The Art of Gathering

Review

I enjoyed this book for many reasons: it provided specific strategies for making gatherings more meaningful; it included interesting examples of unconventional meetings and events; and it gave shape to vague ideas I've had about what makes a party actually work.

I especially enjoyed the sections about generous authority and ungenerous anarchy (which is an incredible synonym for 'chill') and about giving your gatherings disputable purposes. In general, I applaud the sentiment of the book, which is basically to actually take a stance, have an opinion, and possibly upset some people.

Gatherings crackle and flourish when real thought goes into them, when (often invisible) structure is baked into them, and when a host has the curiosity, willingness, and generosity of spirit to try.