Diving Into “Purple State”

After reading “Everything Will Be Okay,” I felt both inspired and relieved. It’s a book that resonates with many people, especially those grappling with uncertainty. Over the years, my motivation to write mentoring books stemmed from a desire to gather valuable advice in one place. In my latest novel, “Purple State,” I wanted to help my three characters—Dot, Mary, and Harper—navigate their journeys, especially as they face quarter-life crises that could lead to personal fulfillment and career success.

In my nonfiction work, I discussed principles that guide decision-making. Now, in “Purple State,” I highlight the costs and challenges of living by those principles, showcasing how they can be tested and the repercussions of one’s choices.

Reflecting on Resilience

“Everything Will Be Okay” teaches us that life can be quite tough. It conveys that, although uncertainty is ever-present, being resilient and trusting ourselves can help us cope. It’s about sticking to our values even when the path ahead isn’t clear—especially in chaotic times. This book serves as a guide to navigating life’s chaos with grace.

The narrative of “Purple State” unfolds over a year, with Dot, Mary, and Harper at critical junctures in their lives. They have lofty ambitions but carry the scars of past experiences. The struggle to reconcile their expectations with reality is palpable.

Dot chooses to leave the certainty of New York for an unpredictable love affair and a new career direction. Meanwhile, practical Mary faces the limitations of her comfort zone, and Harper, though intelligent, grapples with insecurity, learning that independence might come with its own kind of loneliness.

Do these characters remind you of yourself or someone close to you? Their struggles aren’t spun from thin air but reflect real challenges that plenty of young people face today. I’ve walked that path myself, and both of my books share a vital message: you’re not alone in feeling this way. There’s a way to navigate daily life between fear and faith, ambition and connection.

Character Over Situation

One consistent takeaway from these stories is that character outweighs circumstances. Who we truly are when nobody is watching matters. “Purple State” explores this concept as the three friends attempt to live outside Manhattan for a year in Wisconsin.

As they’re immersed in political movements that challenge their structured lives, they discover that both love and career involve risk—and that sometimes, the safe route isn’t the best option.

The answers don’t come from grand gestures but from small decisions—those that have shaped my life more profoundly than any dramatic moments. At its core, the story emphasizes a simple yet profound truth: love triumphs if we allow it to.

“Everything Will Be Okay” underscores the importance of staying grounded, supporting friends, and upholding integrity—lessons that Dot, Mary, and Harper also learn. It’s about making the right choices in life so you can truly believe that everything will be fine.

A Cultural Reflection

In a time when cynicism and division seem to dominate, “Purple State” offers a refreshing perspective. It reminds us that our most important choices are often personal, not political. It raises questions like: Who do we trust? Who do we support? Who will we choose to love?

The story’s setting, Wisconsin, serves as a literal and figurative “purple state,” embodying the emotional and ideological middle ground where many of us reside. Here, understanding and connection become possible, even amid conflicting views.

For readers who felt uplifted by “Everything Will Be Okay,” “Purple State” promises a deeper, more enriching experience, connecting you to the values that truly matter.

Make the right choices in life, and everything will eventually fall into place.