In this book the host of the NBC "Today Show" shares his favorite stories of citizens making a difference around the country. For the six million people who watch the Emmy Award winning "American Story with Bob Dotson" on NBC's Today Show, the author's reports celebrate the inspirational stories of everyday Americans. He has been crisscrossing the country for more than forty years, logging more than four million miles, in search of people who have quietly but profoundly changed our lives and our country for the better. Now, in this book he presents a road map to the unsung heroes with thoughtful solutions to problems we all face, incredible ideas that work, and blueprints to living our dreams. Some of these Americans include: The boss who came out of retirement to start a new company for his former employees who could not find work ; The truck driver who taught microsurgery ; The man you've never heard of who has 465 profitable patents, second only to Thomas Edison ; The doctor who developed the vaccine to prevent whooping cough, who didn't retire until age 104 ; The physicians who recruited retired doctors and nurses to found a clinic for the poor on Hilton Head Island ; The Orgegon sawmill owner who offered a scholarship to any high school senior in his town who wanted to attend college. This is a deeply moving and endlessly fascinating alternative narrative of American visions and values.