Interview with David A. Levy, Author of Life is a 4-Letter Word

What can you tell us about your new release, Life is a 4-Letter Word?

Life Is a 4-Letter Word consists of 40 brief autobiographical essays, each of which culminates in a valuable “life lesson.” In my 60-plus years, and varied careers as a therapist, professor, author, actor, and director, I have lived through everyday experiences – embarrassing moments, distressing episodes, moving encounters – that nearly everybody can relate to. In this book, I share the stories from my journey of personal reflections, growth, and wisdom that have stayed with me and carried me through life’s challenges. My aim was to write in a style that is conversational, engaging, frequently humorous, and always honest. I wish to entice others to look back on and find meaning in their own humbling attempts, impulsive decisions, silly mistakes, and happenstance occurrences. I hope you enjoy it!

What or who inspired you to become an author?

Definitely reading whatever I could get my hand on! – short stories, biographies, newspapers (particularly op-ed pieces and letters to the editor), textbooks (yes, seriously!), and especially satire (starting back in my adolescence with MAD Magazine.)

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Man’s Search for Meaning

Catch-22

Animal Farm

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Don Quixote

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

If I could resurrect him from the grave, it would have to be Cervantes. Here’s what I would ask: “How on earth did you think of all this stuff?”

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

The process of discovering as you immerse yourself in the journey…

What is a typical day like for you?

Fortunately, I don’t have many “typical” days! But they are likely to involve some combination of exercise (usually hiking), reading the news, conducting therapy, teaching, talking with my friends, and topping it all off with a cup (okay, sometimes a bowl) (okay, sometimes a pint) of Haagen-Dazs coffee ice cream.

What scene in Life is a 4-Letter Word was your favorite to write?

Probably the essay about Zorro, my Labrador. (Really had to dig into my emotions on that one!)

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

“Try to find meaning in life events – both large and small.” (Oh, and: “Try to avoid too many carbs.”)

David A. Levy is the author of the new book Life is a 4-Letter Word.

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