Bill Bennett and John Cribb hosted a conference call to discuss their new book, The American Patriot’s Almanac: Daily Readings on America, which they describe as an effort to present the positive case for American exceptionalism. Bennett wants to re-teach history to Americans. American History is our worst subject, and Bennett has two textbook projects that he hopes will help reverse that trend. This, though, allows readers a daily anecdote to get more acquainted with our own nation and our own traditions, from which two generations of revisionist history has distanced us.

Cribb got the idea of this book shortly after 9/11, but had other projects on the burner. Two years ago, he called Bennett and they partnered on the Almanac. It’s an explicit exhortation to patriotism, a daily reminder of why America is a special place. Each day is a new story from American history that occurred on that date, as well as other entertaining articles, such as the 50 greatest American movies ever made — which Bennett said they would expect some argument.

Bennett says he understands the need to curse the darkness, but this book lights the candle to illuminate what makes America great. I asked him about that, and his initial response had me laughing; Bennett replied that the best balance was to have a morning radio show cursing the darkness and spend the afternoons writing books that light candles. Bennett said that we need to spend more time showing people why they should love this nation, and maybe some Americans simply have never heard that argument. If we don’t do that, how can they know when criticism of our nation is unfair?

At the moment, The American Patriot’s Almanac: Daily Readings on America is #26 on Amazon and about to enter the New York Times’ best-seller list. It looks like a great gift for family this year. Be sure to add it to your own bookshelf as well.