Studies in Adversity

Since pondering adversity’s role in developing my resilience, I see recent books and movies as studies in adversity:

Red at the Bone, a novel by Jacqueline Woodson

The Queen’s Gambit, a 7 part series on Netflix

My Octopus Teacher, a documentary on Netflix

Hillbilly Elegy, the movie version based on the memoir by JD Vance, on Netflix

These are the engrossing stories - stories of adversity that bend toward deep connection with the universe; toward embracing beauty, truth and gift; toward acceptance and transformation; toward a freedom to understand the past and move into a hope-filled future.