IN PRAISE OF:

The stories in Meanderings of a Bent Mind are absolutely wonderful…Not only do the individual stories resonate with insight and imagery, but there’s also a profound gentleness that runs throughout…like a thread that ties everything together. This is the kind of book everyone should have at the ready. An explorative and exciting (yet calming) set of quick reads that dare to stretch the imagination and venture into uncertain territory. ~ Livvie Taylor-Young – Eugene, Oregon, facilitator, Creative Writing Group: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Oregon

Immerse yourself in lovely tales of real and imaginative characters in vivid environments as they explore and discover friendship and connections only the heart comprehends.  ~ Lorene Lederer – San Carlos, California, member, Creative Writing Group: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Oregon

These stories, wisps of plot and character really, speak to a sense of innocence and wonder that for many adults has long since disappeared.  They fit well with a child’s fleeting sensibilities, and a grownup’s fleeting memories. ~ Randall C. Luce – Eugene, Oregon, member, Creative Writing Group: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Oregon

I very much enjoyed “Meanderings of a Bent MInd,” Gordon Nagai’s latest publication in what has become a diverse body of work. This beautiful collection of short stories offers the reader a variety of plots and settings, from deep green forests to the far reaches of outer space. Mr. Nagai is adept at the art of the short story, delivering whole new worlds in deceptively compact forms.  The author has a way of describing scenes that put the reader directly into the mind of his characters and their already-unfolding action. Written with a gentle, wry humor these stories of strong, resourceful young people often end in satisfying ways as the bad guys lose and the young people once again outwit their foes. Charming and gentle, I found myself picking up this collection before bed, a way to calm my mind after long and troubling days. I hope you find the journey through his stories as enjoyable as I did. ~ Alice Kirby – Redmond, Oregon, member, Creative Writing Group: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Oregon

Gordon Nagai has used his incredible imagination to write a book that captivates readers of all ages. It is called Meanderings of a Bent Mind. It is filled with fascinating and divergent short stories, inhabited by interesting characters, painted with brilliant settings, and provoking unexpected emotions. Each story is a different experience. There are wonderful, anthropomorphized animals, stories about young children and what they learn from and about their parents, grandparents, other adults and authority figures. There are fairy tales with deep meanings, tales of heroism, and many tales of wisdom. Characters often find themselves transported to sites of historical events, outer space, secret hiding places, wild country, Arctic cold, desert heat, spcce stations, and magical kingdoms. Gordon grabs our feelings. I am deeply moved when a child’s best friend dies, and another child “meets” her father at the Vietnam Memorial.  I am delighted by a mole and a sparrow, who face objections to their marriage. I cheer for a child inspired by her grandfather. enthralled by young men involved in war, and excited by clever people overcoming challenges. This is a book you will want to buy, relish, and keep on your shelf for frequent re-reading.  ~ Betty Wood – Eugene, Oregon, member, Creative Writing Group: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Oregon