Nathan Vass has dedicated his new book, ‘Deciding to See’, to those who often go unnoticed: the friends he encounters on the street.
In a heartfelt acknowledgment, he writes, “to you who are feared, hated, ignored, harassed and underestimated.”
Vass, a Metro Bus driver in the Seattle area for two decades, typically drives the night shift on routes through some of the city’s most challenging neighborhoods.
Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Vass is a Korean American and a multifaceted artist, filmmaker, photographer, and writer.
His first book, ‘The Lines That Make Us’, was not only a bestseller in Seattle but also a finalist for the 2019 Washington State Book Award in the non-fiction category.
In ‘Deciding to See’, Vass presents his life experiences in micro chapters, predominantly documenting interactions during his bus routes.
These vignettes, two to three pages in length, are organized thematically rather than chronologically, reflecting his artistic approach by presenting the stories “cinematically” like frames in a film.
Each chapter, often ending with a meditative interpretation, resembles a sermon in structure as he builds towards a takeaway message.
Vass’s ability to connect with people stems from both his innate personality and a deliberate intention; he consistently chooses to treat every individual with respect and kindness.
This approach often yields profound results as his engaging demeanor helps him connect with passengers, enabling them to share personal stories of heartache, addiction, and other struggles.
For instance, he reflects on an encounter with Richard, a homeless passenger who had previously worked as a welder and possesses extensive knowledge about filmmaking.
Vass describes his relationship with Seattle from the dual perspectives of an outsider, a Californian, and an insider, a bus driver.
He effectively helps to dispel the myth of the Seattle Freeze, instead revealing the raw humanity in the lives of his riders.
His skillful recollection of verbatim dialogue—often scribbled during red lights—adds authenticity to his narratives, vividly capturing the unique voices of his passengers.
Among these interactions is a humorous exchange with a regular passenger, Hau Ling, who loudly calls out questions while riding, endearing herself to Vass.
However, Vass cautions that the job of driving a bus in tough neighborhoods at night is not without challenges.
He recounts experiences of verbal abuse, physical threats, and instances of violence that are part of the job.
A recurring theme in ‘Deciding to See’ includes his reflections on the Paris terrorist attacks of November 2015, which changed his perspective on life.
During that time, Vass was listed as missing and presumed dead for three days, an experience that shaped his understanding of grief and suffering.
He writes about the enlightenment he found in the aftermath of the attacks, stating, “I find myself settling deeper into an almost unhinged thankfulness.”
For Vass, the experience taught him the importance of recognizing the beauty and fortune in life and the necessity of sharing this positivity with others.
Initially, some may view Vass’s intense optimism as almost supernatural, as he employs exclamation points abundantly in his writing.
Upon further reading, however, one realizes that his enthusiasm stems from genuine conviction, creating an infectious atmosphere within his prose.
At the core of Vass’s writing lie simple yet profound truths, noting, “The longer I’m alive, the more I realize the degree to which a person’s character and appearance today is but a surface ripple over the iceberg of their past.”
This reflection emphasizes that every person carries a deeper history beyond their present circumstances.
Reading ‘Deciding to See’ may be uncomfortable at times due to the painful stories Vass shares, yet the book remains heartfelt and uplifting throughout.
Ultimately, Vass’s work serves as a powerful testament to the importance of kindness, understanding, and genuine human connection in a world where these qualities are often overlooked.
image source from：https://iexaminer.org/take-a-ride-on-nathan-vass-bus-and-see-his-insight-and-human-connection-with-seattles-gritty-side/
