Reviewed by Kathy Brown, freelance writer, Lexington Herald-Leader.

"Like his good friend, and former colleague Charles Kuralt, David Dick has a 'desire to write for everyday people who...want simple stories.'

"Yet these are stories with substance. Dick uses the power of the personal essay for its purest good - to transcend race, class and gender to address the commonalities of all human beings.

" 'Peace at the center' is a Quaker expression denoting serenity at the heart of human, and finally spiritual life. Dick's third collection of essays, Peace At The Center, pulls together his musings on people striving for harmony in their lives.

"His many roles thus far - CBS News correspondent, University of Kentucky professor, Kentucky Living columnist, newspaper publisher, Bourbon County farmer and father - allow for wide and fascinating frames of reference. His essays, down to earth yet eloquent, run a gamut of themes, from appreciation of neighbors and family to a recognition of the life's tenuousness to the importance of living each minute in the present."

"In a memorable example, Sara Combs, the widow of former Gov. Bert Combs, talks with the author about the spiritual, passionate side of her complex husband, as well as the grieving process that has allowed her to live."

"Reflecting his philosophical bent, Dick advocates 'individualism based on morality.' All the while, he blesses the reader with gems: 'Unfortunately, many of God's children rely upon the artificialities of a culture whose first love is conspicuous consumption.' Considering time: 'Why is there so much recklessness about how to spend such a God given substance?" And "It is important to know ourselves in order that we might know better our neighbors.' "

"Attacking tabloid journalism gently but firmly, Dick offers the alternative of journalism with accountability. He scolds the media for serving its own 'selfish purposes,' for getting a story at all costs to integrity."

"Yet he treasures his 19 years with CBS News, recalling poignant experiences. Several entries focus on Dick's coverage of George Wallace through three presidential campaigns, how Wallace's crippling injury brought humanity and humility to this former champion of segregation."

"Edward Abbey has called his own books 'antidotes to despair.' David Dick's Peace At The Center is definitely that. In 'Wake-up Call,' he uses a positive mind set as a healing tool in his recent, successful battle with prostate cancer, and he offers straightforward advice about preventive cancer testing."

"A gentle humor abounds. On covering a presidential candidate: 'It is most difficult to run with both feet in your mouth.' "