NPR's Book of the Day: It's Only Drowning by David Litt

Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host: Andrew Limbong
Guest: David Litt
Episode Focus: David Litt's memoir, It's Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Search for Common Ground

Introduction to the Memoir

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Andrew Limbong introduces David Litt's latest memoir, It's Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Search for Common Ground. The book delves into Litt's journey of personal growth and connection amidst a backdrop of national division. As Limbong states, "In the national discourse, there's a lot of fretting about how divided we are... David Litt's new memoir is about the connection he formed with the guy who helped teach him to surf, his brother-in-law, Matt" (00:02).

David Litt's Motivation for Learning to Surf

Scott Simon engages Litt in a conversation about his foray into surfing, a hobby suggested by his wife during the pandemic to cope with increasing anxiety. Litt explains, “I came around to her view. And the hobby I tried was surfing… I thought for the first time since I've known him… I think I want to be a tiny bit more like him in some respect” (02:30). Despite vastly different interests—Litt being a former speechwriter for President Obama and Matt Kapler, his brother-in-law, being a tattooed electrician and Joe Rogan enthusiast—the decision to learn surfing became a bridge between their contrasting worlds.

Building a Relationship with Brother-in-Law Matt Kapler

The initial interaction between Litt and Kapler was marked by stark differences. Litt describes, “We are so different. I own two computer monitors for work. He owns two motorcycles… We have absolutely nothing in common” (02:19). However, through the shared experience of surfing, their relationship transformed. Litt notes, “Anything but our differences… this time that we spent together created this foundation where now if something's going on in the news, I'm often curious about what he thinks” (04:37). This newfound connection allowed them to discuss topics they previously found contentious, fostering mutual understanding.

Overcoming Differences and Finding Neutral Ground

Contrary to the initial premise of finding common ground, Litt and Kapler discovered that their differences were more pronounced. Litt reflects, “We have absolutely nothing in common. And yet those differences don't matter nearly as much as we thought. And the neutral ground… is a space that isn't coded liberal or conservative” (07:30). Surfing served as this neutral space, providing a shared activity that transcended their political and personal differences. Litt emphasizes the importance of such neutral grounds in bridging societal divides, suggesting that common activities can foster connections despite differing ideologies.

Addressing Criticism and the Message of the Book

During the interview, Litt addresses a pointed review from the Washington Examiner, which criticized his portrayal of Kapler as a "patronizing and liberal elitist." Litt counters, “All memoirs to me are about change… this is a book about how much I learned from him, and I think he learned from me, too” (06:06). He underscores that the memoir illustrates reciprocal growth, highlighting how their differences ultimately enriched their relationship. Litt asserts that the critique may stem from a misunderstanding of his character's evolution throughout the book, ultimately advocating for the transformative power of embracing differences.

Final Insights and Reflections

As the conversation wraps up, Litt shares a personal anecdote about Kapler’s reaction to an early copy of the book. When confronted with the opening line highlighting their differences, Kapler "just started to laugh,” signifying acceptance and understanding (08:55). Litt concludes that personal transformation and finding joy in newfound connections are central themes of his memoir.

Furthermore, Litt references Joe Rogan’s interview with surfer Kelly Slater, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives: “I feel like I knew Kelly Slater. And I can see why he's so popular with his listeners” (08:12). This underscores the memoir's broader message about the importance of diverse interactions in fostering empathy and connection.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andrew Limbong (00:02):
  "David Litt's new memoir is about the connection he formed with the guy who helped teach him to surf, his brother in-law, Matt."

• Scott Simon (02:30):
  "Why did you learn surfing?"

• David Litt (02:30):
  "I thought for the first time since I've known him… I think I want to be a tiny bit more like him in some respect."

• David Litt (07:30):
  "The neutral ground, which to me is a space that isn't coded liberal or conservative… for us, it was surfing."

• David Litt (06:06):
  "This is a book about how much I learned from him, and I think he learned from me, too."

• David Litt (08:55):
  "The first sentence of the book is, Matthew Kappler is my brother in law and we're very different… he just started to laugh."

Conclusion

David Litt's It's Only Drowning offers a compelling narrative about bridging divides through shared experiences. By stepping out of his comfort zone and embracing the challenge of surfing, Litt not only discovers new facets of himself but also forms a meaningful connection with someone vastly different from him. The memoir serves as a testament to the idea that common activities can create spaces for understanding and unity, even in a polarized world.

For those seeking a story of personal growth, unlikely friendships, and the quest for common—or neutral—ground amidst societal divides, It's Only Drowning is a must-read.

This summary captures the essence of the NPR podcast episode discussing David Litt's memoir, highlighting key discussions, insights, and notable quotes to provide a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.