Hat+Dance+Selections

=Selections from HAT DANCE, a novel by Dr. T=



Hat Dance Exerpts - click to download
“Thomas is not only an adept storyteller, but as an anthropologist, is also a practiced observer of behavior and customs. His depictions of the social traditions of a rural Mexican village provide a rich backdrop for the action. Those traditions include a matanza (pig slaughter), the manufacture of elaborate fireworks integral to the raucous celebrations, and the daily news swap and gossip among the women stream-washing laundry. Humane and villainous characters, comic and suspenseful situations, exotic settings and a generous dash of eroticism make "Hat Dance" a giddy and exciting armchair adventure. Thomas' earlier novel, "Ostrich," was a Barnes and Noble "Discover Great New Writers" selection." **Albuquerque** **Journal**
 * Review Blurbs ****, etc. **

“__Hat Dance__ is a good yarn and it is no pollyanna work. The characters suffer and the oppression of peasants by landowners, mercenaries and the army is clearly presented. If you like adventure stories and Mexican settings, buy this book .” ** Relax Oaxaca Newsletter **

“A comic adventure full of suspense and a sense of place that evokes the taste of chili peppers and the dust of unpaved streets.” **New York** **Review of Books**

“The plot is fast-paced, believable and fun. Interesting twists make the novel riveting and unpredictable. As I was reading it, I can honestly say that I couldn’t wait to get home and pick it up. The Characters are zany, down-to-earth, and, likewise believable. There are guns, tense moments, and tragedy. The good guys use their smarts to mete out a sense of justice in the end. And the writing is superb. Thomas wanted to portray a culture that is underrepresented in American literature. He has done a credible job. This tale is no simple comedy. Hat Dance is a believable tale of pain, growth and inner turmoil. **The Mountain Mail**

__ “Hat Dance __ is fast moving and funny but deals with serious issues. The story includes lots of conflict, lots of bloodshed, and a good time was had by all**." Daily Lobo**

“Rural Mexico is the setting for this outstanding comic adventure.” **Stuart****, Florida** **News**

“Thomas describes the Mexican countryside and the Fiesta of Santiago Apostal with wonderful thoroughness. His love of Mexico shines through the comic and serious episodes. His impatience with cruelty, injustice, and politics has built an enjoyable, worthwhile novel. ** El Defensor Chieftain ** (Socorro, NM)

//__ Hat Dance __////, la nueva novela del escritor Michael Thomas (el autor de la novela premiada __Ostrich__), presenta las aventuras comicas y reveladoras que viven un par de periodistas y unos cinematgrafos extranjeros al investigar el rumor de una rebelion en el pueblo indigena de Huatepec //. ** Santa Fe **** New Mexican **


 * Reader Reviews: **

“Beautiful and wise, I laughed, I wept.” V. B. Price, author of __The Oddity__, __Chaco Body__, __City at the End of the World__

“A wonderful yarn that succeeds in taking the reader on a journey of suspense, compassion, and desire for justice.” Jack Loeffler, author of __Adventures with Ed: A life of Abbey__ "Maybe you've been to a fiesta in an impoverished village in the Mexican mountains, but you've never been to one like Thomas gives us in HAT DANCE, nor met a Mexican cop as mean as Lieutenant Campos, not been involved in a triple murder. Thomas knows Mexico and is a master of dialogue. The book is as lively the dance." Tony Hillerman, author of the Joe Leaphorn mysteries and __Seldom Disappointed, a Memior__.

“The dialogue is tops... ‘Tiddly-winkin’ nuns out of helicopters??’ This is strong work, inventive and authentic. " Carolyn Meyer author of __Brown Eyes Blue__, and the Young Royals book series

“To me it felt like immersion. Through the novel I was able to immerse myself in Mexico and Mexican culture. It is enjoyable and provides a simple, effective, and honest portrait of Mexico.” Ron Chapman, **KUNM-FM**, Albuquerque, NM

“The Spanish in __Hat Dance__, and the Spanish dialogue rendered in English is totally accurate, the colloquialisms, the slang, everything. I don’t know how he did it.” Rozanna M. Martinez, reporter for the **Albuquerque** **Journal**

“I admired the way that Thomas was able to portray Mexican characters and Mexican situations. I think it’s the best novel I ever read in English in terms of the way that it deals with Mexico.” Guadalupe Castro, **KSVE-AM** radio, El Paso Texas