Journalist and author Ted Reinstein has reported all around New England for 25 years, telling the colorful stories of this historic yet ever-changing corner of America. Now, he condenses his countless travels into a single, unique labor of love: a journey through the heart and soul of New England, meeting the most memorable people—and their unlikely stories—all along the way. People whose struggles, toughness, triumphs, and humor not only define the very essence of New England, but represent the timeless best of America as well.  

In all six states, in their own words, the stories unfold. From a stalwart surfer on New Hampshire’s tiny seacoast, to Maine’s “Slim” Andrews and his one-man museum, to the Vermonter who builds extraordinary havens in the trees for those without hope of reaching them. Meet a couple in the Berkshire Hills determined to save a place they were told doesn’t exist, and a cartoonist in Rhode Island who found an ingenious way for an entire city to say goodnight to those who need to hear it most. 

It's a legendary part of America that’s often caricatured, but rarely caught with such real-life candor and intimacy. Indeed, the Old Mainer in the tired-old joke was wrong: you can get there from here. And along the way, see New England in a whole new light, through the stories of some everyday Americans you’ll never forget.

Ted Reinstein is a longtime broadcast-journalist and author. A reporter based in Boston and a full-time correspondent for the city’s celebrated nightly news magazine, “Chronicle,” he has covered sports, politics and especially human interest stories all over Boston and across New England. His work as a journalist has earned several Emmy Awards as well as an Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University National Broadcast Journalism Award. He sits on the WCVB editorial Board, and is the author of three books about New England, all published by Globe Pequot. His first book, New England Notebook: One Reporter, Six States, Uncommon Stories was selected in 2013 as a “Best Pick” by National Geographic Traveler. His most recent book is Before Brooklyn: The Unsung Heroes Who Helped Break Baseball’s Color Barrier (Lyons Press/2021). He also keeps up an extensive speaking schedule. More on Ted, his books and full biography on his website at https://tedreinstein.com/

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library