Literary club discusses book by journalist Pitts

At her home, Norma Irvine served a dessert course to the 16 members in attendance for the most recent meeting of the Sorosis Literary Club on Feb. 21.

The business session was conducted by Jane Fleming, president, as the minutes were read and approved, and the treasurer’s report was given.

The following 2013-2014 officers were presented by the nominating committee: Betty Brand, president; Roxanne Fleming, vice president; Marietta Noel, recording secretary; Tempe Riddle, corresponding secretary; and Norma Irvine, treasurer. These nominations were accepted after a vote by club members.

Introduced by Janet White, Kathy Newcomb continued the year’s theme, “People and Their Stories,” with a review of Byron Pitt’s book, “Step Out On Nothing — How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life’s Challenges.”

Growing up in the inner city in Baltimore, Md., Pitts suffered from stuttering and was also functionally illiterate. A few people who “stepped out on nothing” made a difference in his life, helping him to overcome these hurdles. In particular, his mother (who worked two jobs to support them) would say things to him, such as “Did you pray yet?” and “Keep your head up no matter what.”

Pitts would go on to graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and speech communication from Ohio Wesleyan University. After working in local television for 15 years, he was hired by CBS News in 1998. He is a contributing correspondent for 60 Minutes and has earned an Emmy award for his work as a journalist.

Alison Short will act as hostess for the next club meeting March 21.