I was deeply impressed by Delia Owen’s novel, Where the Crawdads Sing. Her words struck full of painful beauty. Her characters were real. The book teaches critical lessons that I explore in my essay “The Upside of Suicide.” Read them both. Somewhat related was this interesting podcast from father and son Eric and Zev Weinstein. Baffling how … More Get Lit With Kit – Best of July 2020
Part 1: Serial Suicide The first time I committed suicide, I was eight years old. Before I knew I was supposed to be self conscious about it, my nanny, Harriet, braided my hair. I loved the cornrows she decorated with beads. Bright pink. Neon green. Fluorescent orange. Swinging my head from side to side, the … More The Upside of Suicide
I’m going to begin today’s list with a selection from Malcolm Gladwell, Talking to Strangers. This was a timely audiobook that explores how and why people misunderstand each other, and the way those misreadings can lead to tragedy. Gladwell skillfully exploited the audiobook format to include the actual recordings of interviews that are woven through … More Get Lit With Kit – Best of June
“How people loved to see a dream shatter… To see the dreamer hobbled and lamed, foundering in the shards of their broken hopes. This is what you get for believing that you could have more. You’re no better than us. You’re nothing special.” ― Laini Taylor The Jewish nation is a torn nation. At once … More Dream A Little Dream
I don’t know about you, but for me, the weeks seem to fly by. Here’s how I’ve been keeping busy: Books: Volume Control by David Owen is a fascinating read that delves into the history of deafness and hearing loss. As an educator, there were several passages that caught my attention (one in particular relates to deaf … More Get Lit With Kit – Best of May
Part 1- Why I Shit with Purpose I’m not religious, at least not anymore. I grew up in a Modern Orthodox Jewish home, learned in Jewish Day Schools, and spent summers and holidays in Israel. I did rebel against some of the rules, but my faith in God (the Holy One, blessed be He), was … More Sh!tting with Purpose
I do hope this month’s post finds you well. There have been many losses during the past few weeks, but also some moments to celebrate. I’d love to know how you are coping and if there is anything I can do to support you during this tumultuous time. To unwind from the heavy reality we … More Get Lit With Kit – April 2020
“Damaged people are dangerous. They know they can survive.” – Josephine Hart Upton Sinclair’s Oil! Is a masterful account of one boy’s journey into manhood. James “Bunny” Ross Jr. faces epic challenges to his identity and aspiring integrity as he parses out the meaning of justice and freedom. His father James Arnold Ross Sr., is … More From Dust to Dust
Greetings, friends! I do hope you’re staying safe, washing your hands, and following CDC recommendations. This month, I read Atul Gawande’s book Better. I’ve been a fan of this physician for years, and Better reinforces my admiration- it also partially explains why we have such a long road ahead as we realize the impact of … More Get Lit with Kit – March 2020
so much depends upon a red wheel barrow glazed with rain water beside the white chickens -William Carlos Williams The human psyche is a fragile thing, susceptible to all means of threat. Yet, only by facing the fear of destruction is man able to amass strength and conquer. This transcendence … More Be the Change
