The Trial by Franz Kafka is an existential novel that will make you want to tear out your hair. If you have ever been trapped in a situation that can only be described as absurdly infuriating (i.e. Kafkaesque) then you will appreciate this book, and maybe even experience a catharsis. For other Absolute Absurdity titles, watch my book … More Get Lit with Kit #23
I have been following Jordan Peterson for a while on YouTube. He wrote the book Maps of Meaning, and has a great lecture series on the same topic that I recommend. His newest project 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote for Chaos is a must read. Check out his Slaying the Dragon lecture, and bump his books to the top of your … More Get Lit with Kit #22
Children’s books are often dismissed by “serious readers” yet these picture stories frequently offer sophisticated wisdoms. It’s a shame to think that they have nothing to offer. One of my favorite picture book authors is Allen Say, you can see in these interviews what a special soul he is (I strongly recommend watching all of the clips). … More Get Lit with Kit #20
Joyce Carol Oates is one of America’s most respected and controversial female authors. Admittedly, I haven’t read many of her essays, but I have read dozens of her novels and stories. I.D. is one of her less graphic short pieces. If you want a longer work, I highly suggest We Were the Mulvaneys. Another recommendation is Black Violin. This … More Get Lit with Kit # 18
I had a great “argument” with a dear friend on Facebook last week. Although we don’t fully agree with each other’s perspectives, we were able to go back and forth addressing one another’s points, respectfully. I think the key point is that we care about each other and are genuinely interested in understanding each other’s … More Get Lit with Kit #17
Are you ready to grind? Yes? Great! Check out the Sade + MF DOOM mashup. “Invent nothing, deny nothing.” David Mamet – This is one of the key principles writer/director David Mamet presents in his book True and False. This book was required reading for my students when I taught Acting back at the turn … More Get Lit #16
Shugs and Fats is an award winning duo. They present funny, tongue in cheek shorts. Take 2 minutes to watch Girl on Fire, and let me know what you think. I switched my bodyweight routines over to barbell exercises this past week, and boy am I feeling it. If you ever have trouble moving after an intense … More Get Lit with Kit #15
I read Padura’s The Man Who Loved Dogs last week (NYT Review). Great book that tackled several important issues, one being the feeling of isolation that seems to smother all the characters. Sadly, loneliness is an epidemic that still exists in our world (nearly 100 years later). This was an interesting read about loneliness. The … More Get Lit with Kit #14
This is a great post from Derek Sivers. He’s pretty a accomplished artist and entrepreneur, so when he presents words of wisdom I jump to read them. The point here is that we need to take time for ourselves and do things that we want to do – even if there is no tangible benefit. … More Get Lit with Kit #13
Assuming you don’t have any underlying orthopedic or medical conditions, here are some reasons why you should lift heavy weights. Endorphins (aka The Happy Hormone). Endorphins are a chemical that your brain releases when your body is under stress. The harder you push, the greater the need for the endorphins to kick in. Lifting heavy … More Why Women Should Lift HEAVY Weights
Find the balance. 