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CBS People of Distinction
CBS People of Distinction is a nationally and internationally syndicated radio program that spotlights authors, thought leaders, and innovators whose work sparks meaningful conversation. Hosted under the CBS Radio umbrella, the show goes beyond surface-level promotion and dives into the ideas behind the work. Each episode is designed to challenge listeners, invite reflection, and highlight voices that are shaping culture, faith, and society. It’s not about hype, it’s about substance. That’s what sets the program apart.
The Host Benjie Cole
Benji Cole is the host of People of Distinction and the son of legendary broadcaster Al Cole. Known for his thoughtful, curiosity-driven interview style, Benji has built a reputation for asking the questions people actually want answered. He doesn’t rush conversations or soften challenging ideas. Instead, he creates space for authors to explain their message with clarity, honesty, and depth, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.
What inspired the author of the book?
Paul James Hatke was inspired by a combination of lived experience and memory. After retiring from a 41-year career in the telecommunications industry, he began reflecting more deeply on his past and the era he grew up in. Writing was something he had always lightly explored through notes and observations, but eventually he decided to turn those reflections into a full novel.
The story began taking shape around 2015, rooted in a real memory from a high school football game. That moment became the foundation of Chapter 4, which he describes as the most authentic part of the book. From there, he expanded it using fragments of personal experience, historical context, and creative storytelling. His inspiration also came from wanting to capture what it felt like to come of age during a time of major national and global change, especially the Vietnam War era and the uncertainty surrounding young adulthood in that period.
What is the book all about?
Moving the Tassels is a coming-of-age novel set in 1968, a year defined by political tension, cultural shifts, and global uncertainty. The story follows Wes Patterson, a high school senior who is standing at a crossroads in life, facing decisions about college, military service, marriage, or simply drifting without direction.
What makes the book powerful is its backdrop. The Vietnam War, Cold War tensions, social protests, the rise of new music movements, and rapid technological change all shape the environment Wes is growing up in. Instead of focusing only on big historical events, the book zooms in on how those events affect a young person trying to figure out who he is.
Wes is not portrayed as a protester or a soldier, but as an observer. That position matters. It places him, and the reader, in the middle of competing perspectives during a divided time in history. The story doesn’t force a single viewpoint. Instead, it invites reflection on identity, responsibility, and the uncertainty of transition.
The novel is about growing up during a world that is itself growing unstable and rapidly changing. It explores how personal decisions are shaped by larger forces that often feel beyond control.
Who is the author of the book?
Paul James Hatke is a retired telecommunications professional who spent 41 years working in the industry before retiring in 2011. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, he developed an interest in writing later in life, starting with personal notes and reflections before deciding to publish a novel.
He is married to his wife Rose, who initially surprised him with his decision to write but remained supportive of his creative direction. After retirement, he also engaged in volunteer work and briefly worked in retail, staying connected with people and everyday life experiences.
His writing is deeply influenced by memory, observation, and historical awareness, particularly the social and cultural environment of the late 1960s. Moving the Tassels reflects his effort to preserve and interpret that era through storytelling.
Why does this book deserve to be featured and known worldwide?
This book deserves attention because it captures something universal through a very specific moment in history. While it is set in 1968, the themes it explores don’t stay in the past. They echo today, especially the feeling of being caught between major life decisions while the world around you feels unstable.
The story resonates because it doesn’t take sides. It focuses on observation, reflection, and personal growth rather than forcing a single narrative. That makes it relatable across generations, whether someone lived through that era or is experiencing their own version of transition now.
In a world that still deals with conflict, uncertainty, and rapid change, Moving the Tassels offers something grounding. It reminds readers that growing up is not just about age or milestones, but about understanding direction, identity, and choice in the middle of chaos.