Product review (4 stars): Your best network may not be those you know best
As a former job seeker 2 times over, I was told again and again to build my network and rely on that network of friends and close contacts to help me in my job search. It makes a lot of sense and it's what you're told again and again.

Many job seekers in organizations I joined were on LinkedIn, but they didn't want to link to anyone that they did not know well enough that they would not give them a stellar recommendation. The thinking is, don't link in with anyone who might not have a stellar reputation or they might drag down your reputation. I can see that point, but if I met you at a networking event and you seem reasonably nice and helpful, why not link in with you? Why be so suspicious? If I make it clear to others in my network who might inquire about someone I'm linked with, why not be completely candid and say "I met them in a networking event and they seemed nice, but I haven't worked with them before so I can't vouch for their work habits or reliability". How often do you really get asked about someone in your LinkedIn network anyway?

This book served to encourage my more open-minded view of growing my network. I wouldn't link with someone I knew nothing about, but if you've met them and have a positive impression why not offer to help them?

It is important to know what this book defines as a "stranger" as you begin to read. Most of us think of strangers as someone we know nothing about. The author broadens this to include people we think we know well but really don't. Or someone we know very casually. I wouldn't categorize these types of people as "strangers" but I think it makes a better book title to say "The Necessity of Strangers" than "The Necessity of Acquaintances and Strangers". The latter title would be more accurate, but I guess it doesn't have the concise sizzle for selling books.

The book is an interesting concept. Opening yourself to insights and possibilities offered by people who have been raised in a different environment/culture is a good idea. Even just listening to viewpoints from others could help you consider avenues you did not consider earlier and help lead to greater success in your personal and business life.

All in all, I consider this a good book. It encourages thinking beyond your immediate circles which is good encouragement for those of us who are New Englanders and tend to stick to our circles rather than venturing out and listening to new ideas.