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Your Fellow Americans: Dispatches from Across the Country We Call Home
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Come along with an adventurous and charismatic independent journalist (perhaps you’re one of his four million subscribers on YouTube) on a journey through some of the very best of America, reminding us of all the reasons we’ve got to love this place and one another.
After years spent traveling through eighty-five countries and living abroad, Peter Santenello realized the most unfamiliar territory was often his own American backyard. And so, with a camera in hand and an open mind, he began visiting communities across the country, places that most of the media overlooks or misrepresents, from tiny towns in Appalachia to the streets of East LA to the backwaters of the Louisiana bayou.
What began as curiosity became—one story at a time—an intimate, revealing portrait of America today.
From road trips and chance encounters to dinners shared in locals’ homes, Your Fellow Americans captures what makes this country so dynamic, so resilient, and, most of all, so very human. Because what Peter discovered on his travels wasn’t a nation torn in two. He found something more complex and more people who want to be seen, who are willing to listen, and who still believe we’re more alike than we are different.
With humor, exuberance, and reverence for the human spirit, Your Fellow Americans is a celebration of the United States that exists far beyond the headlines—and an invitation to sit down, open up, and rediscover the soul of this place that we call home.
Come along with an adventurous and charismatic independent journalist (perhaps you’re one of his four million subscribers on YouTube) on a journey through some of the very best of America, reminding us of all the reasons we’ve got to love this place and one another.
After years spent traveling through eighty-five countries and living abroad, Peter Santenello realized the most unfamiliar territory was often his own American backyard. And so, with a camera in hand and an open mind, he began visiting communities across the country, places that most of the media overlooks or misrepresents, from tiny towns in Appalachia to the streets of East LA to the backwaters of the Louisiana bayou.
What began as curiosity became—one story at a time—an intimate, revealing portrait of America today.
From road trips and chance encounters to dinners shared in locals’ homes, Your Fellow Americans captures what makes this country so dynamic, so resilient, and, most of all, so very human. Because what Peter discovered on his travels wasn’t a nation torn in two. He found something more complex and more people who want to be seen, who are willing to listen, and who still believe we’re more alike than we are different.
With humor, exuberance, and reverence for the human spirit, Your Fellow Americans is a celebration of the United States that exists far beyond the headlines—and an invitation to sit down, open up, and rediscover the soul of this place that we call home.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2026
About the author
Peter Santenello
1 book26 followersPeter Santenello is an independent journalist and filmmaker with over four million subscribers on YouTube. He’s traveled to eighty-five countries and lived in five, building a global audience by letting people tell their stories in their own words. These days, Peter’s lens is focused squarely on the United States, where he explores the diverse, complex, and often misrepresented communities that make up the fabric of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 7, 2026
A much-needed "feel-good" read. And I put "feel-good" in quotation marks because the author is not pushing you to wear rose-colored glasses while learning about one of the most fascinating communities in the US. While I digested this book in two days and loved all of it, the parts I particularly enjoyed were the otherworldly feel of Saint Lawrence Island, the Deep South (I could picture all the details he described so vividly!), and the road trip he took in a van with his childhood friend. Overall, the behind-the-scenes stories about Peter's travels were absolutely fascinating, and since I watched and thoroughly enjoyed his Appalachia series on YouTube, I was saddened to learn about one of the events that happened after the shoot (no spoilers). That was another thing that stood out to me - the heartwarming interactions that I feel could be mine too, if I had traveled more. Maybe, after this book, I will.
August 7, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a companion to Peter’s YouTube series, which is one of the few YouTube channels I subscribe to with the notification bell on.
Most of the stories were easy to picture because I’d seen their video before, but for the stories told behind the scenes here and off camera, it was just as vivid as the GoPro. Peter’s way with words conveys (human) nature with ease and passion due to his many years of adventuring and exploring the world.
If you’ve seen the videos, you know you’re in for a treat. If you haven’t, I wish I could re-experience the first time I’d found Peter’s work and walk in your shoes. His voice is authentic and stands out as one of the few genuine people giving a voice to the voiceless free from bias or partisanship. I absolutely love that.
I also listened to the audiobook interstitially for a few chapters (shower, walk, you know…) and his narration is almost on point with the videos. Maybe a flub in editing once or maybe my speaker, but I recommend it as well for my fellow Americans missing uploads on the last weekend of the month and need their Peter fix.
Bravo on this new milestone and I hope to read and listen to many more! Maybe some international tales next?! Congrats, dude.
Most of the stories were easy to picture because I’d seen their video before, but for the stories told behind the scenes here and off camera, it was just as vivid as the GoPro. Peter’s way with words conveys (human) nature with ease and passion due to his many years of adventuring and exploring the world.
If you’ve seen the videos, you know you’re in for a treat. If you haven’t, I wish I could re-experience the first time I’d found Peter’s work and walk in your shoes. His voice is authentic and stands out as one of the few genuine people giving a voice to the voiceless free from bias or partisanship. I absolutely love that.
I also listened to the audiobook interstitially for a few chapters (shower, walk, you know…) and his narration is almost on point with the videos. Maybe a flub in editing once or maybe my speaker, but I recommend it as well for my fellow Americans missing uploads on the last weekend of the month and need their Peter fix.
Bravo on this new milestone and I hope to read and listen to many more! Maybe some international tales next?! Congrats, dude.
August 9, 2026
I got hooked on Peter's travels by watching his videos on YouTube. He is an amazing traveler that just wants to put the truth out there. Not what the media hypes up. He shows the communities and lets the people tell the stories. They live and work there. He has a gift for sharing and I just really like the way he cares and shares. I definitely recommend this book to everyone. It will leave you feeling better after reading it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advanced reader copy of this book by Simon & Schuster in exchange for my honest review.
In Your Fellow Americans, YouTuber Peter Santenello writes about different places in the US he has travelled to. They aren't the usual places, such as New York. He goes to the more "undocumented" areas such as Appalachia or the Bayou. As someone who is from one of the areas he wrote about, I can say he is very respectful in his depictions. You won't find him looking down upon those he meets or thier lives in any way. Each area seems to give him a new lesson on life and you can feel how much he truly enjoys seeing new things. His writings are a good window into the lesser travelled areas of the States and are extremely interesting.
In Your Fellow Americans, YouTuber Peter Santenello writes about different places in the US he has travelled to. They aren't the usual places, such as New York. He goes to the more "undocumented" areas such as Appalachia or the Bayou. As someone who is from one of the areas he wrote about, I can say he is very respectful in his depictions. You won't find him looking down upon those he meets or thier lives in any way. Each area seems to give him a new lesson on life and you can feel how much he truly enjoys seeing new things. His writings are a good window into the lesser travelled areas of the States and are extremely interesting.
August 22, 2026
I've followed Peter Santenello for a while on YouTube and have seen most of the videos he writes about here; I'm not sure about the first place he writes about. I'm glad I saw these videos before reading this book I received so much more insight while reading the book. I love his style of writing and was fully immersed all the way through. It's a quick read. I pre-ordered two hardback copies. I gave one to my local library and the other to a niece who loves to read. Then I ordered the Kindle version for myself. It's writing like this and videos like Peter's that help people see how connected, similar, and also different we are. Of all the writers and videographers I've followed on this topic, Peter is the best. His contribution is vitally important and will stand the test of time.
GREAT JOB PETER!
GREAT JOB PETER!
September 19, 2026
Peter Santenello is an American independent journalist, filmmaker, and travel creator best known for his self-titled YouTube channel, where he visits communities throughout the United States and lets the people who live there tell their own stories at length. Born in Burlington and raised in rural Vermont, Santenello traces his fascination with travel partly to a 3.5-month cross-country van trip with a friend immediately after high school. He later traveled to 85 countries and lived in five before turning his attention back toward what he came to see as one of the countries he understood least: his own. His 2026 book, Your Fellow Americans, is first full-length book.
The book takes much the same approach as his videos, moving through places and communities that tend to be reduced to stereotypes or ignored altogether: Appalachia, the Deep South, Amish communities, the Louisiana bayou, East Los Angeles, Alaska, the Chesapeake Bay, and others. What I appreciate about Santenello's work is his willingness to slow down and remain curious. His subjects are given enough time to explain who they are and why they live as they do rather than being reduced to a ten-second clip or fitted into a predetermined narrative. The book adds more of Santenello himself than his videos generally do, including his early travels and how he arrived at this style of storytelling, but it retains the same fundamental openness.
I enjoyed this one. It is optimistic about the United States without pretending that every community or circumstance is idyllic, and it works as a useful reminder of how much cultural and geographic diversity exists within one country. More importantly, Santenello generally approaches people as individuals worth listening to rather than as representatives of a political, economic, or cultural category, or empty slots he's trying to insert into a preconstructed narrative. In an era when so much media rewards certainty, outrage, and speed, there is something refreshing about a book built around curiosity and the simple idea that most people become more interesting once you actually let them talk.
Further reading: American travelogues that are mostly travel and outward-focused
The Road That Made America: A Modern Pilgrim's Journey on the Great Wagon Road by James Dodson
The Last Ride of the Pony Express: My 2,000-mile Horseback Journey into the Old West by Will Grant
Becoming Forrest: One Man's Epic Run Across America by Rob Pope
My statistics:
Book 183 for 2026
Book 2489 cumulatively
The book takes much the same approach as his videos, moving through places and communities that tend to be reduced to stereotypes or ignored altogether: Appalachia, the Deep South, Amish communities, the Louisiana bayou, East Los Angeles, Alaska, the Chesapeake Bay, and others. What I appreciate about Santenello's work is his willingness to slow down and remain curious. His subjects are given enough time to explain who they are and why they live as they do rather than being reduced to a ten-second clip or fitted into a predetermined narrative. The book adds more of Santenello himself than his videos generally do, including his early travels and how he arrived at this style of storytelling, but it retains the same fundamental openness.
I enjoyed this one. It is optimistic about the United States without pretending that every community or circumstance is idyllic, and it works as a useful reminder of how much cultural and geographic diversity exists within one country. More importantly, Santenello generally approaches people as individuals worth listening to rather than as representatives of a political, economic, or cultural category, or empty slots he's trying to insert into a preconstructed narrative. In an era when so much media rewards certainty, outrage, and speed, there is something refreshing about a book built around curiosity and the simple idea that most people become more interesting once you actually let them talk.
Further reading: American travelogues that are mostly travel and outward-focused
The Road That Made America: A Modern Pilgrim's Journey on the Great Wagon Road by James Dodson
The Last Ride of the Pony Express: My 2,000-mile Horseback Journey into the Old West by Will Grant
Becoming Forrest: One Man's Epic Run Across America by Rob Pope
My statistics:
Book 183 for 2026
Book 2489 cumulatively
September 19, 2026
Fun read through the US. A good reminder that there’s a lot more that brings us together than divides us. Really got the itch going for a road trip to somewhere new!
September 30, 2026
Your Fellow Americans: Dispatches from Across the Country We Call Home chronicles Peter Santello’s journey across the U.S. While many of us are familiar with the geographic locations Santello visits, he highlights the experiences of residents in these places.
From Amish country in PA to East Los Angeles and the Mississippi Delta, to the Chesapeake Bay and a different side of the Hamptons, to the Redwoods and Appalachia, Santello explores life of the locals across these different regions. The last chapter is more memoir-like as Santello recounts the roadtrip that led him to pursue his path as a journalist, content creator, and documentarian.
While the media often portrays the U.S. as divided, which I certainly don’t feel is unwarranted, Santello instead focuses on commonalities. A lot of people want the same things while differing on how to best accomplish them.
Your Fellow Americans was an interesting read. I appreciate Santello offering glimpses into life across different regions. I read about half of the book and listened to the other half, which Id recommend in either format.
From Amish country in PA to East Los Angeles and the Mississippi Delta, to the Chesapeake Bay and a different side of the Hamptons, to the Redwoods and Appalachia, Santello explores life of the locals across these different regions. The last chapter is more memoir-like as Santello recounts the roadtrip that led him to pursue his path as a journalist, content creator, and documentarian.
While the media often portrays the U.S. as divided, which I certainly don’t feel is unwarranted, Santello instead focuses on commonalities. A lot of people want the same things while differing on how to best accomplish them.
Your Fellow Americans was an interesting read. I appreciate Santello offering glimpses into life across different regions. I read about half of the book and listened to the other half, which Id recommend in either format.
August 31, 2026
Short, but inspirational. As a fan of Peter’s videos, some parts were familiar. I found the last chapter about his backstory especially interesting. Peter’s curiosity makes him like a modern day Jack Kerouac. It is moving the way he amplifies people in hidden parts of the country who are very happy living life the way they want to, off the conventional path.
August 23, 2026
Can a YouTuber bring his magic to the printed page? I had by doubts but in this case the answer is an emphatic yes. As easy going and thought provoking as is Peter’s approach on camera. If you’re a fan I consider this a no brainer. Peter- thanks.
Read
August 13, 2026Have enjoyed watching Peter’s channel for years, and this book delivers that same great perspective. Love the insights on how American culture can be so similar yet so different across regions. Highly recommend to anyone looking for interesting deep dives into the diverse cultures America has to offer. My only complaint is that it was too short, I wanted more!
September 9, 2026
I absolutely love Peter Santanello and believe he deserves a Pulitzer Prize in journalism for being truly unbiased. It is extremely rare that someone can commentate on people different than them without passing any sort of judgment or projecting their own opinion. The thing I love most about Peter’s videos and this book is the ability to learn about other cultures with awe and curiosity. We live in a truly amazing and diverse country, and we are so lucky to have so many different cultures surrounding us.
September 4, 2026
A compelling and inspirational chronicle of a true explorer, venturing to remarkable places across the United States that most people would never consider visiting or lack the courage to explore.
August 29, 2026
It seemed that Santenello inserted himself into places where he was clearly an outsider, hoping for a reaction - positive or negative. Like some kind of cheap You-Tuber. Abandoned very early.
October 4, 2026
I absolutely loved this book and the storytelling it provided about the amazing mix-up of cultures, languages, and history in America. I loved the emphasis the characters had on work ethic, family values, and preserving what they could of their history. I enjoyed hearing these stories from the various parts of this amazing nation, and the similarities and common ground that we have as Americans. We came here with an independent spirit and we continue to push forward with that innovative approach and a freedom that many of us take for granted. This was an awesome tribute to our history as Americans and a great reminder to stay curious. If we all approached each other with curiosity and a sincere wish to understand, I think we could come together more as Americans. Beautiful and inspiring book, no matter your politics, religion, or background. I can’t wait to watch his YouTube documentaries!
September 3, 2026
4.7/5- Put this on preorder months ago because I’m a huge fan of the YouTube series. Got the hard cover and audiobook because why not.
Peter is living the dream. It’s up there with Travels with Charley, Blue Highways, and other similar reads. I enjoyed the chapters I could reference from the video series but also enjoyed the insights into the BTS locations and characters as well as his final chapter into his younger days.
Would recommend to those who might think we’re more divided than we are because each chapter and location showcases people we can relate to and empathize with. Especially appreciate the Louisiana chapter.
Wishing many more years of adventures and storytelling. Will read again!
Peter is living the dream. It’s up there with Travels with Charley, Blue Highways, and other similar reads. I enjoyed the chapters I could reference from the video series but also enjoyed the insights into the BTS locations and characters as well as his final chapter into his younger days.
Would recommend to those who might think we’re more divided than we are because each chapter and location showcases people we can relate to and empathize with. Especially appreciate the Louisiana chapter.
Wishing many more years of adventures and storytelling. Will read again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2026
Like many other readers, I found Peter Santenello on YouTube. I’ve only watched a couple of his videos and decided to try his book. He is a well-travelled guy with an easy approach to his message, which is to let people tell their own stories. He is respectful when someone asks not to be filmed. I found it fascinating to learn that there are so many variations of Amish in the U.S. His curiosity and down-to-earth friendliness make his storytelling feel effortless. The final chapter of the book is the story of how he and a friend, after high school graduation, travelled across the U.S. on back roads in an old van. This stoked his wanderlust, turning it into a way of life.
I highly recommend this read. Now I will seek out more of his videos to watch.
I highly recommend this read. Now I will seek out more of his videos to watch.
September 4, 2026
Fun, uplifting read. If you aren't familiar with Peter, you will enjoy traveling to all of these new towns and meeting all sorts of interesting people. If you are familiar with Peter's channel, many of these stories will be familiar. But, that's okay - it was great to revisit these places again.
The last chapter about his road trip as an 18 year old was a fun read and really gave context for how/why he travels and meets people today.
The last chapter about his road trip as an 18 year old was a fun read and really gave context for how/why he travels and meets people today.
October 1, 2026
Considerate profiles of several communities and locales less visited in America. Highly recommend.
October 13, 2026
I like Peter a lot but I was hoping this book would do more than woodenly recap several of his YouTube videos.
October 15, 2026
I grokked/sampled this at my local library, skimming parts and reading all the chapter on the redwoods and Northern California coast.
How you can visit Humboldt County and not talk about water and water rights, especially American Indian water rights, or even not talk to American Indians at all? They make up more than 5 percent of the population and both the Yurok and Hoopa peoples are in the county and both have actual reservations; the Hoopa is the largest in California. More at Wiki. Maybe American Indians aren't his fellow Americans?
More here on dam removal on the Klamath River and its ties to American Indian water rights.
How you can visit Humboldt County and not talk about water and water rights, especially American Indian water rights, or even not talk to American Indians at all? They make up more than 5 percent of the population and both the Yurok and Hoopa peoples are in the county and both have actual reservations; the Hoopa is the largest in California. More at Wiki. Maybe American Indians aren't his fellow Americans?
More here on dam removal on the Klamath River and its ties to American Indian water rights.
August 31, 2026
I loved this book!!
This is an excellent book to remind those of us living here that America is still a beautiful place to live and breathe!
This is an excellent book to remind those of us living here that America is still a beautiful place to live and breathe!
August 29, 2026
This book is a treasure. It renewed my respect and admiration for everyday American people and reminded me of the core values that most of us hold dear despite our varied backgrounds.
September 16, 2026
This was a great, uplifting easy read. I think my dad would really like it tbh...
September 1, 2026
Very disappointing. I listened to it and the author is not a good narrator. That aside, this book has much less about “my fellow Americans” and more about the author. I did not select this book to learn about the author. It bothered me that in his chapter on the Amish in Ohio he said he headed south out of Columbus to go to Holmes County. Wellll, Holmes County is northeast of Columbus.
I would not recommend this book.
I would not recommend this book.
September 2, 2026
If you’re a fan of his YouTube work, (and if you’re not, I don’t know what you’re doing with your life) then you’re already familiar with a lot of these stories. I found the stuff about his personal journey to be the most interesting and you can really hear him light up when he’s recounting it. The audiobook was nice considering Peter’s not a professional voice actor or narrator. He did a nice job. Couple of parts could’ve used another take here there. It can also be jarring to hear him speaking in these long, ultra-descriptive sentences if you’re used to the way he speaks in his videos. as for the content, the stories are all great and enlightening and hopeful. My only ask was that there was a little more reflection and analysis about the country and its problems and his outlook from a guy who’s been on the ground in every corner. 4.2/5
September 9, 2026
Well written, engaging, and fast paced. One of the best travel journal stories I've come across in years. I'm currently enrolled in a seminary program and my missiology professor asked us to provide input on whether to recommend this book for use in a future class. For the reasons below, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in missiology or cross-cultural communication, as well as to anyone who might find it of interest related to travel in the broadest sense.
My county in the metro Atlanta area has over 25% of foreign-born residents and more than 130 languages spoken, and this number will ongoing continue to grow in the days and years ahead Other major cities throughout the USA also have equal or greater diversity, with California leading the way in terms of having several of this most diverse cities throughout the country. In terms of a travelogue, if this book shares some of the features of one of my favorite books of this genre, Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horowitz, where he weaves history and travel into a narrative that documents the factors that both divide and unify those within the South, then this will be a worthy resource for missiologists and for others involved in ministry. In this book, Horowitz does an excellent job in discussing how the Civil War still impacts the modern south, and particularly how the unresolved issues related to the “Lost Cause” myth and the legacy of slavery still affect the way that Southerners deal with each other.
On a separate note, and based on the reviews of this book, it appears to emphasize the importance of active listening and encouraging people to tell their stories. To the extent this is the case, then the book could be useful both for evangelists and missiologists due to its focus on interpersonal communication. Listening to others’ stories and observing the things that motivate them is important in bridging gaps and gaining a better understanding of differences in our Christian faith tradition as well as in other faith traditions as well.
On a related note, another book that might offer a similar approach, and one that I have found helpful in the past, is My Jesus Year by Benyamin Cohen. In this book, Cohen travels throughout the country and attends churches of different denominations, including some in the Atlanta area with which I am familiar, and then compares his experiences there to his background in Judaism. Unlike Confederates in the Attic, where Horowitz focuses on both the negative and positive aspects of the modern South, Cohen takes a positive and respectful approach to each of the various expressions of Christianity, and it is likely that his book therefore takes a more positive and uplifting tone possibly similar to that of Santanello, at least as indicated by the reviews of Santanello’s book.
One additional potential benefit of this book would be to help the reader gain a better ability to notice cultural and regional differences even within our own country so as to be better able to understand the receptivity (or lack thereof) of others to the gospel. In addition to regional differences between people from different areas of our country, as in the differences in the pace of life and interpersonal communication between rural Alabama and New York City, an understanding of the religious landscape of each region of our country would also be helpful in how to approach presenting the gospel, how to initiate and engage in conversation with unbelievers, and what assumptions to make with regard to the cultural understanding and background a person may or may not have with respect to basic theological concepts.
One example of the need to develop greater cultural awareness for ministry is the likelihood that an individual in Tennessee or Georgia might have at least a general familiarity with Christian teaching and concepts would likely be greater than someone in one of the urbanized areas of the Pacific Northwest. On a similar note, while there may be a much greater understanding and familiarity with Christian terms and concepts for an individual in Utah or Idaho, a different approach would be warranted insofar as similar terms and concepts may have entirely different underlying meanings due to the theological differences between Mormonism and traditional evangelical Christianity.
Another valuable book that I have recently encountered, Theology in the Context of World Christianity by Timothy C. Tennant, also does an excellent job in discussing many of the key differences and similarities between Christianity and the prevailing religious traditions in other parts of the world outside the USA. Not only does Tennant thoroughly discuss the theological similarities between Christianity and other world religions, he also discusses the cultural factors at work in the other parts of the world and how both these religious and cultural factors can be used in making a clear presentation of the gospel.
For the reasons above, it is my opinion that this book by Santenello might be useful for seminary studies or ministry training in either missiology or evangelism, as well as for the reading enjoyment and edification of anyone looking for an enjoyable and rewarding reading experience on the variety and positive aspects of the diverse peoples and cultures in our own country.
My county in the metro Atlanta area has over 25% of foreign-born residents and more than 130 languages spoken, and this number will ongoing continue to grow in the days and years ahead Other major cities throughout the USA also have equal or greater diversity, with California leading the way in terms of having several of this most diverse cities throughout the country. In terms of a travelogue, if this book shares some of the features of one of my favorite books of this genre, Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horowitz, where he weaves history and travel into a narrative that documents the factors that both divide and unify those within the South, then this will be a worthy resource for missiologists and for others involved in ministry. In this book, Horowitz does an excellent job in discussing how the Civil War still impacts the modern south, and particularly how the unresolved issues related to the “Lost Cause” myth and the legacy of slavery still affect the way that Southerners deal with each other.
On a separate note, and based on the reviews of this book, it appears to emphasize the importance of active listening and encouraging people to tell their stories. To the extent this is the case, then the book could be useful both for evangelists and missiologists due to its focus on interpersonal communication. Listening to others’ stories and observing the things that motivate them is important in bridging gaps and gaining a better understanding of differences in our Christian faith tradition as well as in other faith traditions as well.
On a related note, another book that might offer a similar approach, and one that I have found helpful in the past, is My Jesus Year by Benyamin Cohen. In this book, Cohen travels throughout the country and attends churches of different denominations, including some in the Atlanta area with which I am familiar, and then compares his experiences there to his background in Judaism. Unlike Confederates in the Attic, where Horowitz focuses on both the negative and positive aspects of the modern South, Cohen takes a positive and respectful approach to each of the various expressions of Christianity, and it is likely that his book therefore takes a more positive and uplifting tone possibly similar to that of Santanello, at least as indicated by the reviews of Santanello’s book.
One additional potential benefit of this book would be to help the reader gain a better ability to notice cultural and regional differences even within our own country so as to be better able to understand the receptivity (or lack thereof) of others to the gospel. In addition to regional differences between people from different areas of our country, as in the differences in the pace of life and interpersonal communication between rural Alabama and New York City, an understanding of the religious landscape of each region of our country would also be helpful in how to approach presenting the gospel, how to initiate and engage in conversation with unbelievers, and what assumptions to make with regard to the cultural understanding and background a person may or may not have with respect to basic theological concepts.
One example of the need to develop greater cultural awareness for ministry is the likelihood that an individual in Tennessee or Georgia might have at least a general familiarity with Christian teaching and concepts would likely be greater than someone in one of the urbanized areas of the Pacific Northwest. On a similar note, while there may be a much greater understanding and familiarity with Christian terms and concepts for an individual in Utah or Idaho, a different approach would be warranted insofar as similar terms and concepts may have entirely different underlying meanings due to the theological differences between Mormonism and traditional evangelical Christianity.
Another valuable book that I have recently encountered, Theology in the Context of World Christianity by Timothy C. Tennant, also does an excellent job in discussing many of the key differences and similarities between Christianity and the prevailing religious traditions in other parts of the world outside the USA. Not only does Tennant thoroughly discuss the theological similarities between Christianity and other world religions, he also discusses the cultural factors at work in the other parts of the world and how both these religious and cultural factors can be used in making a clear presentation of the gospel.
For the reasons above, it is my opinion that this book by Santenello might be useful for seminary studies or ministry training in either missiology or evangelism, as well as for the reading enjoyment and edification of anyone looking for an enjoyable and rewarding reading experience on the variety and positive aspects of the diverse peoples and cultures in our own country.
August 10, 2026
Independent journalist and filmmaker Peter Santenello has been around the world more than once. In YOUR FELLOW AMERICANS, he combines his talents as a wordsmith with his concentrated attention to his native land in its 250th year.
This dynamic, dramatic, surprising and often comfortably amusing saga opens with an exploration of Amish communities. Santenello learns more about their unique mores as he travels by striking up chats with locals and often being noticed and assisted by them. He recognizes that the Amish --- with their buggies, close family ties and willingness to work hard --- can also have fun. They gladly share their contentment and spiritual uplift freely with strangers and one another.
In his trek through Alaska, Santenello absorbs and vividly depicts the many cultures, languages and traditions (some of which are ancient) that comprise that icy realm. Driving through “Deep Appalachia,” he finds unexpected alliances with some of the poorest people in America, former coal miners now persisting in the region that had been their home for generations --- “people who kept lights on, coal moving, factories running, families fed.”
In rural Mississippi, Santenello senses a pioneering spirit, revealed in little-known backroads communities like the redwood forests of California; the Chesapeake Bay with its colonial heritage; the Hamptons, redolent with “rebel holdouts”; and the Louisiana Bayou, where Cajun culture still survives. Through these explorations, he gradually comes to understand that America is too big to be homogeneous but instead can take pride in its “vast and beautiful geography” and its seemingly ingrown openness to choice and change.
Santenello began his travels as a young man with a high school buddy. They traversed many states and crossed the Canadian border, camped, and enjoyed local folks and scenarios, all while battling a dwindling budget. Through these many sudden variations and subtle transformations, Santenello became determined to survive and succeed by continually hitting the roads. His focus on the United States has occasioned hundreds of effervescent videos introducing indigenous spokespeople and exuding a fearless determination to tell us everything he sees, hears and inculcates.
Santenello’s efforts have garnered over four million YouTube subscribers who undoubtedly will wish to read his vibrant prose and share it with like-minded companions across a wide spectrum, inviting all to hit the pedal and follow in his well-chosen tracks.
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
This dynamic, dramatic, surprising and often comfortably amusing saga opens with an exploration of Amish communities. Santenello learns more about their unique mores as he travels by striking up chats with locals and often being noticed and assisted by them. He recognizes that the Amish --- with their buggies, close family ties and willingness to work hard --- can also have fun. They gladly share their contentment and spiritual uplift freely with strangers and one another.
In his trek through Alaska, Santenello absorbs and vividly depicts the many cultures, languages and traditions (some of which are ancient) that comprise that icy realm. Driving through “Deep Appalachia,” he finds unexpected alliances with some of the poorest people in America, former coal miners now persisting in the region that had been their home for generations --- “people who kept lights on, coal moving, factories running, families fed.”
In rural Mississippi, Santenello senses a pioneering spirit, revealed in little-known backroads communities like the redwood forests of California; the Chesapeake Bay with its colonial heritage; the Hamptons, redolent with “rebel holdouts”; and the Louisiana Bayou, where Cajun culture still survives. Through these explorations, he gradually comes to understand that America is too big to be homogeneous but instead can take pride in its “vast and beautiful geography” and its seemingly ingrown openness to choice and change.
Santenello began his travels as a young man with a high school buddy. They traversed many states and crossed the Canadian border, camped, and enjoyed local folks and scenarios, all while battling a dwindling budget. Through these many sudden variations and subtle transformations, Santenello became determined to survive and succeed by continually hitting the roads. His focus on the United States has occasioned hundreds of effervescent videos introducing indigenous spokespeople and exuding a fearless determination to tell us everything he sees, hears and inculcates.
Santenello’s efforts have garnered over four million YouTube subscribers who undoubtedly will wish to read his vibrant prose and share it with like-minded companions across a wide spectrum, inviting all to hit the pedal and follow in his well-chosen tracks.
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
September 29, 2026
Having followed Peter Santenello’s adventures and explorations for several years, I found this book especially engaging because it extended an experience I already knew from his YouTube channel. Some chapters naturally revisited conversations and places familiar from the series, but rather than feeling repetitive, they became a compelling reason to return to each region’s videos to hear the voices, see the landscapes, and catch details I had forgotten. I typically follow along and mark my Google Map when watching, just in case I wander through these territories one day.
That chapter-by-chapter return to the video series became a unique companion to the book. The writing stands on its own as a thoughtful account of America’s distinct regional cultures, but the visual context adds another dimension: the accents, environments, body language, and atmosphere that cannot always be fully conveyed on the page. Reading a chapter and then revisiting its corresponding episodes made the experience feel richer and more immersive.
I’ve often thought it would be fascinating to create a channel built around travel and conversations like these, but this book reinforced just how much skill Peter has developed over the years. His work also reflects the support of his wife’s editing and of local people who help connect him with thoughtful representatives of their communities. His strength is not simply visiting unusual places; it is his patience, curiosity, and ability to let people speak for themselves. He listens without imposing a preconceived narrative, allowing each community’s personalities, history, and contradictions to emerge naturally.
That is what makes Santenello’s work distinctive. His style is entertaining without being superficial, educational without feeling preachy, and consistently grounded in genuine human connection. The book is a strong written companion to the series, but it also made me appreciate the craft behind the videos even more.
(Buying the book has also felt like a great way to give back to Peter and support him to continue these series.)
That chapter-by-chapter return to the video series became a unique companion to the book. The writing stands on its own as a thoughtful account of America’s distinct regional cultures, but the visual context adds another dimension: the accents, environments, body language, and atmosphere that cannot always be fully conveyed on the page. Reading a chapter and then revisiting its corresponding episodes made the experience feel richer and more immersive.
I’ve often thought it would be fascinating to create a channel built around travel and conversations like these, but this book reinforced just how much skill Peter has developed over the years. His work also reflects the support of his wife’s editing and of local people who help connect him with thoughtful representatives of their communities. His strength is not simply visiting unusual places; it is his patience, curiosity, and ability to let people speak for themselves. He listens without imposing a preconceived narrative, allowing each community’s personalities, history, and contradictions to emerge naturally.
That is what makes Santenello’s work distinctive. His style is entertaining without being superficial, educational without feeling preachy, and consistently grounded in genuine human connection. The book is a strong written companion to the series, but it also made me appreciate the craft behind the videos even more.
(Buying the book has also felt like a great way to give back to Peter and support him to continue these series.)
September 5, 2026
Your Fellow Americans is one of those books that reminds you how much there is to learn simply by listening to other people’s stories.
Peter Santenello takes readers beyond headlines and stereotypes, introducing communities and individuals from across the United States with curiosity, respect, and an open mind. What makes this book so engaging is that it doesn’t try to force a single narrative about America. Instead, it reveals the richness, complexity, and humanity that exist in places and among people who are often overlooked.
The stories feel authentic, personal, and deeply relatable. Whether through road trips, shared meals, or unexpected conversations, Peter captures moments that show how much people have in common despite different backgrounds and experiences. His approach as an independent journalist and storyteller brings warmth, honesty, and a genuine sense of connection to every page.
This is more than a travel book or a collection of observation it is an invitation to see others with greater understanding and to appreciate the many voices that make up a nation. Thought-provoking, insightful, and hopeful, Your Fellow Americans is a book that stays with you long after you finish reading.
I would love to explore many more of Peter Santenello’s books and stories in the future.
Peter Santenello takes readers beyond headlines and stereotypes, introducing communities and individuals from across the United States with curiosity, respect, and an open mind. What makes this book so engaging is that it doesn’t try to force a single narrative about America. Instead, it reveals the richness, complexity, and humanity that exist in places and among people who are often overlooked.
The stories feel authentic, personal, and deeply relatable. Whether through road trips, shared meals, or unexpected conversations, Peter captures moments that show how much people have in common despite different backgrounds and experiences. His approach as an independent journalist and storyteller brings warmth, honesty, and a genuine sense of connection to every page.
This is more than a travel book or a collection of observation it is an invitation to see others with greater understanding and to appreciate the many voices that make up a nation. Thought-provoking, insightful, and hopeful, Your Fellow Americans is a book that stays with you long after you finish reading.
I would love to explore many more of Peter Santenello’s books and stories in the future.
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