“The Good Hand: A Memoir of Work, Brotherhood, and Transformation in an American Boomtown” (Penguin)—a much-praised memoir of working in western North Dakota—debuted its paperback release with book signings, music, and storytelling with the author at locations across North Dakota.
The author, Michael Patrick F. Smith, is a folksinger and playwright who traveled to Williston, North Dakota, during the fracking boom to sleep on a floor, work 14-hour shifts in summer heat and winter cold, and “find out if he could do it.”
Zandbroz Variety in Fargo hosted an author event with Smith on April 20, 2022. Listen to a recording from the event above, as Smith reads excerpts from the book, performs songs, and answers questions from the audience.