2021 American Fiction Awards Finalist in Literary Fiction

“My mind is BLOWN. Hitz has exposed and bared his soul, poured his guts out, expounded on every profound question surrounding the mysteries of life, time, space, eternity, death . . . and offered meaningful solutions.”
—Will Wright, author of The Poetry of Living

“Squirrels in the Wall is a unique collection of interwoven stories that explore the interactions between humans and animals in a single habitat. The stories range from hilarious to poignant. Henry Hitz’s sensitive portrayal of both humans and animals reminds us of the interconnectivity of nature. The narrative arc of the stories follow a human protagonist and his family, from infancy to old age, from heartbreak to reconciliation. Hitz displays a unique creativity with point of view to compose both a symphony and a cacophony of voices. A rollicking good read.”

—Alon Shalev, author of 2013 Eric Hoffer YA Book Award winner At the Walls of Galbrieth

“Henry Hitz laces this riveting, thought-provoking journey, Squirrels in the Wall, with dollops of juicy humor. Dogs, bees, a fox, humans, turtles, and other assorted critters—both dead and alive—all ponder, question, and wonder about that line blurring life and death. ‘Life is death's dream?’ Under the masterful hand of Mr. Hitz, we are in for a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read.”

—Francine Thomas Howard, author of two Amazon bestsellers: Page from a Tennessee Journal and The Duke of Union County

“Squirrels in the Wall is a compelling read filled with humor and pathos . . . as morbid as some of the subject matter sounds, Hitz has the skill to tell the stories in a moving but humorous way, so they never seem too heavy.”

— Terry Tierney, author of The Poet’s Garage