Structure

The author divides Talking to Strangers into five overarching sections: "Spies and Diplomats: Two Puzzles," "Default to Truth," "Transparency," "Lessons," and "Coupling." These titles reflect the thematic interest of each part. Gladwell then divides Parts 1 - 5 into smaller numbered and titled chapters: "Fidel Castro's Revenge," "Getting to Know der Führer," "The Queen of Cuba," "The Holy Fool," "Case Study: The Boy in the Shower," "The Friends Fallacy," "A (Short) Explanation of the Amanda Knox Case," "Casey Study: The Fraternity Party," "KSM: What Happens When the Stranger Is a Terrorist?," "Sylvia Plath," "Case Study: "The Kansas City Experiments," and "Sandra Bland." The chapters represent parcels of Gladwell's thinking under each respective section's thesis. The titles introduce either the court cases Gladwell will present in the corresponding chapter, or a particular person of interest. Each of these cases and parties supports the claim stated in the larger sections'...