Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives: A Path to Reconciliation in Our Divided Times by Gregory J. Leeson

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In his multi-layered work Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives, Gregory J. Leeson delves deeply into the pervasive issue of societal divisiveness and asks how to get past it. To explore the roots of this division and find solutions, he embarked on an extensive 13-month, 26,403-mile road trip across North America. In visiting 53 cities in 39 states and eight provinces, Leeson delivered 19 speeches, conversed with nearly 1,000 people, and conducted in-depth interviews with 71 participants using a protocol developed by Dr. Dan P. McAdams, a pioneer in narrative psychology from Northwestern University.

The culmination of this remarkable odyssey is a collection of 66 succinct life stories, each potentially resonant with the reader’s own experiences, offering a window into the shared human condition. The book also features 52 viewpoints on the present state and future trajectory of the United States. In the chapter “What Would You Do,” Leeson presents thought-provoking questions, including a universal one, in a unique way that compels introspective responses.

Central to Leeson’s thesis is the assertion that despite our apparent differences, our fundamental similarities bind us together, fostering deeper connections with others. For those who embrace the opportunity to employ McAdams’ interview protocol, the journey promises a transformative and cathartic experience, enriching an understanding of oneself and others.