Kim Powers Explained

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. In 2007, Out named him one of their "Out 100," a list of the "top 100 most influential gays or lesbians in the country."^[2]

Early life

Powers was born in Texas^[3] 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.

Career

Powers worked at ABC News from 2008 to 2020, writing for Good Morning America and Primetime. 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.

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.

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."

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 and The New York Times Book Review.^[6] Booklist called The History of Swimming "haunting."^[7]

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."^[9]

Discussing the book, Powers was interviewed on 20/20 with Diane Sawyer, as well as with the Princeton Theological Seminary.^[10]

In 2007, the book was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Biography.^[11]

Dig Two Graves (2015)

Dig Two Graves was published December 4, 2015 by Gallery Books. The book received positive reviews from Booklist,^[12] School Library Journal,^[13] Publishers Weekly,^[14] and Kirkus Reviews.^[15]

Publications

• The History of Swimming: A Memoir (2006)
• Capote in Kansas: A Ghost Story (2007) ^[16]
• Dig Two Graves (2015)
• Rules for Being Dead (2020)

Filmography

Actor

• Finding North (1998)

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)

Notes and References

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