“Because I Had To…” is a collection of newspaper columns by writer Kathy Naumann. The columns were written in real time over the course of more than 7 years. “Because I Had To…” are short, lighthearted stories or topics, which, at first, may seem specific to Kathy, but address issues and situations that are common to most. Kathy shares her experiences with the mundane such as doctor’s appointments or commuting to work, quarantining, or traveling, in a way that draws the reader in to her story and makes them feel as though it has happened to them! The nuanced collection is organized into five thematic chapters of “The Ordinary,” “Adventures,” “Pop Culture,” “COVID-19,” and “Lessons.”