Where the Trees Dance is many things: a love story, an ode to adoption, a reflection on growing up Irish-Catholic in Des Moines, a father’s gift to his sons, and a kinder ending to a birth-mother’s story; all disguised as a memoir. From his earliest memories to middle-age, the author relates that which is most intimate, most personal, sad, humorous, glorious, and ignoble in his life as he journeyed from being an adoptee, adrift, wondering where he fit in in the world, to finally finding home.

About the Author
Tom Geraty was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended Dowling Catholic High School in the late 70s and Drake University in the early 80s, where he played football for the then Division One Bulldogs and graduated with a degree in Education and Theater. Tom acted professionally in Chicago for several years before moving back to his hometown in 2002 with his wife, Katie, to raise their two young sons. He was a stay-at-home dad (his greatest gig), continues to perform with local theaters, plays bass guitar, bakes pies, has two new knees, and holds dual citizenship with the United States and Ireland.

Early Praise for Where the Trees Dance: 
“Where The Trees Dance has a taste of Jack Kerouak’s On the Road, with a nod to the Emerald Isle…both an exploration and a celebration of family and heritage, about bravery and vulnerability, but for the reader it is rich and full of experiences that leap off the page. Tom has written a tribute and love letter to the courage it takes to set out on a quest for meaning, on the ultimate journey, to battle your own demons, and to surrender completely to love.” — Kim Tobin-Lehl, Co-Artistic Director, 4th Wall Theater Company, Houston

“Geraty uses an artful language to provide an honest, humorous, and ultimately satisfying story. A story that may help others to realize that even if you do not hold lofty titles, you may lead the most purposeful life that you can just by devoting yourself to others. Geraty, through this memoir, might become one of your “guardian angels”. — John Burney, Ph.D., former Dean of Arts and Sciences, Drake University

“The memoir really touched my heart. I loved the combination of being a man with all the wandering and explorations, as well as the vulnerable side of Tom’s true love story. The interweave throughout the book of his adoption story was brilliant.” — Ann Flood, Licensed Mental Health Counsellor, Certified Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher

“Memoirist Tom Geraty sings a song of gratitude while giving the reader an insider view of what it means to be adopted. Rollicking, no holds barred, highly recommended.” — Elaine Pinkerton, author of The Goodbye Baby-Adoptee Diaries and The Hand of Ganesh

“Tom Geraty delivers his memoir, Where the Trees Dance, through the lens of amazing candor. This unfiltered directness is anchored by his candid
understanding of mortal shortcomings coupled with a rare persistence to achieve.  At times inspirational, at times uncomfortable, the searing honesty of his narrative is irresistible. With the stark, opening-passage imagery of facing every artist’s fear – standing naked in front of the world – he instantly takes the reader to a relatable moment of truth. The release from an artist’s mind into creation only becomes complete when the finished work is scrutinized by the world. Geraty’s bold memoir challenges readers with a front row seat to a life filled with uncomfortable challenges, exhilarating triumphs, and a driving, first-person catharsis. Many memoirs stop short of how Geraty fully exposes his innermost thoughts, feelings and reactions to a world that shaped him, and his world that he shaped. Through his journey, each of us better understands others, and
ourselves.”– John Busbee, The Culture Buzz, KFMG 98.9 FM, Des Moines

“Tom Geraty takes us on a touching, personal journey. His nostalgic memoir weaves a story compelled by unconditional love: Love for his parents, his birth mother, his children – and most touchingly – his wife, Katie. Although a fine actor in his own right, it is through the roles of son, friend, lover, husband, and father that Geraty finally understands who he is and where he belongs. Where the Trees Dance evokes a simpler time before today’s hyper-connected world. A time when parents trusted their kids to go out and experience life and let it take them wherever it may lead. Tom Geraty invites us along on his odyssey which ultimately leads him back to his one true love.” — Susan Woody, Director, Des Moines Public Library