The 28-year-old lawyer has taken the first step in fulfilling the agenda set out in his widely noted first book, 1999's For Common Things:
using earnest dialogue to remedy America's political and cultural ennui. In the months following September 11, Purdy set off on a trip through Egypt, India, Indonesia and China to assess perceptions of America abroad. He found most people divided in their feelings, often simultaneously admiring bin Laden and longing to emigrate to America. Self-consciously brainy, Purdy is preoccupied with initiating dialogue and does not shy away from discussing big issues—AIDS, globalization, environmentalism, nationalism, refugees, empire, freedom—which he often links to political and cultural movements of the past. He's also keen to assess the usefulness of icons on both the political right and left, and of capitalism itself, including groups such as the Mexican Zapatistas, Rainforest Action Network and the International Monetary Fund. For someone young, yet who thinks so hard about so many befuddling issues, he comes across as wonderfully sane: the writing is unadorned, lucid and without cynicism. This new book is a worthy companion, and in some ways counterpoint, to the more world-weary work of Thomas Friedman. Purdy is already among the most inspiring political thinkers writing today, and his ideas resonate like the clear ring of a bell through the cacophony of better-known pundits. (Feb. 19)
Forecast:Purdy's first book was a minor media phenomenon, but his work for a federal judge prevents him from doing publicity on this one, which may hinder sales. Still, he is one of
Esquire's "Best and Brightest" for 2002, and his reputation may mean widespread reviews.
