“Chinese people don’t believe in psychologists. We just drink more tea when things go bad.” – Eddie Huang Eddie Huang has created a modern masterpiece with his memoir Fresh off the Boat (also a TV show!). The deviant cum lawyer cum chef cum TV producer epitomizes the quintessence of Asian wisdom as he chronicles the … More Chasing the Dragon (and dinner)
I read Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education by Michael Pollan (name pun!!). It fascinated and inspired me to comment in my blog. Check out my piece Earthly Entitlements, then delve into Pollan’s work. I also enjoyed The Collected Stories by Alexandr Pushkin. There’s something about those Russians…It was a good way to cool down during this hot summer. 😉 A final … More Get Lit with Kit – Best of August 2018
I’ve been hearing about the benefits of transcendental meditation for years. This month I finally read Jack Forem’s book on the subject. I fully intend to explore further. Will keep you posted. (Along similar lines, this article on focus and attention can help you find the sweet spot and get things done in flow. It’s long, presumably to … More Get Lit with Kit – best of July 2018
I’d like to offer a comic video from Steve Simeone. He jokes about sibling rivalry and I’m going to loosely connect it with Paul Kalinithi’s book When Breath Becomes Air, which explores the meaning of life through his experience as a neurosurgeon who develops lung cancer at the age of 36. Here’s a link to Kalinithi’s NYT … More Get Lit with Kit #24
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
Here’s something short and sweet. I’ve been reading oodles of non-fiction recently, but sometimes, it’s more fun to listen. Check out Hardcore History by Dan Carlin. If you’ve never listened to history before, strongly recommend Prophets of Doom as your initiation. Let me know if you like it. K-OS’s Joyful Rebellion was a staple in the early 2000’s. Check out … More Get Lit with Kit #19
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
It seems like our world is tearing at the seams. The regression of ideas and behavior, after years of effort and sacrifice, is discouraging. We are losing our ability to connect with others and with ourselves. Yet, “we can’t change a situation if we haven’t taken responsibility for our share of it.” (I lament that … More Histories
Find the balance. 