Catching a Story by the Tale

The Kojo Hand A NOVEL BY TOM GATTEN I'm very impressed with the vivid characterization here. From the self-conscious guarded headstrong Deanie the hilariously crass but needy Barett to the big-hearted Zerk tortured by his past and the quietly noble Kojo each character is unique consistent and nicely layered. Deanie's struggle to discover and stand by beliefs in an adult world that is constantly asking her to compromise is especially engaging. I also admire the moral force underlying the narrative: The Kojo Hand makes it clear that longing-whether for recognition sex fame a sense of belonging-can lead to destruction and isolation when people let their desires blindly motivate them. But it also shows how people can act positively on their desires by making room in their dreams for loved ones and friends. The Kojo Hand is a giving and humane novel exploring interesting and important human problems with a gentle hand. - Writer's Digest Mapper of Mists POEMS AND TRANSLATIONS I think Tom Gatten's Mapper of Mists is a remarkable book of poems. For years I've been familiar with Gatten's work and here we have it together with a great deal of grace intensity and energy. - Jim Harrison Author of Letters to Yesenin Legends of the Fall Dalva The Woman Lit by Fireflies Returning to Earth The River Swimmer The Bamboushay Steel Band RECORDING Tom Gatten played with The Bamboushay Steel Band for two years. Based in East Lansing the band played in places ranging from the original Hamtramck High School to the famous Gate of Horn club in Chicago. In 1962 National Educational Television produced broadcast and rebroadcast a half-hour show by the band. The band's Folkways Records LP Album #FS3835 was reissued on Compact Disc by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings in 2001 and is also available on iTunes.