How’s everybody doing? I had a tumultuous month but still managed to get in some goodies. Books: Kid Lit – The Pushcart War. If you haven’t read this book, get on it. The book is an underrated classic about fighting back. The NYC Pushcarts v The Trucks. Who do you think will win? Essays: Furiously Happy. Jenny … More Get Lit With Kit – Best of September 2020
Howdy, all. I did quite a bit of reading this month (coupling fiction with non-fiction, as I am wont to do), and wrote “This Means War“. It offers an analysis of Dr. Danielle Ofri’s book When We Do Harm, Deborah Gruenfeld’s Acting with Power, and includes an extended excerpt from Sebastian Faulk’s Birdsong, a … More Get Lit With Kit – Best of August 2020
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
