Authentic Patriotism: Restoring America's Founding Ideals Through Selfless Action

by Stephen P. Kiernan

A provocative, inspiring account of our neglected American ideals and the people who are living them today—and restoring our nation’s dream Patriotism has become a loaded one that is wielded against people with whom we might disagree, or whose cultural origins don’t match our own. But our founding fathers—Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and others—saw patriotism as a dynamic an act of service, in an evolving nation that defined its purpose by offering all people a better way of life. In Authentic Patriotism, author and award-winning journalist Stephen P. Kiernan explores the original ideals that have been lost in our current climate, where war and economic turmoil have eroded our sense of civic obligation. Kiernan describes “a nation adrift,” out of touch with its origins—and then introduces a range of inspiring people who have revived our national purpose by taking • The out-of-work college graduate who led an economic and environmental renewal of her blighted home community. • The retired executive who pioneered a revolutionary concept in health care for people without insurance. • The minister who created a legendary choir, with the goal of uniting children of different races, genders, and classes in one voice. • The family who donated their daughter’s heart, so that another might live. These and other “New Americans” are profiled in a book that offers hope, ideas, examples, and practical resources for readers who want to renew the American spirit.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Stephen P. Kiernan's latest novel is THE GLASS CHATEAU, out June 20 and available for pre-order now.

Stephen's most recent book is UNIVERSE OF TWO, a love story set in 1944, amid the development of the atomic bomb. Charlie is a young math whiz drafted into the Manhattan Project, where his duty tests his morals. His sweetheart Brenda, prohibited for security reasons from knowing what he's doing, sees these ethical hesitations as weakness, and urges him to be a soldier, be a man. After the war, Charlie feels culpable for thousands of deaths, while Brenda feels guilty for making him contradict his conscience. Together they spend the rest of their lives seeking redemption -- and they find it.

Stephen also wrote THE BAKER'S SECRET, the story of D-Day from the French perspective: what it was like to live in occupied Normandy with no rights, little food and less hope, until one day hundreds of thousands of soldiers and sailors arrive to fight for liberation.

He's author of THE HUMMINGBIRD, about a hospice nurse whose husband has returned from his 3rd deployment in Iraq with PTSD, and she is determined to help him heal. It is a story about loyalty, patience, and fierce love.

Stephen's first novel was THE CURIOSITY, a scientific thriller and a love story across two centuries. The book came out in numerous foreign editions, and it is currently in development as a television series.

Stephen worked for decades as a journalist, winning over 40 awards. His first book, LAST RIGHTS, was a nonfiction expose of the overly aggressive medical treatment most people receive in the last chapter of their lives, with many suggestions for ways of providing more humane care. His second non-fiction book, the Silver Nautilus Award-winning AUTHENTIC PATRIOTISM, describes the potential for national renewal through nonpartisan civic engagement and volunteerism.

A graduate of Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Iowa's Writers Workshop, he lives in Vermont.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Club today, so I finished this book at 3:10 p.m. for a 4 p.m. meeting! We had a lively discussion, as almost any group would when the subject has something to do with politics. In a perfect world, patriotism would not necessarily be connected to politics, but such is the world we live in. The first section of the book has to do with establishing the problem with patriotism vs. "authentic" patriotism. We felt that "authentic" is a loaded word, since each one of us might have a differing definition of patriotism. The middle part of the book describes six "patriots," those who personify the core values the author admires: self-reliance, common purpose, volunteerism, working for justice, respect for nature, and donation. My favorite section was on Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld's Innocence Project, which frees inmates who have been unjustly imprisoned, a chapter titled "Until Proven Innocent." Kiernan makes the excellent point that democracy requires active participants, and that we all can do something towards the common good; even something as simple as giving blood or ticking the box on our driver's license that indicates organ donation qualifies. Stephen Kiernan used to be my neighbor, and he still lives in my town, so my group was curious about what he would write. One of my favorite quotes from the book is this one: "Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner" (James Bovard).

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book in which basically, author Stephen Kiernan is supporting individuals "who see a problem to DO SOMETHING." The chapters include success stories about several people who are awe inspiring, including a doctor who retired to Hilton Head and ended up founding a free clinic for indigent peoples that has now spread into other states. When he ran into red tape, he was able to talk to someone about how to cut that red tape.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author discusses why government and free market systems are not equipped to deal with many of our nation's problems. He then gives powerful examples of people who have stepped up to make a difference - people who raise money for medical research, help the environment, help wrongly convicted inmates get the freedom they deserve, set up inner-city interracial children's choirs, and more.

Although the author did not align himself with a political party, I can tell that our political opinions differ. Some of the underlying messages bothered me, but I found the book as a whole inspiring.

I really liked the last chapter where he talks about how we can all get involved. It doesn't mean you have to quit your job and spend all your time volunteering at a hospital. There are so many little opportunities for service. Incidentally, a web site has been set up to help people find service opportunities: B1campaign.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first downloaded book to my ipod! I read this in fits and starts when I was waiting for a dr appt, etc. I was able to slip right back into the premise of his message. Perhaps I liked it that much more because I read it in small bites. I wonder if I had read it all at once if I might have gotten satiated by the message. I love his message. I love his almost conversational way of writing. I love the variety of people he wrote about. I love his passion and his message. This a book that I have been recommending to my fellow teachers and friends. What a wonderful message to pass on to the next generation. When there are so many of us who are so self absorbed, it was humbling to read about how passionate and how powerful individuals' commitments to helping others can be. I loved the quotes he chose for the beginnings of each chapter as well.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for hope in this country - about our country, who we are, where we came from, and where we're capable of going - you need to read "Authentic Patriotism". It is an inspiring book that enlightens, shares, and uplifts people to feel like they can do something...anything - great or small - that will make a difference in the lives of someone and their communities. I see this book being assigned to high school seniors to read - as they graduate or to college students in different classes. Communities could read this book and start thinking about what is needed and use the examples, Mr. Kiernan gives, as models. The potential is huge - and 2014 could be an amazing year if people took the challenge given here and become authentic patriots in their communities. Now I need to channel all my ideas.... watch out!

[Peggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone should read the first chapter of this book. His definition of a authentic patriot is someone who loves their country and wants to help it be great. Who's responsible for cleaning up the trash in the street in front of your house? You or someone else? Who's fault is it that serious diseases are underfunded? What can you do about it?

The rest of the book is case studies of people who changed how things are done. Some started small in their neighborhoods, and others began huge non-profits. It doesn't matter what you do - just do something. And all these people feel they received more from the causes/people they help than they give.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was hands down, one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. I feel like I should do more patriotic doings for my country. Just think, maybe that's why America is or could be known as the richest country: not for its wealth, but because its people are so spectacular that they volunteer their time and come up with ideas to help others out. The stories, I found were particularly moving in that they summed up how much we owe this country: not because we get lots of material possessions from it, but because the ideals this country was founded upon tend to get forgotten and we need a wake up call a lot of the time.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are convinced that this country is broken, morally and spiritually corrupt or just plain evil, read this book and come away rejuvenated, renewed and inspired. This book may be one of the best things I have ever read, and I encourage you to not sleep on it!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought it as a Kindle Book. It is a great book for the times. It is apoliticol, but tells what is wrong with our government, and gives answers that the private sector (us) can do, and what they are doing.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like history, government, philanthropy, or you want to know how to be the best American citizen you can this book is for you. This book gives a beautiful portrayal of what it means to be patriotic. The support your troops bumper sticker is just not enough for Stephen P. Kiernan.

[Dustin Wax · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author urges us to live by a more genuine patriotism grounded in civic action and community.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claims that patriotism is not nationalism, but instead is individual action to make the country better around you as opposed to waiting for capitalism or the government to fix it for you.

[Kenneth Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't get enough of this book. This is what America is suppose to be about! We could all learn from the stories of the people Kiernan writes about here.