Shari Leid set out on a remarkable journey to connect with friendly individuals in all 50 states of the U.S. Her initial goal was to learn about travel and local cultures, but she ended up discovering more about her own identity along the way. In her upcoming travel memoir, “Table for 51: Lessons Learned from Sharing Meals Across America,” releasing on Feb. 18 by Capucia Publishing, Leid shares her experiences from the 50 States Project. This project involved sharing a meal with people from diverse backgrounds in each state, with the intention of fostering human connection through the act of dining together.
As a former attorney turned mindset coach, Leid aimed to unite people through shared meals in every state and embrace the power of genuine human connection. Throughout her journey across the country, she realized that breaking bread with individuals from various walks of life transcended differences and brought people together. From bustling city diners to quaint rural cafes, Leid’s interactions showcased how sharing a meal could bridge societal gaps.
The book delves into Leid’s exploration of cultural identity, a theme deeply personal to her as an adoptee raised by Japanese American parents who faced challenges during World War II. By sharing her adoption journey and family history, Leid invites readers to ponder the connections waiting to be forged at tables yet to be shared. Beyond just a travel narrative, the book promises to be a narrative of courage, resilience, and unity through communal experiences.
In an exclusive excerpt shared with PEOPLE, Leid reflects on her transformative journey, where strangers became her mentors, imparting invaluable life lessons during their conversations. Despite unexpected personal challenges, including the end of a long marriage, Leid’s journey of self-discovery and human connection proved to be an enlightening exploration of the hidden gems found in people across the nation.
‘Renay, a Middle-Aged, Overweight, and Financially Struggling Individual: Meet the Hilarious Renay in Dirtbag Queen – Read an Exclusive Excerpt! During most of my 53rd year in 2023, I transformed this dream into reality. By the time I celebrated my 54th birthday in December, I found myself going through a divorce. Now, as I wrap up this manuscript in August 2024, navigating the ups and downs of divorce, I have intertwined my personal diary entries, pouring my heart and soul into these pages. Reflecting on these stories while editing – reminiscing about each woman and drawing inspiration from the connections we shared as we revealed parts of our lives – has instilled in me the confidence to move forward. I now believe that the unexpected twists and turns on life’s journey, though at times perilous, can be framed by the most breathtaking landscapes. It has truly been a remarkable journey. With the lessons learned and strength acquired, I eagerly anticipate whatever lies ahead – even though I may not be entirely certain of what that entails yet. Thank you for embarking on this wild, imperfectly perfect adventure with me. With all my heart, Shari. Don’t miss out on any stories – subscribe to PEOPLE’s complimentary daily newsletter for the latest in celebrity news and compelling human interest pieces. Courtesy of Shari Leid. Shari in Boston, Massachusetts. Table 46. Lunch at Cheers on Beacon Street in Boston, Massachusetts. Thursday, September 21, 2023 – 11 a.m. EST. Tammy, 65 years old, is married to her husband for 33 years and is Jewish. She is a mother to an adult daughter and originally from Long Island, New York, but has made Massachusetts her home since college, with Boston being her adult life’s primary residence. When I was invited to appear on Tammy’s podcast, Work From the Inside Out, shortly after the release of my second book, Make Your Mess Your Message, in 2022, it was an unexpected yet perfectly timed connection. We stayed in touch on LinkedIn, and when I began compiling my list for the 50 States Project, Tammy’s name was at the top. Our meeting place turned out to be Cheers in Boston, a location steeped in nostalgia from one of my beloved TV shows from the eighties. Related: The Cast of Cheers: Where Are They Now? The day we met marked the beginning of Fall, with the warm, golden Boston sun shining upon us. I arrived at the restaurant early and stumbled upon a replica of the Cheers bar upstairs, where I found myself sitting next to a cardboard cutout of Norm, lost in reminiscence of the good old days until Tammy discovered me. Her laughter upon seeing me with Norm filled the room with energy, setting the tone for an afternoon of effortless conversation over lunch and a leisurely stroll through the beauty of Boston Common and the
As I delved into the annals of history and current events, I found nourishment for my mind. Before concluding our discussion, Tammy left me with a poignant reminder: “We all put our pants on one leg at a time,” emphasizing the simplicity and depth of our shared experiences. While cruising from Boston to Rhode Island, the melodic strains of country artist Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” filled the airwaves, almost as if the Universe was acknowledging our earlier dialogue. The song’s profound themes of pride, humility, and altruism echoed Tammy’s sentiments on our collective humanity and the seemingly insignificant gestures that unite us all. In essence, always remember to be humble and kind.
This excerpt is taken from “Table for 51: Lessons Learned from Sharing Meals Across America” by Shari Leid, courtesy of 2025 Capucia Publishing. Reproduced with permission from Shari Leid and Capucia Publishing. All rights reserved. “Table for 51: Lessons Learned from Sharing Meals Across America” will be released on February 18 and is currently available for pre-order wherever books are sold.
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