Picture an American storyteller who crafts tales as wild as a mountain lion’s roar—meet Henry Hoke! Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, this literary shapeshifter has penned over five books, including the celebrated Open Throat and Sticker. With a knack for blending genres and a voice that’s both raw and poetic, Hoke’s work captures the messy beauty of human (and sometimes animal) experience.
From his early days staging immersive literary events to his current role as a novelist and editor at The Offing, Hoke’s journey is a testament to fearless creativity. Let’s dive into the world of Henry Hoke, where stories defy convention and spark connection.
The Making of Henry Hoke
Born in 1983 as Henry Hoke Perkins, Hoke grew up in Virginia, surrounded by a family with ties to Southern legends like Tallulah Bankhead, his cousin. His passion for storytelling bloomed early, fueled by a love for performance and prose. After earning a BFA from New York University, he pursued an MFA in Creative Writing at the California Institute of the Arts, where he honed his boundary-pushing style. At CalArts, Hoke’s quirky application—featuring fake prose poems about apartment feuds—set the stage for his unconventional career.
In 2011, Hoke co-created Enter>text, a Los Angeles-based performance series billed as a “living literary journal.” This innovative platform brought together over 150 artists, from poets to performers, at venues like the Pasadena Museum of California Art. These early experiments in blending text and theater shaped Hoke’s genre-defying approach to writing.
Henry Hoke’s Unforgettable Stories
Hoke’s bibliography is a vibrant tapestry of fiction, memoir, and hybrid forms. His 2017 story collection, Genevieves, won the Subito Press prize for its sharp, evocative tales. The Book of Endless Sleepovers (2017) explores childhood bonds with tender intensity, while The Groundhog Forever (2021) reimagines a time-loop narrative with emotional depth.
His memoir Sticker (2022) weaves personal history with cultural critique, earning praise for its introspective charm. But it’s Open Throat (2023) that’s stolen the spotlight. Narrated by a queer mountain lion roaming Los Angeles, this slim novel blends humor, heartbreak, and social commentary. Inspired by the real-life cougar P-22, it’s a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award and a standout in contemporary fiction. Hoke’s style—poetic, fragmented, and fiercely original—tackles themes of isolation, identity, and environmental grief with a playful yet poignant touch.
Whether crafting a feline narrator or a memoirist’s musings, Hoke refuses to stay in one lane. His work, published in outlets like Electric Literature and Triangle House, thrives on experimentation, inviting readers to see the world through unexpected lenses.
Why Henry Hoke Matters
Hoke’s impact lies in his ability to make the marginal feel universal. His characters—be they lonely big cats or introspective kids—resonate with readers craving authentic, unconventional voices. By blending humor and heartache, he captures the absurdity and beauty of modern life, from climate crises to personal reinvention. His work at The Offing, where he edits humor, amplifies diverse voices, furthering his influence in literary circles.
As a teacher at CalArts and the UVA Young Writers Workshop, Hoke inspires the next generation to embrace their weirdness. His storytelling, rooted in empathy and defiance of norms, positions him as a vital force in contemporary literature, challenging readers to rethink what a story can be.
About Henry Hoke
- Born: 1983 in Charlottesville, Virginia
- Key Works: Open Throat, Sticker, The Groundhog Forever, Genevieves
- Awards: Finalist for PEN/Faulkner Award, Barnes & Noble Discover Prize
- Notable Role: Humor editor at The Offing
Ready to roam the wilds of Hoke’s imagination? Grab Open Throat and lose yourself in his bold, boundary-breaking world!