Shari Leid Shared a Table With 51 New Friends For “Table for 51:” Read an Excerpt! (Exclusive)

When Shari Leid embarked on her journey to meet and share a meal with friendly folks in all 50 states across the U.S., she imagined learning about travel, local culture and more — but never thought she'd discover more about her own identity along the way.

In her forthcoming travel memoir, due out Feb. 18 from Capucia Publishing, Table for 51: Lessons Learned from Sharing Meals Across America, Leid embarks on what she calls the 50 States Project, in which she shares a meal in each state "with people from all walks of life," per her publisher.

For Leid, a former attorney who now works as a mindset coach, the intention behind the journey was to "bring people together over a meal in every state, embracing the magic of human connection in its rawest, most heartfelt form." But her journey across all 50 states quickly — and repeatedly — took on new meaning, teaching her how to find common ground over a shared meal.

"From city diners to rural cafes, Shari connects with individuals from vastly different backgrounds, showing us how simply 'breaking bread' can bridge divides," according to the book's description.

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The book's exploration of cultural identity hits close to home for the former litigator, too — Leid has been candid about her adoption journey and her family's stories of immigration to the U.S., as she was abandoned as an infant in Seoul and raised by Japanese American parents who were interned during World War II.

According to Leid, her book will leaves readers with a question: "What connections are waiting at the tables we have yet to sit at?"

"This isn’t just a story about travel; it’s an exploration of courage, resilience and finding unity through shared moments," her publisher promises.

Below, check out an excerpt from the book, shared exclusively with PEOPLE.

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Dear Reader,

I hope you're as excited as I am to come along on this incredible journey. As I sit here, surrounded by piles of paper and notes, giving my manuscript one last read, I can't help but look back on what's been an extraordinary adventure. When I first started out, my plan was simple: travel the country and meet 50 people — strangers or acquaintances whom I’d had little to no contact with over the past 35 to 40 years. Little did I know, these individuals would become my teachers, sharing the wisdom of their life stories during our lively conversations.

Life, as it turns out, is full of surprises. From the moment I dreamed up this project to now, as I'm packing up my house and saying goodbye to a 26-year marriage I thought would last forever, my journey has taken more unexpected twists and turns than I ever could have predicted.

Much like the roads I’ve traveled.

It was the Spring of 2022, and I was 52when this wild idea struck me: to go to each of the 50 states, searching for something deeper than the usual tourist spots. But how could I make it meaningful? Then it hit me: The true magic of a place isn't just in its landmarks, but in the people you meet. What if, despite all our perceived differences and the political and social divides permeating our country, I could find connection simply by breaking bread with a stranger? I wondered if I, in my own small way, could help fuel connections and community across our beloved country. And that’s how my 50 States Project was born.

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Through most of my 53rd year, in 2023, I turned this dream into reality. By the time my 54th birthday rolled around in December, I found myself filing for divorce. Now, finishing up this manuscript in August 2024, riding the rollercoaster of divorce, I've woven in my personal diary entries, pouring my heart and soul into these pages.

Revisiting these stories as I edit — remembering each woman and being inspired by the connection we felt as we shared pieces of our lives — has given me the confidence to move forward. I now believe that the unexpected sharp turns on the road of life, although sometimes treacherous, can be bordered by the most spectacular landscapes.

It’s been one heck of a ride. With all the lessons learned and strength gained, I’m excited for whatever comes next — even if I’m not quite sure what that is yet. Thanks for taking this wild, imperfectly perfect journey with me.

With all my heart,

Shari

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Table 46

Lunch at Cheers on Beacon Street

Boston, Mass.

Tammy

Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 — 11 a.m. EST

Tammy is 65 years old. She and her husband are Jewish, married for 33 years. She is a mother to an adult daughter. Born and raised on Long Island, N.Y, she moved to Massachusetts for college, and has lived in the state ever since—calling Boston home for most of her adult life.

When I was invited to be a guest on Tammy's podcast, Work From the Inside Out — right after my second book Make Your Mess Your Message hit the shelves in 2022 — it was one of those unexpected but perfectly timed connections. We kept in touch on LinkedIn, and as soon as I started piecing together my list for the 50 States Project, Tammy's name was at the top. Our meeting spot turned out to be Cheers in Boston — a place dripping with nostalgia for one of my favorite eighties TV shows.

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The day we met was the perfect start to Fall, with Boston sunning us in a warm, golden light. I arrived at the restaurant early, so I wandered around and stumbled upon a replica of the Cheers bar upstairs. There I was, sitting next to a cardboard cutout of Norm, lost in the good old days, when Tammy found me. Her burst of laughter upon seeing me with Norm energized the room, kicking off an afternoon filled with easy conversation over lunch followed by a stroll through the splendor of Boston Common and the Public Gardens.

Despite being a decade apart in age, Tammy and I bonded over our shared dreams and the urgency we feel to make a significant impact by spreading joy and fulfillment. Tammy has an extensive background working with political figures and other leaders throughout her career. She recounted stories of powerful individuals, highlighting how they often exerted their influence simply due to their titles. We agreed on the importance of remaining humble and kind when granted such privilege.

We also discussed her family, including her husband’s work with the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Mass. This cultural institution is dedicated to preserving Yiddish books and the culture and history they represent. Our conversation, which touched on family history, world history and current events, provided essential nourishment for my mind.

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Before we wrapped up our conversation, Tammy reminded me: "We all put our pants on one leg at a time," underscoring both the simplicity and depth of our shared experiences.

Driving from Boston to Rhode Island, country artist Tim McGraw's Humble and Kind played on the radio — as if the Universe was nodding to our earlier discussion. The song's message about pride, humility and helping others brought back Tammy's words about our common humanity and the small acts that connect us all.

Always, be humble and kind.

Excerpted from Table for 51: Lessons Learned from Sharing Meals Across America by Shari Leid. Copyright © 2025 Capucia Publishing. Reprinted with permission from Shari Leid and Capucia Publishing. All rights reserved.

Table for 51: Lessons Learned from Sharing Meals Across America hits shelves Feb. 18 and is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold.

Read the original article on People