Reviews
Hear from a few of those who have read the book.
“Divorce is hard, painful and heartbreaking. Families are torn asunder. In Beautiful States of Mind, Chelan David hits the road with his two daughters and shows us how to emerge from the darkness. He is not putting it back together. State by state, he is building something new. Something better. Something beautiful.”
– Mike Matson, columnist and award-winning author of Courtesy Boy
“By conquering all 50 states with his daughters, Chelan David provides a roadmap to parents in search of adventure, spontaneity, and special bonding moments. Travel – like sport – can be an incredible teacher of life lessons. I can’t imagine a better coach on the road than Chelan.”
– Scott Novosel, former University of Kansas basketball player and author of Fieldhouse
“Chelan’s love for his daughters shines through on every page of this travelogue. From September 11 to Covid-19 and the death of George Floyd, the young family’s travels intertwine with events that have helped shape this nation in the equally young 21st century. Chelan’s eye for detail and his commitment to connecting with his girls through the ups and downs of their voyage make for a heartwarming read, while offering tips for things to experience should readers decide to make a similar journey of their own.”
– Sara Bennett Wealer, Author of GRAVE THINGS LIKE LOVE and NOW & WHEN, Delacorte Press
“I’ve known Chelan for years and have long admired him as a great father. This is a touching, beautiful story of how travel molded Chelan’s own childhood and in turn, has helped guide his adult life and create an eternally beautiful connection with his daughters. A must read for anyone with a heart.”
– Dave O, Afternoon Drive Host at Mix 93.3
“An honest, wise, and tender account of a father’s love, his desire to save his daughters from the devastation of a broken marriage, one that he himself suffered growing up, Beautiful States of Mind is the riveting story of one family’s healing through travel and adventure. Chelan’s ambitious quest to visit all fifty states with his daughters following a painful divorce, is a profound exploration of intergenerational trauma and redemption, as well as a life-affirming meditation on the sacred nature of travel, its ability not only to expand one’s soul, but ultimately, heal and deepen our most cherished bonds.”
– Robert Young, Author and Founder of Beauty and Praise of Altruists Foundation
“All stories of travel begin with a starting place. And Beautiful States of Mind shows us how even the most tragic beginnings can become inspiring, guiding touchstones. Chelan David’s loving, vivid prose lighten the heaviness of his own starting place – a trauma-rocked childhood. And with his fatherly hand, his words guide us on a courageous emotional adventure. Chelan’s tales will take you away, and they will ground you in the beauty of family love and human resilience. It’s an enchanting way to travel the fifty united states.”
– Becky Blades, author of Start More Than You Can Finish and Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone
“Beautiful States of Mind is a joyful intergenerational journey that explores with humor and vulnerability the ways history and geography define our identity. Chelan David seamlessly weaves together family adventures, fascinating stories of both quirky and iconic American places, and reflections on his own childhood. A beautifully written and poignant narrative that inspires us to embrace the importance of family and self-discovery.”
– Sabrina Stoker, author of Poisons of War
“All stories of travel begin with a starting place. And Beautiful States of Mind shows us how even the most tragic beginnings can become inspiring, guiding touchstones. Chelan David’s loving, vivid prose lighten the heaviness of his own starting place – a trauma-rocked childhood. And with his fatherly hand, his words guide us on a courageous emotional adventure. Chelan’s tales will take you away, and they will ground you in the beauty of family love and human resilience. It’s an enchanting way to travel the fifty united states.”
– Becky Blades, bestselling author of Start More Than You Can Finish and Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone.
“By conquering all 50 states with his daughters, Chelan David provides a roadmap to parents in search of adventure, spontaneity, and special bonding moments. Travel – like sport – can be an incredible teacher of life lessons. I can’t imagine a better coach on the road than Chelan.”
– Scott Novosel, former University of Kansas basketball player and author of Fieldhouse
“Chelan’s love for his daughters shines through on every page of this travelogue. From September 11 to Covid-19 and the death of George Floyd, the young family’s travels intertwine with events that have helped shape this nation in the equally young 21st century. Chelan’s eye for detail and his commitment to connecting with his girls through the ups and downs of their voyage make for a heartwarming read, while offering tips for things to experience should readers decide to make a similar journey of their own.”
– Sara Bennett Wealer, Author of GRAVE THINGS LIKE LOVE and NOW & WHEN, Delacorte Press
“Divorce is hard, painful and heartbreaking. Families are torn asunder. In Beautiful States of Mind, Chelan David hits the road with his two daughters and shows us how to emerge from the darkness. He is not putting it back together. State by state, he is building something new. Something better. Something beautiful.”