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Published by Frederick Douglass Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
In an age of noise, outrage, and tribal certainty, the most radical act of leadership is listening to the soft, still voice instead of the echo chamber—and moving in faith even when you have to stand alone.
What does it mean to belong in a country that keeps demanding you pick a side?
In A Venn Diagram of One: An American Story, Lenny McAllister refuses the false choice—and tells the truth about what it costs to live outside America’s political and cultural silos. With the clarity of a civil rights advocate and the conviction of a bridge-builder, he traces a life shaped by “inflection points” that demanded reflection—and then direction through faith, works, and leadership.
This is not a sanitized memoir or a tidy policy manual. It is an urgent, deeply personal call to reclaim what makes America work: the courage to think critically, love boldly, and act with purpose before our divisions harden into destiny.
McAllister shares the story behind the labels—from episodes overcoming domestic violence and a near-fatal shooting to award-winning second acts—and shows how his life became proof that America’s best strength has always been found at the intersections: out of many, one.
Inside, you’ll discover:
If you’re tired of being told you must hate your neighbor to love your country, this book is your invitation to something braver.
America doesn’t need louder voices. It needs more Venn Diagrams of One.
What does it mean to belong in a country that keeps demanding you pick a side?
In A Venn Diagram of One: An American Story, Lenny McAllister refuses the false choice—and tells the truth about what it costs to live outside America’s political and cultural silos. With the clarity of a civil rights advocate and the conviction of a bridge-builder, he traces a life shaped by “inflection points” that demanded reflection—and then direction through faith, works, and leadership.
This is not a sanitized memoir or a tidy policy manual. It is an urgent, deeply personal call to reclaim what makes America work: the courage to think critically, love boldly, and act with purpose before our divisions harden into destiny.
McAllister shares the story behind the labels—from episodes overcoming domestic violence and a near-fatal shooting to award-winning second acts—and shows how his life became proof that America’s best strength has always been found at the intersections: out of many, one.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- A bold framework for America’s “second act,” built on three pillars: Security, Empowerment, and Opportunity.
- How to turn national inflection points into reflection points—and choose a better direction personally and civically.
- Why echo chambers are eroding our shared future—and how to build bridges without surrendering conviction.
- A vision for restoring the American Dream through hope, action, and the power of the pivot.
- A challenge to be historic, not trendy, and reclaim the “United” in the United States—starting now.
If you’re tired of being told you must hate your neighbor to love your country, this book is your invitation to something braver.
America doesn’t need louder voices. It needs more Venn Diagrams of One.
About The Author
Lenny McAllister's journey embodies the American Second Act.
After leaving Davidson College in 1992 and returning to graduate in 2002, he built a defining career bridging business, media, and public policy. He has served as CEO of a nonprofit, an adjunct professor, and a policy expert with award-winning think tanks. Currently, he hosts a show on the Marconi Award-winning News radio KDKA.
A sought-after public voice, Lenny has appeared on outlets including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and NPR, offering thoughtful perspectives that challenge partisan rifts. His commentary has been featured in USA Today, The Dallas Morning News, and The Root, among others.
A unique leader who has never fit neatly into boxes, Lenny has spent decades advocating for principles rooted in security, empowerment, and opportunity rather than tribal loyalty. His work spans from The Heritage Foundation to The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, demonstrating a rare commitment to finding common ground across cultural divides.
Lenny lives in Pittsburgh with Lannie, a "Second Act" student who earned her biology degree at fifty-three. Their twenty-five-year marriage and commitment to resilience inspire his belief that America's strength lies not in choosing sides, but in building bridges.
Product Details
- Publisher: Frederick Douglass Books (August 11, 2026)
- Length: 256 pages
- ISBN13: 9781637635957
Resources and Downloads
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