Mr. Rather spent decades building a reputable career as a journalist and reporter, and always offered sobering accounts of news and current events. Younger generations know him for his pensive status updates across his Facebook page. This small book is a wonderful blend of both of those worlds. Through various essays founded in personal experience, Dan gives us examples of how we all share common ground as people.

There’s a story or life lesson for everything. He touches on childhood, science, love, the arts, or course politics, and more, and uses specific events in his personal life and career or the climate in America versus the world during a specific time to get us to see our connections. Especially now, during such a time of division and partisanship, his blurbs and insights are a touchstone of the good there is in the world. When everything around you feels like it’s less-than-ideal, Dan has a way of telling you, “don’t give up. Now isn’t the time. We need you, your voice, and your story” which is so reassuring for so many to hear when things feel particularly dismal.

Even though COVID is affecting life as we know it, if you haven’t felt in the mood to partake in July 4th fireworks, I hope you pick up this book and let it give you a some inspiration. Much like the Founding Fathers once believed, we are capable of wonderful things when we pull together. If you haven’t already, grab a copy of Dan’s book and find out what unites us.