50 States of Mind

A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy

By: Ryan Bernsten

Narrated by: Ryan Bernsten

Is America as divided as it seems? As a graduate student at Oxford, Ryan Bernsten undertook a 23,000-mile journey through all 50 states to look beyond the news cycles and see his home country from the ground. Following in the footsteps of Alexis de Tocqueville, Bernsten leads with the desire to listen and find common humanity in Americans he meets across the country. Bernsten ultimately offers a hopeful vision for the future of America, as he embarks on a search for meaning and reflects on what it means to be American.

This book is a companion to the podcast 50 States of Mind which showcases interviews from the journey and is available on all podcast platforms.

©2023 Ryan Bernsten (P)2023 Ryan Bernsten

Critic reviews

"If you are sadly convinced that our country is hopelessly divided along political and cultural lines, then I strongly urge you to read the book that is guaranteed to give you hope." (Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky)

"What is America and who are the people who make up its heart and soul? In 50 States of Mind, Ryan Bernsten gives us a window into our vast complexity, how we are different and yet alike. In his journey through all 50 states, Bernsten talked to people from all walks of life and discovered a basic decency and love of country that prevailed in cities and towns across the nation. At a time of depressing headlines and news stories, 50 States of Mind provides a welcome antidote and restores hope that our country will be alright in the end." (Gov. Christine Todd Whitman)

"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)

A great road trip book to add to the anthology

The parallels to Travels with Charlie and Blue Highways are obvious and this writer does a great job painting a picture of modern America in a clear-eyed way. I also enjoyed the personal essays throughout. A pretty great listen, especially if you're on a road trip thru America!

A refreshing look at our partisan politics

This book did give me hope that we're not necessarily as divided as the media makes up appear. At the end of the day, it's about people. This is a great listen for people who want to better understand the US and have some laughs along the way.

Got through in one day

This is a soulful and funny exploration of of the United States . I wasn't sure what to expect, but I got through this is one day. The narration and story were grat.

Raw, Honest, Funny, and Positive!

Absolutely loved this book! I really enjoyed the author's raw honesty, hilarious stories, and refreshing perspective of empathy and trying to understand others who may have a different perspective than you.

As an avid traveler myself, the idea of finding the beauty in every place and how communities of each state wanting to show the author the cultural aspects they were most proud of really rang true to me.

Overall this was a great listen! I loved the audiobook and being able to hear the story from the author through his voice. Loved the positive and hopeful tone of the story.

captures American life in a turbulent time

This is a special, heartfelt book that asks what if we approached our fellow Americans with humility and grace? I love the deepness of the message of trying to understand America alongside with the hijinks the author gets into along the way.

An incredible journey

I saw Ryan speak at my local libary and I was moved by what he said - we need to focus the outrage we put out into the social media world back in our own community. I found his book engaging and funny and well performed. Highly recommend!

Hope in America

Vulnerable, brave, optimistic, inspiring, funny and just a wonderful read or listen. Ryan does a wonderful job of pulling you in and challenging beliefs. Thanks for sharing your journey.

Read Now!

A fantastic read for anyone who lives in these States or is at all curious about what it’s like to experience a country with perspectives as diverse as it’s geology. In 50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy, Ryan Bernsten is doing the seemingly impossible — he’s talking to people. By elevating the voices of everyday Americans while also sharing his own unique story, Ryan is able to showcase the universal in what is means to be an American. Across these pages you’ll hear everyday stories ranging from Mayors to bartenders. Follow Ryan on his 50 State journey and learn how your neighbors and our communities may be the key to saving our democracy. If you're looking for a shot of optimism about this country, and sprinkles of too bizarre to believe anecdotes you could only get on a 50 State road trip, then this is absolutely the book for you.

A Stunning and Necessary Portrait of America

Bernsten’s breathtaking journey, and his Herculean kindness and zeal, combine for a tour-de-force literary debut. This is the book every soon-to-be graduate needs in their hands before embarking on their own daunting journey.

Highly Recommend! Insightful and Entertaining!

Author Ryan Bernsten takes us on a modern day odyssey as he embarks on the tall task of visiting all 50 states in mere months. During this journey he meets local leaders, news anchors, politicians, and people from all walks of life. While the book seeks to understand the serious subjects of democracy and the state of our nation, Bernsten also expertly weaves humor into his writing such as when he had a threatening encounter with a self-proclaimed nudist in San Francisco.

As I stated in the subject line, this story truly is insightful and entertaining. It is also deeply personal and uplifting. It will make you think about your views of American culture and democracy, and will leave you feeling better off because you read this book.

Highly recommend! You’ll be glad you took the time to read or listen to it!