The world of storytelling continues to evolve, and for those fascinated by life’s vivid narratives, a new collection titled *Deciding To See* emerges as an essential addition to the literary landscape. This book is a sequel to *The Lines That Make Us*, which offered a glimpse into the richness of street life through a series of thirty quick stories. However, the new volume delves deeper, examining themes of community and resilience in the wake of a tumultuous period.
The author reveals that a second book was always part of the vision, but the stories kept pouring in. Life on the streets is dense and filled with incidents that portray the myriad experiences of existence. As the author notes, the events unfolding on the streets are a wealth of material waiting to be shared, and the timing for this second volume feels crucial.
Since the release of *Lines* in 2018, Seattle and its residents have gone through significant changes. The author reflects on how the hardships encountered since then have shaped our current perspective on life. The prolonged sense of anxiety and trauma, exacerbated by the pandemic and various social upheavals, has altered the way people navigate their day-to-day lives. The notion of ‘four years ago’ no longer feels like a distinct point in time but rather a distant memory.
In creating *Deciding To See*, the author seeks to address the question of how individuals can move forward through challenges without shying away from them. Instead of glossing over this moment in history, the book encourages readers to embrace the difficulties, seek connection with others, and cultivate strength in vulnerability.
The new collection aims to find hope within community and the invaluable connections made with strangers, emphasizing that collective experiences of hardship can forge deeper bonds. The author suggests that through reflection, patience, insight, and forgiveness, individuals can discover love even in the most challenging circumstances.
With the ongoing global upheaval, the text resonates with the universal struggle of confronting an ever-evolving array of problems. As many people grapple with their unique struggles, the author observes how the pandemic has left many feeling a few rungs lower on their existential ladders. It becomes evident that everyone is, in some capacity, ‘Working Through Something.’
The great challenge facing people today is not merely the political turmoil or personal hardships but a profound struggle with perspective itself. The author argues that emotional problems require emotional solutions. Thus, a shift in perspective can act as the catalyst for navigating through difficulty. In crafting this narrative, the author avoids providing prescriptive instructions or declarative answers; rather, the stories intertwine to create an open dialogue, allowing readers to discern their own interpretations and insights.
Echoing the sentiments of storyteller Paul Currington, the author notes the importance of sharing from scars rather than wounds. While acknowledging that some traumas might be too fresh for reflection, they lean on their previous experiences, such as surviving the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, to help readers process their struggles. This approach fosters a unique dialogue, where personal narratives become a lens for shared understanding, devoid of immediate judgments.
The book deliberately steers clear of political discussion, focusing instead on common human experiences that unify us. While contemporary issues inevitably weave their way into the stories, they are approached not as arguments or divisive topics, but as parts of a broader tapestry of life experiences that help shed light on our shared humanity.
Ultimately, *Deciding To See* is described as more personal than its predecessor, blending both the subtle humor and deep insights encountered through the eyes of a bus driver navigating the streets, particularly along the nighttime Route 7. This new volume does not shy away from difficult themes but rather embraces them, revealing moments of joy, heartbreak, and everything in between.
The book’s heft—boasting nearly three times as many stories as the earlier volume—underscores the depth of thought and emotion invested in crafting it. The author hopes to offer readers a significant return on their investment, presenting a work that resonates not only in this moment but continues to engage and inspire in the future.
In conclusion, *Deciding To See* sets out to capture the essence of the human experience during disruptive times, championing the idea that storytelling holds the power to connect us all. By highlighting shared struggles and the pursuit of hope despite adversity, the book unabashedly encourages readers to find their own meanings and reflections within its pages. As we navigate the ever-shifting cultural landscape, these stories serve as a poignant reminder that through resilience and community, we can truly find a way forward.
image source from：https://www.theurbanist.org/2025/05/26/nathan-vass-the-new-book-is-here/
