A coming-of-age story no matter the character’s age, the novel immerses readers in the breathtaking nature of the Great Lakes region, provides a fresh perspective on loyalty, and considers the essential roles that family, nature and place hold in all our lives. And yet, science — and particularly its findings about nature and the Great Lakes — became the magic I needed to write the fictional story in “The Best Part of Us.” Scientific studies also show that the more connected we feel to and a part of the natural world, the more we believe we are living lives with purpose and satisfaction, feel part of something larger than ourselves, and have a stronger sense of generosity and commitment to protect nature.