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A Black Author on Losing His Father, Not Fitting Into American Life

Writer Alexs Pate's first novel is called "Losing Absalom." It's a fictionalized tribute to his father that chronicles end of the title character's life as his family has gathered around his hospital bed. Writer John Willimas wrote, "Losing Absalom is a powerful yet sensitive embrace with black America today." Pate grew up in North Philadelphia and lives in Minneapolis.

15:42

Other segments from the episode on July 18, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 18, 1994: Interview with Alexs Pate; Review of Hal Ketchum's album "Every Little Word" and David Ball's album "Thinkin' Problem"; Interview with Fred Waitzkin; Review…

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