Connecticut native Lisa Wright celebrated the release of her latest book, “Why Go On: Connecticut Residents Bring Dark Days to Light,” on Oct. 14. “Why Go On” tells the stories of 20 locals whose struggles with debilitating experiences became catalysts for positive change. Wright is the author of four books, including the novels “The Invisible Visitor” and “Thunder Destroys Me.”
A book launch for “Why Go On” will be held at the Alpenhaus Restaurant in New Milford on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Please tell us about “Why Go On: Connecticut Residents Bring Dark Days to Light.”
“Why Go On” tells the stories of 20 Connecticut people who have overcome adversity to institute positive change. The book tackles a variety of topics, including: coping with the loss of a loved one, living with a chronic disease, battling drug and alcohol addiction, struggling with depression, healing from childhood abuse, raising a special needs child, and more. The 20 individuals featured in the book share how they managed to heal and in many cases refocused their life into one of helping others.
What inspired you to collect and tell these stories?
I wanted to write a book to encourage people going through a difficult time. “Why Go On” shows there is hope, even in dire circumstances. One of the most damaging symptoms of depression, grief, and loss is the feeling of being alone. This book shows that we are never alone, and part of the healing process should involve connecting with others.
Everyone reading this book should be able to find at least one chapter they can intimately relate to, while the other stories can serve to teach and inspire. Many who have read “Why Go On”find it’s a great reminder of how fortunate we are.
Why did you choose to focus on the stories of Connecticut residents?
I wanted to physically meet with each person I interviewed. I also thought that limiting the book to Connecticut would make readers feel closer to the stories. We naturally feel a relative kinship to those who live in our country, our state, our town, or our neighborhood. So in that way, I thought it would make the book more personal.
What was the interview and writing process like for you?
The writing process was just as good, because I could re-live the interviews and not have to hold back my emotion. I learned about so many things, like what it’s like to live with MS, grow up in a foster home, or fight a wrongful murder conviction. It was an honor to sit with each of these people and learn about their lives.
If you could meet three authors (living or not), who would you choose and why?
Franz Kafka: I’ve always enjoyed reading his work. His writing is dark, but it hints at a deep sensitivity. When something is “Kafkaesque” (as I misunderstand it), it expresses the frailty and madness of the human ego, not surrealism.
Eckhart Tolle: Reading and listening to him brings me such a sense of calm.
Jack Kerouac: Charisma, creativity, with a dash of bizarre – what’s not to love?
What books do you read for inspiration?
I am drawn to books about spirituality and biographies/memoirs. This is probably due to my fascination with the human psyche and the meaning of life. I know I’m never going to figure it all out, but there is such joy in learning and evolving. I also can’t resist weird books about the occult.
What is the best book you’ve read this year so far?
“The Fort of Nine Towers: an Afghan Family Story” by Qais Akbar Omar
This book was released in 2013, but I only just found out about it. It’s an intense read, but it tells the absolutely incredible story of a young man growing up in Afghanistan during the 1990s. I can’t recommend it enough. It has really opened my eyes to what life is like in a war-torn country in the Middle East. Omar’s writing style is simple, yet passionate and moving. This book will shake you up!
For more information about Lisa Wright and “Why Go On,” visit outfoxbooks.com.