As Alexis de Tocqueville's statement in the 1800s remains relevant to this day, “The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.” Inspired by Tocqueville’s travels, author Ryan Bernsten set out to travel all 50 states to find solutions to the present day divide in U.S. politics. His findings? Our diversity is our nation's greatest strength, if only we choose to embrace it. According to him, healthy debate and willingness to listen is crucial to maintaining a strong democracy. 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, Bernsten leads a workshop asking the audience to explore their perceptions of democracy more deeply.

Ryan Bernsten is a graduate of Northwestern and the University of Oxford's creative writing graduate program, where he received a distinction for his narrative nonfiction account of his American travels, 50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy which won a Readers' Favorite International Book Award for travel nonfiction. His award-winning plays have been produced internationally from New York to Kansas City to the U.K. Ryan is a contributor for The Infatuation and has been published in USA Today, The Fulcrum, and The Oxford Political Review, and worked with CONAN and The Onion. The companion podcast 50 States of Mind won the King’s Hall Grant and can be heard where podcasts are found.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library.