READ

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2001.  An epic American story that follows the lives of two Jewish cousins before, during, and after World War II.  One is an artist, the other a writer, and it is based on the history of the Golden Age of comic books.  

I knew little about the Jewish culture or the obsession with comic book characters so this novel was educational as well as entertaining.  This story is screaming to be made into a series (which apparently has been in and out of the works for years) so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

-Teri Cowan, Director of Community Engagement

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay Paperback 

 

WATCH

Your Elusive Creative Genius with Elizabeth Gilbert | TED Talk

Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses — and shares the radical idea that instead of the rare person “being” a genius, all of us “have” a genius. It’s a funny, personal, and surprisingly moving talk.

I love a good TED Talk! Author Elizabeth Gilbert shares her interesting and humorous point of view on the tortured artist. It’s a thought-provoking video all creators should watch. 

-Kym Ridl, Marketing Manager

Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative genius 

 

LISTEN

Throughline from NPR

Most of today’s biggest issues have been building for a long time. This history podcast from NPR takes a deep dive to understand the present moment by unraveling the past. Hosts Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei interview historians and other experts to get the full picture on a wide variety of topics ranging from recycling and bananas to conspiracy theories and impeachment. Some of my favorite episodes are “The Litter Myth”, “The Electrical Grid”, “Conspiracy”, and “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.”

-Tessa Vaschel, Executive Director

Throughline