Poetry Demonstrates the Incredible Diversity Within African American Culture

"View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II: U.S. in Us" creates unity that goes beyond race, with poems about love, life and the identity crisis of the great American melting pot.

Martinez, GA (PRWEB) September 24, 2007 -- The voices of America ring loud and clear in "View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II: U.S. in Us" (ISBN 9780972770361, PRA Publishing, 2006), a poetry anthology complied by Lucinda Clark featuring three up-and-coming East Coast writers, along with her own work.

"View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II" is a powerful collection that speaks from the heart about what it means to be an American today. Although the four poets highlighted in the book are all African American, the diversity in their backgrounds, life experiences, writing styles and subject matter speak more to the rich differences among African Americans, than to a distinct African American experience.

Far more important than race or ethnicity, the poems argue, is our shared status as Americans. "View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II" includes poetry by Makal Ani, Robert Ward, Lucinda Clark and Toni Quest, whose artwork also graces the cover of the book. Quest's cover art speaks to the turbulent times Americans are currently facing, living in an advertising and marketing-driven culture that tends to label individuals by ethnicity, instead of focusing on the common bond people share as Americans.

The four writers' poems range in subject and style, from the spiritual to the humorous, but all convey meaningful truths about life with warmth and honesty. On the lighter side of the anthology is Quest's short and sweet, upbeat poem about a woman's love for chocolate, which has garnered delighted praise from early reviews. The collection's heavier poems delve into themes of love, death and the divine. "View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II" transcends superficial boundaries, creating a powerful reflection on modern American culture, which readers of any race can appreciate and enjoy.

About the Authors:
Lucinda Clark resides in Martinez, Georgia with her husband and their two children. She is the founder of PRA publishing and has worked with visual artists and authors on the promotion and marketing of their creative works for 19 years. She plans to release the third edition of "View From the Middle of the Road" next winter. Makal Ani resides in North Augusta, South Carolina; he has a passion for youth ministry and is the author of five self-published books. Robert Ward resides in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, where he recently left a graphic design career to write full-time. Toni Quest resides in Peekskill, New York, where she teaches art and runs her own art company.

"View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II: U.S. in Us" (ISBN 9780972770361, PRA Publishing, 2006) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit www.prapublishing.com. Publicity contact: www.readerviews.com. Review copies available upon request.

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