Controversial, Clever and Humorous, New Novel "Black, White & Easy" Explores Unspoken Bond Between Black Men.

Author Darryl X McKenzie releases "Black, White & Easy," a book aimed at strengthening the bond between Black men. "Black, White & Easy" also tackles hard-hitting issues within the Black community, while re-emphasizing the value of mentoring within all communities.

Los Angeles (PRWEB) April 20, 2004 --The words spoken between two Black men, when alone, paint a picture of a world different from any world depicted elsewhere. Outside an intimate circle of friends, the concept of their world doesn't exist. In the ghetto, their world is all that exists.

Darryl X McKenzie's new novel, "Black, White & Easy" (AuthorHouse, ISBN: 1-4140-6298-2 [e-book], 1-4140-6297-4 [Paperback]), gives readers a peek into that world. Set in Chester, Pa., a small community 20 miles south of Philadelphia, readers meet Edgar C. Zanderson and Jay. Zanderson, also known as EASY, is a 53-year-old, poorly educated custodian at a local oil refinery. Every night finds him sitting on the bench in a neighborhood park. His visits always involve a forty ounce bottle of beer, a friend to talk with and a philosophical discussion unsuitable for mixed company.

In the midst of his usual routine of watching locals stake claims on the basketball court, Easy is joined on his bench one spring evening by a younger, college-educated Black man named JAY. Always the philosopher, Easy’s world is transfixed in black and white. Although he only has a high school diploma, Easy uses that spring -- and summer -- on the bench to give Jay unique lessons on life. Whether its racism, violence, love and lust -- or loneliness, elation and despair -- the often-intoxicated Easy teaches Jay about the realities of Black existence through one whimsical tale after another. From Easy's biting commentary on climbing the corporate ladder, to his cynical, yet humorous take on Blacks' spending habits, Jay quickly realizes that Easy's stories contain profound messages.

An accomplished newspaper publisher (New Bern, N.C.'s The Citizen Press) and poet, Darryl X McKenzie takes the written word seriously. The Chester, Pa., native and current Raleigh, N.C., resident also takes the plight of young Black men seriously. Establishing a grade school level mentoring program and helping to spearhead a North Carolina Department of Transportation-sponsored mentoring program, "Black, White & Easy" is yet another endeavor McKenzie has undertaken to address the concerns of young Black men. "Very seldom do we realize the future impact of the little things that people do for us throughout our lives. At an early age, I realized that I was very fortunate for having strong Black men mentor me as I grew into adulthood. A word of advice, encouragement or a compliment may do wonders in molding the psyche of another individual. That is why I place a premium on the sharing of knowledge, experiences and thoughts with other males -- regardless of age. That is why 'Black, White & Easy' was important for me to write," McKenzie said.

"Black, White & Easy" may be purchased by visiting: Amazon.com, Authorhouse.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Booksamillion.com and Borders.com. North Carolina residents may also purchase "Black, White & Easy" from Ideas! Coffeehouse, 2105 E. NC Highway 54, Durham, NC 27713, 919-405-4140 and The Know Book Store & Restaurant, 2520 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC 27707, 919-682-7223 or 877-991-5669. To request interviews with Darryl X McKenzie and/or review copies of the book, contact Jevaillier Jefferson of Valuable Media Group, 323-363-8417.

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