughout your services.

I will be advocating this book to anyone who considers themselves a leader of people, as well as my family.

Wow, grateful for the inspiration!

I am a strong believer that it’s the small things that count in life at the end of the day.

this deep dive into gathering and being purposeful is Huge in the big picture of what so many of us take for granted ( especially in today’s Covid situation)

This is a gift that I will practice and hopefully make a difference by being intentional

One of my favorite books

A must read if you ever organize people, for anything. From work to dinner parties....this book is amazing.

Packed with great advice for every host

This book has so many ideas for how to improve gatherings, from smalll family events to large business meetings. A must read for all who play the role of host.

An intriguing take on creating events with purpose

The author explicitly tells us that she isn't going to focus on the logistics. You won't find guidelines on "top ten questions to ask your caterer" here.

Instead, this is a higher level approach. Priya Parker challenges us to consider the true purpose of our meeting, conference, dinner party, wedding or funeral. Once you drill down to find something specific and unusual, that can affect many other choices you make, from who to include (or exclude!), how to open and close, and special rules and expectations to set for your event.

It's not mind blowing, but is interesting and is worth a listen for anyone who may end up organizing events, whether formal or informal.

Light reading, several perspectives!

Reveals so many aspects wrt gathering and entertaining! So many aspects that we did not even think about! Well done!

Gave me hope to continue gathering

In today’s day and age, as a gatherer, it’s becoming more frustrating trying to get people together. This book helped breathe new life into my efforts

Incredible!

This was the best guide to connecting people and purpose. Highly advised for leaders, facilitators, and creators of connection.