50 States of Mind

Is America as divided as it seems? Oxford University graduate student Ryan Bernsten takes a 23,000-mile journey through all 50 states of his home country to answer that question.

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, 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. The companion podcast “50 States of Mind,” featured in Condé Nast Traveler, showcases live interviews from the journey and is available on all podcast platforms.

Advanced praise for 50 States of Mind:

“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. Ryan Bernsten takes us on a journey to listen to the voices of Americans you are unlikely to have met. For his Graduate Thesis from Oxford University, Ryan chose to set off on a journey to fifty states and have real conversations about life and politics with real people. He shares these in his surprising book, ‘50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy’. While talking to folks in big, medium, and tiny towns, he quickly dumped all preconceptions and stereotypes. He tells of one scary moment when he was outed at a Trump Rally as a former Hillary Clinton staffer, but some fellows he had befriended welcomed him. Ryan says he is ‘no Mr. Rogers’, but he has been in enough neighborhoods to see ‘the goodness of people.’ He thinks it would be wise to broaden your travel choices. Get some hints from his book.” - Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky