All the Difference

Daniel C. Lavery's All the Difference is a riveting memoir about a conservative naval officer about to navigate marines to Vietnam who had an epiphany of conscience at Berkeley. A judge ordered Dan when five to leave his mother and live with his Dad, a naval officer who molds him for the military. A number of luminous childhood moments reveal that his Mom and Grandmother “Ruthie” planted seeds in Dan that were bound to sprout later. He began an intense reading campaign determined to find gratifying work that would motivate him for the rest of his life. The book is filled with creative images the writer developed from his love of nature, and powerful experiences, both deadly and humorous. The author places himself in real scenes in all his vulnerability as he faces conflicts, romance, and adventures that challenge his wits, strength, and determination. He finally rejected his father’s plan for his life and found the “road less traveled.” Inspired to battle for civil rights, Dan becomes an ACLU attorney for Cesar Chavez’s farm workers against some of America’s most powerful forces. He shares illuminating experiences involving successes and failures while going from a military pawn to a champion for the poor and powerless, finally able to make a difference in many lives including his own.