Kim Powers
American writer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 Emmys, 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
- 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)