Annie Lowry, a Staff writer for The Atlantic, shares her harrowing experience with chronic itch due to a rare liver condition, diving into its emotional and societal implications. Screenwriter Richard Price discusses his new novel, Lazarus Man, which highlights resilience amidst community challenges in Harlem. Maureen Corrigan recommends uplifting reads, bringing a light-hearted perspective to the conversation. Together, they explore the complex intersections of personal struggle, literature, and the nuances of human connection.
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Intense Itch
Annie Lowery, an Atlantic staff writer, experiences severe chronic itch due to a rare liver disease.
The itch is so intense it's led her to consider amputation and disrupts her daily life.
insights INSIGHT
The Nature of Itch
Itch intensity and location depend on nerve networks and chemical irritants.
Lowery notes she feels itching internally, which some dermatologists initially dismissed.
insights INSIGHT
The Itch-Scratch Cycle
Scratching an itch provides temporary relief by interrupting the itch sensation with pain.
However, scratching damages skin, releasing histamine, which amplifies the itch.
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Set in Harlem in 2008, 'Lazarus Man' follows the aftermath of a five-story tenement collapse that kills several people. The story centers around Anthony Carter, a 42-year-old unemployed biracial schoolteacher and recovering cocaine addict, who is miraculously pulled from the rubble 36 hours after the collapse. Carter's survival sets off a media frenzy and transforms him into an unlikely motivational speaker. The novel weaves together the lives of several characters, including police detective Mary Roe, young freelance photographer Felix Pearl, and others, as they navigate the community's response to the tragedy and Carter's newfound role as a symbol of hope[2][3].
Water, Water
Billy Collins
In this collection, Billy Collins writes about the joys and mysteries of daily life. The poems delve into the ordinary, highlighting the beauty and irony that can be found in everyday experiences. As a former Poet Laureate of the United States and New York Times bestselling author, Collins brings his signature style and depth to these new works.
The Dog Who Followed the Moon
An Inspirational Story with Meditations on Life
James Norbury
The book tells the story of a young pup named Amaya who is rescued by an aging wolf from a terrifying encounter with his pack. The unlikely pair embarks on a journey to follow the moon in an attempt to reunite Amaya with her parents. Along the way, they face various obstacles such as eerie woods and forgotten cities, and learn profound lessons about love, sacrifice, and the importance of embracing change. The story is a moving reflection on love, loss, grief, and growth, accompanied by stunning artwork from James Norbury.
Atlantic staff writer Annie Lowery suffers from a rare liver condition that causes severe chronic itch. It led her to look into the stigma of itchiness, the itch-scratch cycle, and finding acceptance in her body.
Also, we hear from screenwriter and author of one of the most anticipated novels of the season, Richard Price. His new novel, Lazarus Man, is about second chances. Price also wrote for the HBO shows The Wire, The Deuce and The Night Of.
And Maureen Corrigan has two books to recommend if you're looking for inspiration, beauty, and humor.
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