Brilyn Hollyhand , an 18-year-old political commentator and strategist from Tuscaloosa, hopes to inspire the next generation of voters with his new book.
Hollyhand's debut book, "One Generation Away: Why Now Is the Time to Restore American Freedom" launched July 9 and reached number 2 on the Amazon bestsellers list.
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Hollyhand, a senior at Tuscaloosa Academy, said he was excited to have the opportunity to publish a book at such a young age.
"It's kind of a testament to the fact that the American dream is alive and well," Hollyhand said.
Hollyhand, who has built a national reputation as a political commentator, often spends his time traveling the country to meet and interview politicians for his online news platform, The Truth Gazette .
Hollyhand founded the Truth Gazette at the age of 11 and has spent his teenage years as the conservative-leaning website’s editor-in-chief, interviewing officeholders and pundits while writing about politics. The website contains his own reporting and interviews he has conducted with politicians from Alabama as well as national leaders.
Former vice president Mike Pence, Donald Trump Jr. and Alabama U.S. Sen. Katie Britt are just a few of the political heavyweights Hollyhand has interviewed.
He’s also provided his political expertise during television interviews on “Fox and Friends,” “NBC News Now,” along with a host of other news outlets.
Hollyhand said his passion for writing and political reporting eventually led him to create his book, "One Generation Away."
"I've always been a writer ... and I've always said I want to write a book, but I'll wait until after college," he said.
However, those plans shifted as Hollyhand said he felt a calling to release the book sooner. He began working on the book in October during his junior year of high school.
"One Generation Away" was influenced by real conversations and experiences during his time as a political reporter, Hollyhand said.
"("One Generation Away") is seven years of conversations with the American people, seven years of my travels across the country, where I've talked to as many Americans as I could, but more importantly, I tried to listen to more of them," Hollyhand said.
During those conversations, people would often express concerns about the future of America, he said.
"I wanted to kind of put out a message to counter that (concern) ... (which is) hey, regardless of political party, if young people get involved, we can kind of inspire change, inspire hope," Hollyhand said.
The purpose of the book is to inspire the next generation to use their voice regardless of age or political party, Hollyhand said.
"We're really trying to get the message out to young people that I got started at the age of 11 in politics, and you can do the same. It's never too early to speak out, to have a voice," he said.
In addition to being an author and running The Truth Gazette, Hollyhand also serves as co-chair of the Republican National Committee's inaugural Youth Advisory Council.
On Dec. 6, 2023, Hollyhand helped cover the Republican presidential debate , which featured the top GOP presidential contenders at the University of Alabama's Frank Moody Music Building. The event was the first-ever debate of its kind in Alabama.
Hollyhand previously said he was excited to have the candidates right "in his own backyard." He also said the debate was a great opportunity to engage younger voters.
Hollyhand is now making plans for college and he said he would love to publish another book in the future.
"I have a list of like 15 book ideas I want to complete so, there will difinitly be more," he said.
Signed copies of Hollyhand's "One Generation Away" can be purchased at brilynhollyhand.com .
Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tuscaloosa's Brilyn Hollyhand aims to reach next generation of voters with new book
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