Thank you to author David Toussaint for answering this week’s Reincarnationist Q&A:

What is your most marked characteristic that you believe could be a hold over from a past life?
Talent and the need for adoration.

What is your principle defect that you believe may be inherited from a previous incarnation?
Gluttony. I’m sure I was filthy rich.

Which of your favorite heroes do you think you could have been and why?
Charles Dickens, because when I read him, I know him. I’ve never even been to England. Vincent van Gogh, because I fell in love with his paintings when I was in grade school, and my mother is a wonderful painter—my drawing talent ends at those Hangman figures. And some incredibly wonderful gorgeous Cuban gay man who had his own “harhim.” Because my lust for Latins is eternal and Divine.

What three people from history would you like to have over to dinner for a discussion about reincarnation? Marilyn Monroe, because I want to thank her, and to let her know we love her. And I’d kill to know what her personality is like when she’s not “being” Marilyn. Madeline Kahn, because we need someone that talented to grace our planet again. And Shirley MacLaine, when she does go, so she can tell me how the whole thing’s working out.

What do you think happens when we die?
I think “die” is a human phrase that doesn’t translate into the answers of life and death. We can’t understand death—nor life, for that matter—we can only try and figure it out on a human, mortal level. That’s why none of the answers people come up with make sense. All we can do is live in and for the present.

When you come back next time, who (or what!) would you like to be? Myself, only sexier, smarter, richer—in other words, Jake Gyllenhaal but with more acting talent and fuller lips.

You can find David’s book TOUSSAINT here.

“David Toussaint’s tremendous wit and sharp social commentary are genius. Fans of David Sedaris will adore Toussaint’s charm, edge, and take on life.”
— New York Times bestselling author, Lisa McMann

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