Hank LewisOf Hank Lewis’ most recent collection of stories, I Got Somebody in Staunton (HarperCollins, 2005), Pulitzer Prize-winner Edward P. Jones notes that Hank "has more than fulfilled the grand promise that was his first wondrous work, In the Arms of our Elders. His storytelling gifts have matured, but he continues to be fiercely truthful and beautifully honest. His new collection of stories is tender, ironic, disturbing, and always poetic. His work is a treasure." Nikki Giovanni calls his a "new and amazing voice," while Percival Everett commends his work as "quiet, deadly," "beautifully rendered and exquisitely American." For Dave Eggers, "There is greatness here, all over the place, plain and simple. Sentence by sentence, this deeply felt and lyrical collection proves that Lewis is a master of the short story. I Got Somebody in Staunton has more warmth than almost any recent book I can remember; I'd urge it on anyone." I Got Somebody in Staunton has been selected as one of the 25 best books of 2005 by Kirkus Reviews and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association has selected it as one of two Fiction Honor Books for 2005.In previous incarnations, Hank has worked as a construction laborer, community organizer, journeyman dishwasher, museum security guard, delivery truck driver, record store clerk, jazz disc jockey, and a coach for the Bahamas National Soccer Teams. Clearly his unique talent combines the experiences of an actively lived life with the richness of an equally active imagination. Currently, he is a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Maryland. Videos
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