Kim Powers

American writer

Kim Powers is an American writer. His memoir The History of Swimming: A Memoir was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Biography,[1] and his television writing has brought him two Emmies, a Peabody Award, and three Edward R. Murrow Awards.[2] In 2007, Out named him one of their "Out 100," a list of the "top 100 most influential gays or lesbians in the country."[3]

Early life

Powers was born in Texas[2] but currently lives in New York City and Asbury Park, New Jersey with his spouse, Jess Goldstein.[4]

He received an undergraduate degree from Austin College and a Master of Fine Arts from Yale School of Drama.[2][4]

Career

Powers worked at ABC News from 2008 to 2020, writing for Good Morning America and Primetime.[2] He was also a staff writer for AMC's The Lot, producer for PBS's Great Performances, as well as executive developer for other film and television projects.[2]

His coverage of 9/11 won him an Emmy and a Peabody Award, and while writing for 20/20, his team won three consecutive Edward R. Murrow Awards.[2]

Selected works

The History of Swimming (2006)

The History of Swimming: A Memoir, published August 13, 2006 by Da Capo Press, is "an examination of the unique relationship shared by twins, and a coming-of-age story of a gay man in the era of AIDS."[2]

Kirkus Reviews provided a starred review, calling the book "a powerful nod to familial bonding, written with verve and genuine affection."[5]

The book received positive reviews from Booklist[6] and The New York Times Book Review.[7] Booklist called The History of Swimming "haunting."[6]

Publishers Weekly provided a mixed review, saying the "uneven writing distracts from the story."[8] However, they noted, "Powers's strength in relating his own personal struggles within the context of his twin's holds this unique memoir together."[8]

Discussing the book, Powers was interviewed on 20/20 with Diane Sawyer, as well as with the Princeton Theological Seminary.[9]

In 2007, the book was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Biography.[1]

Dig Two Graves (2015)

Dig Two Graves was published December 4, 2015 by Gallery Books. The book received positive reviews from Booklist,[10] School Library Journal,[11] Publishers Weekly,[12] and Kirkus Reviews.[13]

Publications

  • The History of Swimming: A Memoir (2006)
  • Capote in Kansas: A Ghost Story (2007) [14]
  • Dig Two Graves (2015)
  • Rules for Being Dead (2020)

Filmography

Actor

Producer

  • 20/20 (2018)
  • The Lot (1999)

Writer

  • The Year: 2020 (2020)
  • What Would You Do? (2020)
  • 20/20 (2008, 2010, 2017)
  • The Year: 2019 (2019)
  • Countdown to the Oscars: 15 Movies That Changed American Cinema (2015)
  • 25 Years of Sexy: People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive! (2010)
  • The Barbara Walters Summer Special (2008-2009)
  • Fallen Idol (2005)
  • Primetime Live: Brad Pitt's Journey to Africa (2005)
  • My Big Wild You're-Not-Gonna-Believe This Wedding (2003)
  • The Lot (1999)
  • Finding North (1998)

References

  1. ^ a b Gonzalez Cerna, Antonio (2006-04-30). "19th Annual Lambda Literary Awards". Lambda Literary. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Powers, Kim". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  3. ^ "Rules for Being Dead". Blair. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  4. ^ a b "About Kim". Author Kim Powers. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  5. ^ "The History of Swimming". Kirkus Reviews. 2010-05-20. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  6. ^ a b August 2006. Retrieved 2022-01-21 – via Booklist.
  7. ^ Conant, Eve (2006-09-17). "Lost Twin". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  8. ^ a b "Nonfiction Book Review: The History of Swimming: A Memoir by Kim Powers, Author . Carroll & Graf $24.95 (289p) ISBN 978-0-7867-1723-1". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  9. ^ Carter, Kevin L. (29 May 2007). "Searching for a Twin". Community News. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  10. ^ Dig Two Graves. 2015-10-15. Retrieved 2022-01-21 – via Booklist.
  11. ^ "Dig Two Graves". Library Journal. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  12. ^ "Fiction Book Review: Dig Two Graves by Kim Powers. Tyrus (F + W Media, dist.), $24.99 (304p) ISBN 978-1-4405-9192-1". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  13. ^ "Dig Two Graves". Kirkus Reviews. 2015-08-30. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  14. ^ Berne, Suzanne (26 December 2007). "Cluttered Minds". The Washington Post.
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