Join us on the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library lawn on Friday, July 21 at 6 p.m. for an Author Talk with travel writer Ryan Bernsten discussing his fascinating new book “50 States of Mind.”

Bernsten undertook a 23,000-mile journey through all 50 states of his home country to answer the question: Is America as divided as it seems? “50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy” is a work of travel nonfiction in the style of Alexis de Tocqueville that takes readers on a long and winding journey through all 50 states to explore the complexities of today’s America. Leading with the desire to listen and overcome preconceived notions, “50 States of Mind” asks how to infuse humanity and nuance back into political conversations to keep democracy strong.

Through humorous encounters, vivid storytelling, and insightful commentary, Bernsten highlights the common thread of humanity in the Americans he meets across the country as he reflects on what it means to be American. Ultimately offering a hopeful vision for the future of America, “50 States of Mind” is a must-read for anyone interested in better understanding the complexities of American democracy.

Bernsten is a graduate of Northwestern University and Oxford's Creative Writing Master's program. He has written for The Oxford Political Review, USA Today, The Infatuation, and The Trevor Project, where he currently serves as senior managing editor. Ryan has worked on multiple U.S. presidential campaigns and is an award-winning playwright whose plays have been performed across the U.S. and U.K. He is the host of the 50 States of Mind podcast. You may have seen him chatting with Helen Mirren as a Slytherin contestant on “Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses” on HBO Max. ryanbernsten.com.

This Author Talk was made possible by the generous support of our good friends at Topside Inn.

"Any politician, whether aspiring or actively in office, would do well to heed the words of ‘50 States of Mind’... the book's much-needed prescription for angst and depression provides hope and a sense of purpose to modern America's struggles which is largely missing from newspaper headlines, but encouragingly present in this book. It considers the influences that polarize America, the nation's hopeful possibilities, and the pulse of a people living, breathing, and interacting to create a new American story." The Midwest Book Review