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
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
“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
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
‘Tis the season to share the love. Here’s what I’ve got: Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg had me questioning what gender equality means. I’m not fully on board with all her sentiments, but I see the value of acknowledging the nuance and working to find meaningful ways for men and women to take positive leadership … More Get Lit with Kit – January 2020
“Ring a ring o’ roses, A pocket full of posies, Ashes, ashes, We all fall down.” -Nursery Rhyme Camaraderie. Courage. Coping. A fractured society raises broken children and traumatized adults. Without a sense of connection, we humans fumble into the future, uprooted, unguided, and unstable. In his book Tribe, acclaimed journalist Sebastian Junger explores the … More The Circle Dance
This month has been on FIRE! Books: Vincent and Theo was a revealing look at the younger years of the esteemed artist. I learned so much about the role religion played, the extent of his mental distress, and the unfailing support of his younger brother, Theo. Deborah Heiligman did her due diligence while researching this fabulous … More Get Lit with Kit – July 2019
