Shred!
running and being
By kevin carollo
2024, NDSU Press
Journey into the heart and mind of talented distance runner, poet and professor Kevin Carollo, and discover how running (and not running) has the power to engage one’s spirit and community on a whole new level of empathy and understanding.
Set in his cozy “sunroom bunker” during the pandemic of 2020, “SHRED! Running and Being” is a philosopher’s daily meditation designed like an “old-school runner’s log” where Carollo deconstructs human connection in a time of lockdown, social distancing, climate catastrophe and global unrest.
An examination of deep personal despair and grief, “SHRED! Running and Being” proves that movement creates movement, and humanity is at its best when we’re cheering each other on from start to finish.
“A cleverly composed hybrid memoir that desires to ‘awaken empathy’ in his readers and their communities.”
— Tara Ballard, author of House of Night Watch
“Carollo’s vivid kinetic style and cynical wisdom guide us on a harrowing, but ultimately heartening, trip to ‘the heart of the heart of shred.’ ”
— Elizabeth Searle, author of We Got Him and I’ll Show You Mine
About Kevin
Kevin has taught world literature and writing at Minnesota State University Moorhead for 20 years. He received his doctorate in comparative literature from the University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign and is author of Elizabeth Gregory (Rain Taxi/OHM Editions), a poetry chapbook about early onset dementia. Kevin’s poems have appeared in Collateral, Conduit, Cream City Review, Ellipsis, Little Patuxent Review, Moon City Review, The New Guard, RHINO, Thin Air, and elsewhere. He ran his first marathon after turning twelve years old. Since 2014, he has completed the Boston Marathon eight times. He lives, writes, and runs in Fargo, North Dakota.
more from kevin
Poetry, essays, merch and other projects from the award-winning author of SHRED! Running and Being and Elizabeth Gregory.
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Elizabeth Gregory is one of millions currently living with early onset Alzheimer’s dementia (EOAD), often referred to as “the long goodbye.”
Elizabeth Gregory combs the inner space of every mom in search of radical humanity. Beatlemania is our compass. Dementia is our mothership. We say hello.
Published 2018, Rain Taxi OHM Editions.
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Meet Kevin’s Alter ego, The Rugged Indoorsman, a champion of indoor living and record spinning.
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Kevin’s post-punk three-piece band, The New Instructions, formed in the mid-2000 and payed local venues across the Midwest until the group moved on to other projects.
Lyrics, vocals and guitar: Kevin Carollo
Bass and vocals: Adam Quesnell
Drums: Bob KingListen