The Best of Us

Nestled amidst the divisiveness in our country is a soulfulness that brings us together. You just need to look for it.

From CBS News correspondent David Begnaud—whose “Beg-Knows America” stories have touched millions—comes The Best of Us, a powerful and deeply human exploration of the quiet heroism that exists all around us. In a media landscape often dominated by division and despair, Begnaud turns his lens toward something far more enduring: the everyday Americans who show extraordinary compassion, generosity, and courage when it matters most.

Through richly reported narratives that expand far beyond his on-air segments, Begnaud introduces readers to unforgettable individuals like Roberta Bell, a grandmother who risked everything—including her livelihood—to care for a stranger’s newborn, driven only by love and conviction. These stories, drawn from years of reporting and personal connection, reveal a profound truth: even in moments of hardship, people are capable of astonishing grace and selflessness.

But The Best of Us is more than a collection of inspiring profiles. Blending immersive journalism with memoir, social science, and reflection, Begnaud brings readers behind the scenes—into his own life, his evolution as a storyteller, and his search for meaning in a fractured world. The result is a book that not only moves and uplifts but also challenges us to rethink what we believe about one another—and ourselves.

Ultimately, this is a call to action disguised as a page-turner: a reminder that goodness is not rare, just underreported. With warmth, honesty, and emotional depth, The Best of Us invites readers to notice the everyday heroes in their own lives—and perhaps even become one.