Hey there, bookworms. Happy (almost) weekend. I hope you’re all well despite the crazy times happening all across the globe. Between a global pandemic, racial injustices, and just complete government incompetence, it’s hard to have much faith in anything these days, let alone pretend like things are normal.

Here in the US, we’re about to do what we can to celebrate our independence, but there’s definitely a feeling of heartbreak and obviously isolation in the air. Many festivities are canceled due to COVID and the atmosphere across the states is tense and if I’m being honest, pretty grim. However, our country is in dire need of change. It’s long-overdo for us to shake up the system and be the change we wish to see. Despite all the bad that’s happening, I somehow still hold a little bit of faith that things will be okay, that there are better days ahead of us.

In the spirit of hope and happiness, I wanted to share a book I read around this time last year from the wise and insightful Dan Rather. Let’s talk about What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism.

“I find myself thinking deeply about what it means to love America, as I surely do.” —Dan Rather

At a moment of crisis over our national identity, venerated journalist Dan Rather has emerged as a voice of reason and integrity, reflecting on—and writing passionately about—what it means to be an American. Now, with this collection of original essays, he reminds us of the principles upon which the United States was founded. Looking at the freedoms that define us, from the vote to the press; the values that have transformed us, from empathy to inclusion to service; the institutions that sustain us, such as public education; and the traits that helped form our young country, such as the audacity to take on daunting challenges in science and medicine, Rather brings to bear his decades of experience on the frontlines of the world’s biggest stories. As a living witness to historical change, he offers up an intimate view of history, tracing where we have been in order to help us chart a way forward and heal our bitter divisions.

With a fundamental sense of hope, What Unites Us is the book to inspire conversation and listening, and to remind us all how we are, finally, one.

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.

Until next time, bibliophiles, stay safe, stay healthy, and happy reading! xx