Union University faculty, students and friends gathered together on the first floor of the Logos last Thursday evening, Oct. 17, to hear Ted Kluck, assistant communication arts professor and journalism advisor, discuss his new book, “A Hard Thing on a Beautiful Day.”
“A Hard Thing on a Beautiful Day” is a collection of essays written over the last 15 years of Kluck’s life, and each essay uncovers a poetic, humble lens on Kluck’s view of the world around him. Over the course of the event, Kluck read three impactful essays aloud about the beauty amid life’s hardships.
“I think the magic in creative nonfiction is going into these situations feeling something, sensing that something about your story is maybe a little universal or connectable,” said Kluck. “So much about writing is about not forgetting, so when I look back on the 20-25 books I have written, I have a written archive of my life.”
The first essay Kluck read created an atmosphere of gratitude that lasted the rest of the night as it unveiled his thankful heart for his youngest son, Maxim, as well as an appreciation for the gifts God has graciously bestowed upon him. It was a glimpse into one of Kluck’s archived moments.
Maxim is represented on the cover of Kluck’s book, embodying what it means to build up the body of Christ. Kluck discussed how he and his wife, Kristin, adopted Maxim from Ukraine at the age of three when he was so weak and malnourished that the two had to nurture him back to health just so he could stand on his own. Maxim, now healthy and strong, competed in the junior high state cross country meet, and Kluck’s essay emphasized the beauty in watching their son overcome such a tragedy.
“He has run through mud, slop and rain and run so hard that he has puked after races, but a funny thing happened before his race,” Kluck said, reading the essay. “Before his race, the middle school girls raced, and while they raced, I cried. I was overcome by emotions while watching courageous kids do a hard thing on a beautiful day.”
Kluck continued to read two additional essays from his book that spoke volumes about the meaningful simplicity in life. Despite the sufferings, Kluck spoke of his grand life and of his moments of reprieve.
“As he was reading and as he was talking about these things, I just could not help but think about how it is so evident that he cares for his students and the people in his life,” said Marissa Postell, senior public relations major. “It was so evident in the way he spoke tonight and even in his writing.”
Kluck finished the night answering the audience’s questions. In his answers, he spoke of how creative nonfiction has served him by masking, what he claims to be, his hedonistic attitude. He has enjoyed writing in a way that serves Christ and serves the people around him.
“I want people to read me for me, regardless of the subject matter,” said Kluck. “It’s been a journey, and I think the Lord in his goodness didn’t allow me to make an idol out of writing.”
Photo courtesy of Neil Cole
