We Americans . . .

Do you know such a book: one that represents not one but many traditions; one that translates (from Latin, to carry over) different languages and idioms; one that contributes, in its multi-vocal multi-nationalism, to the concept of what it means to be an American; one that is essentially involved in the never-ending process of discovering what it means to be an American?

We know a book like that: Common Boundary: Stories of Immigration – a modest book from a modest publisher. Does the book make any contribution to *American literature*? We’d like to think so.

We’ve gone ahead and submitted Common Boundary to be considered for an American Book Award (granted by the Before Columbus Foundation). Bold, yes. Daring, perhaps. Presumptuous, maybe. But we believe in what we are doing – and believe sincerely in the literary merit of our contributors. We have faith in the enduring power of the written word.

If you have read Common Boundary, then you know that the Foundation’s characterization of an American Book Award sums up and defines our book. If you haven’t read Common Boundary, well, then, what are you waiting for?