BOOM!

<p><em style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>What happened to the America we believed in? </em></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>If you believe in democracy in the power of human connection and in reclaiming the promise of America for future generations this book is for you.</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>Through a cross-country journey John Van Dyke set out to rediscover the soul of. In this profoundly timely and moving book Van Dyke captures real conversations with everyday Americans across the heartland-farmers baristas immigrants artists truckers and teachers. From small towns in Kansas and Iowa to Missouri these stories reveal a nation caught between nostalgia for the past and anxiety about the future.</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>With the American Dream under siege and political division deepening </span><em style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>BOOM!</em><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)> is a call to listen to connect and to remember the shared values-freedom dignity hard work and community-that once united us. In an age of misinformation and distrust Van Dyke offers a rare and authentic glimpse into the real America-the one not captured in headlines or partisan soundbites.</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>In </span><em style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>BOOM!</em><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)> everyday people share their hopes frustrations and love for this country while the reader can explore answers to the questions hanging over us all:</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>·         What happened to the America we knew?</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>·         Is the American Dream still alive?</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>·         How do we reconnect across our differences?</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>This is not just a travelogue. It's a portrait of a country at a crossroads.</span></p><p></p>