Other People: The Puzzle of A Life

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By Solange Roe

Michael S. Piraino's Other People: The Puzzle of A Life is a profoundly introspective and thought-provoking meditation on the concept of existence in relation to others. His work demands attention from the very first page, not only for its intellectual rigor but also for the vulnerability and humanity that permeate every reflection. This is not merely a book that should be read; it is an experience that should be pondered and absorbed.

Piraino's writing is characterized by a fluidity that enables the elucidation and elegance of intricate concepts. His prose is both elegant and accessible, establishing a rhythm that invites readers to reengage with the questions he poses, reflect, and pause. A text that is both intimate and expansive is the result of his interweaving of philosophical insight with narrative, bridging the personal and the universal with remarkable skill.

At its core, the book explores the intricacies of identity, memory, and the profound ways in which our lives are shaped by the presence—or absence—of others. Themes of isolation, connection, and the pursuit of meaning are repeatedly addressed, each presented with a raw honesty that resonates with individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences. In a time when the bonds that unite individuals are frequently challenged, Piraino's examination of these universal truths is particularly pertinent.

The impact of the book lies in its ability to both unsettle and affirm. Readers are invited to confront their own vulnerabilities, examine the choices that define their journeys, and consider the puzzles that form the contours of their lives. It matters because it challenges us to look closely at ourselves while reminding us that we are never truly alone in this search for understanding.

Piraino's work is a testament to the enduring influence of storytelling and reflection. Other People: The Puzzle of a Life is a luminous offering that serves as both a guide and a mirror, leaving its readers feeling deeply enriched, challenged, and moved.

About the Author 

Michael S. Piraino

Michael Piraino is an internationally recognized nonprofit leader and inspirational speaker, and has dedicated his life to advocating for children, protecting public lands, and helping individuals and organizations develop greater resilience. He holds a law degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree in socio-legal studies from Oxford University. After an early career practicing and teaching law, he created and led the Minority Fellows program at the National Center for Children in Poverty at Columbia University. Michael later served as CEO of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, the nation’s largest volunteer advocacy organization for abused and neglected children, where he spearheaded the organization’s growth to serve 250,000 young people annually.

Michael left that position after 21 years in order to pursue new approaches to using contemporary science to help individuals and organizations better manage change, reduce stress, and achieve their goals. After three years of research and development, he founded Resilience for Success to make these new techniques easily available. Michael is a Certified High Adversity Resilience Coach and Mindfulness Trainer, with additional training from the International Institute for Restorative Practices. He has provided resiliency trainings ranging from one hour to several days to a variety of groups, including at the Rocky Mountain Restorative Practices conference, the Community Wellbeing and Resiliency Conference in Belgium, and multiple other venues in the United States.

Michael Piraino was named multiple times as one of the nation’s top 50 nonprofit leaders of power and influence. He was a founding member of his city’s ethics board and has served as a board member for several nonprofit organizations, including Independent Sector, Foster Youth in Action, a local Multicultural Advisory Council, and served as a senior advisor to The Justice Project.

Since 2017, Michael has worked as a seasonal staff member and volunteer at Mount Rainier National Park. He also pursues a thriving vocation as a landscape and figure photographer. His wife Carin, a former teacher and CASA volunteer, is an accomplished wildlife photographer. 

Michael and Carin live on an island in Washington State with their dog, Tenaya, named after the lake in Yosemite National Park. In 2023, the couple published Photographic Harmonies, a wide-ranging book of landscape photographs spanning more than 50 years.