This anthology of contemporary American poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction, explores issues of identity, oppression, injustice, and social change. Living American writers produced each piece between 1980 and the present; works were selected based on literary merit and the manner in which they address one or more pressing social issues. William Reichard has assembled some of the most respected literary artists of our time, asking whose voices are ascendant, whose silenced, and why. The work as a whole reveals shifting perspectives and the changing role of writing in the social justice arena over the last few decades. "As a playlist captures the complex and sometimes competing forces within a relationship, revealing much about the essential interplay between composer and audience, so too does American Tensions provide a timely snapshot of our nation’s post-identity literary landscape and the real uses and purposes we make out of writing and reading." -- Sam Woodworth, Fogged Clarity: An Arts Review "The writers featured in American Tensions are both established and emerging, some with many publications, some with only a few, but what binds them together is that they are embodiments of the legacy of that melting pot sales pitch. Their stories reflect that American identity may owe a great deal to the constant reminder that it is not an assimilated, uniform everyperson, but a 'messy, fractious web of cultures, myths, relationships, and races." -- LJ Moore, SF Books Examiner "The best anthologies, like the one you've got in your hands right now, are full of wise, deeply felt writing that one reads with an intimation of eternity, as if one were looking up into the stars... Here in your hand is a generous portion of the best contemporary writing about contemporary issues, about our issues, compiled and present to us with generosity and enthusiasm... This book is a gift made to last." -- Ted Kooser, United States Poet Laureate 2004-2006 [from the Foreword] "This is a powerful collection of down-to-earth yet vivid snapshots of American life in places and situations that the myth of the American dream makes us want to ignore. By turn, it is startling, gritty, and haunting. The poems, short stories and excerpts of novels are unsettling―ideal for provoking conversation about the issues of injustice facing our society at this moment in history." -- Dr. Cris Toffolo, Chair, Justice Studies, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago "When my friend, the writer and activist Alice Lovelace, shares her wisdom with people contemplating social change work she begins with an admonition: 'Don't even begin to consider this journey unless you are prepared to be changed yourself.' This volume should carry the same warning." -- William Cleveland, author, Art and Upheaval: Artists on the World's Frontlines and Between Grace and Fear: The Role of Arts in a Time of Change Selected contemporary fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction confront the myth of a classless democracy, redefine the family, deconstruct American notions of race and patriotism, and uncover conflicting tugs of nature, place, and culture in the American psyche. This anthology brings fresh writers into the company of literary heavyweights Sherman Alexie, Yusef Komunyakaa, Adrienne Rich, Marvin Bell, and Dorothy Allison. Challenging the traditional New Criticism approach to reading, the collection works to re-situate its writers in their social and historical contexts. In so doing, editor William Reichard shows how these authors participate in and shape history. Praise for American Tensions "The best anthologies, like the one you've got in your hands right now, are full of wise, deeply felt writing that one reads with an intimation of eternity, as if one were looking up into the stars... Here in your hand is a generous portion of the best contemporary writing about contemporary issues, about our issues, compiled and present to us with generosity and enthusiasm... This book is a gift made to last." — Ted Kooser , United States Poet Laureate 2004-2006 [from the Foreword] "This is a powerful collection of down-to-earth yet vivid snapshots of American life in places and situations that the myth of the American dream makes us want to ignore. By turn, it is startling, gritty, and haunting. The poems, short stories and excerpts of novels are unsettling—ideal for provoking conversation about the issues of injustice facing our society at this moment in history." — Dr. Cris Toffolo , Chair, Justice Studies, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago "When my friend, the writer and activist Alice Lovelace, shares her wisdom with people contemplating social change work she begins with an admonition: 'Don't even begin to consider this journey unless you are prepared to be changed yourself.' This volume should carry the same warning." — William Cleveland , author, Art and Upheaval: Artists on the World's Frontlines and Between Grace and Fear: The Role of Arts