Ryan Bernsten, author of “50 States of Mind: A Journey to Discover American Democracy,” gave an author’s talk to about 20 attendees at Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library on Friday, July 20. The talk is part of an ambitious nationwide library tour, in some cases retracing his steps from his 23,257 mile tour in drafting the book.

Acclaimed for providing a hopeful vision for the future of America, Bernsten’s book is part travelog, part boundary-buster for political party lines. With “open mind and generous ear,” Bernsten pushed himself to meet people from all walks of life and reports, “we have a surprising amount in common. I learned less about politics and more about our common humanity.”

To compile the book, Bernsten traveled to all 50 states, sleeping on sofas, in garages, anywhere people would put him up. He spoke to local politicians and everyday citizens of large and small towns about issues important to them, and about what they thought of their country and their communities.

Bernsten hopes his book will be a conversation starter so that we can all learn from one another. “If this book can be the thing that gets us together, over sometimes challenging subjects, then the book is doing its job.”

The author read an excerpt, then took a uestions from moderator and local travel author and food and drink enthusiast Eric Grossman. The idea for the book started at Oxford University where Bernsten was a student. This book is the result of his master’s thesis.

Bernsten’s advice included being open to good news in your community. His book notes everyone he encountered was quick to tell him positive attributes of their towns. “People wanted me to see the good happening in their communities.” He told attendees, he often heard people say they think America is going down the tubes, in part because news outlets promote big narratives that are negative and spur outrage. But in his travels, he finds that politics is truly local, and people are often proud to speak to him about all the good things happening in their community.

He also encouraged people to stop mischaracterizing one another. “Everyone wants to be loved and known. It’s hard to feel loved if you don’t feel known.” His goal is to create a safe forum for civil discussions surrounding political issues that often feel divisive. Bernsten said social media falls short of this mark, as it is hard to have nuanced conversations, and people are not as sure of themselves in person as they are on social media, which can lead to mischaracterization.

“We all have holes in our education.” He said by actively listening to others, we can get past partisan politics and culture wars. In a 2019 Two Broads Talking Politics podcast, “Ryan Bernsten of 50 States of Mind” (episode 286) Bernsten said, “The American people got me through this trip, not corporations. Basically, this (travelog) happened by the goodness of people.”

Podcasts of Bernsten's visit to each state are available at Condé Nast Traveler. His book is available for purchase through most major book retailers and from ryanbernsten.com. Topside Inn sponsored Friday’s event.