Alotta People Asking How to Get the Book

People are asking how to get Sleeping With the Sun In His Eyes.
They can go to Mac's Backs Books On Coventry (216) 321-BOOK.
Also they can email greenpandapress@gmail.com and have the book
shipped.

I am working on making the book available at Whole Foods Markets.
That would be a lucky thing.

But for now contact Green Panda Press by email, and you can pay
by check or credit card for copies of the book.

Thanks, Akol

Almost Birthday

today is new year's eve, the day before Akol and many of his brothers the Cleveland Lost Boys have their birthday celebration. one gift is the very positive response people are having to his book Sleeping With the Sun In His Eyes. at Green Panda Press's blog Akol's co-author Bree posted these comments by readers and reviewers:

(she is also the founder of Green Panda Press, and a co-worker of Akol's at Whole Foods Market).

Kirk Bolden, of Cleveland writes:

“I just received the book today and I could not put it down. I read the entire book in one sitting. The book flowed effortlessly and captured the feelings of Akol and the events of his life in a fascinating way. Thank you for believing in this new author, Bree, and making her book a reality.”

(he clearly does not know i am Green Panda Press!)

Tom Kryss, Cleveland Poet writes:

“Sometimes I just have to partially close your and Akol's book, with my finger holding the place, and sit there and ruminate.”

Then he goes on to really make Akol and i blush,

“your collaboration with Akol Ayii Madut really addresses, blows out of the water,the matters of what poetry might and should be, and IS in your very capable hands. Make no mistake, it is a long poem you and Akol have written.”

Mary E. Weems, Cleveland Poet and Teacher read an advanced proof of the book and sent word that:

“While reading Sleeping with the Sun In His Eyes the line from ‘Amazing Grace’ kept repeating, a gospel refrain connecting brother Akol Ayii Madut and Bree and me together, “I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind but now I see." Fine work--flows, feels, is tight--no fat, not to be missed.”

Nina Freedlander Gibans, Cleveland Cultural Consultant writes of the same uncorrected proof:

“This story of the life of (one of) the Lost Boys of Sudan, his escapades in his native country, a training camp, and in Cleveland illuminates the almost insurmountable challenges the Lost Boys face wherever they are. With incredible fortitude they face life together and become role models for each other. Self-realizations are brought to life as the authors detail his colorful journeys to fulfillment and jobs. A fascinating read for all ages.”


Akol wants to hear from you, too. Leave a comment about Sleeping With the Sun In His Eyes (or a birthday wish) below!

Presales of the Book

I would like to thank the many people who have already
pre-ordered Sleeping With the Sun In His Eyes!

We are about halfway where we need to be to pay the printing costs!

While the deadline has passed for becoming a special patron
listed in the acknowledgements page, we are still accepting
presales.

To pre-order, fill out the attached form and mail to Green Panda Press 3174 Berkshire Rd. Cleve. Hts., OH 44118 --Be sure to include an email address to be notified as the book is sent to the printer, released to the public, and to learn of all pertaining events!

The book is $15.00 If you would like it shipped an additional $3.00 charge will apply.

Cash/checks/credit cards are acceptable forms of payment,
however to pay by credit card, you will need to opt for shipping, or pick up your book at Mac's Backs Books on Coventry,
located in Cleveland Heights at 1820 Coventry Road, OH 44118.
Card numbers (with expiry) may also be sent in via email
if preferred, to greenpandapress@gmail.com
Your credit card will be charged when the book goes to print.

All checks will be deposited within five days of receipt.

**If all monies are raised in time, the book will be out January 1, 2010
(The birthday given to Akol and other Lost Boys of Sudan when they came to America).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please print clearly

I want to buy a book!
Name_____________________________
email_____________________________
mailing address____________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
payment enclosed yes__ no__
Credit card number with expiry:
__________________________________
I want my book shipped _____
I will pick up my book at Mac's Backs____
I know the author(s) and will get my book
from Akol/Bree____

Make checks payable to Green Panda Press
3174 Berkshire, Cleveland Hts., OH 44118


If you are a teacher, and are looking for group rates
for classroom use, email Bree at greenpandapress@gmail.com

If you have inquiries email Akol at akolayii@gmail.com or
Bree at greenpandapress@gmail.com

We will send any news of events and updates to your
email, enclosed with your order.

Excerpt from the Book

A Sample of Sleeping With the Sun In His Eyes: A Lost Boy At Home In the World by Akol Ayii Madut and Bree~Akol's life-story with history of Southern Sudan and the American experience (Green Panda Press 2010).

When Akol first arrived in Cleveland, Ohio, and stepped off the plane what he saw was everywhere wheat flour. He knew before he came here most American people had plenty to eat. Still he was truly amazed to discover such surplus. Here, he marveled, people left their wheat flour to just sit in great piles everywhere on the ground.

Akol wondered if they had run out of the sacks used for holding the flour.

A white woman was nearby working for the airport. He went to her and leant in, to conspire in English somewhat wanting:


“I have never seen so much flour. We have people who are starve in my home country. Why don’t somebody send some wheat flour back to there?”


“Welcome to America,” the woman smiled her brightest at him.


Akol couldn’t wait to get outside. Immediately he knelt down to take some of the wheat flour in his hands. The flour was freezing cold! It began to melt away down through his very grip, making everything wet and cold. His hands, even his knees were wet.

Brrrr! He dropped the melting flour to the ground. This place was unreal. Here in this new city, as it was in a desert mirage, the hulking piles of food disappeared at the touch.


I will be getting used to this and more, he told himself.

He went to join up with his entourage: the local director of Catholic Charities, a case-worker, and a native-speaker—a woman who turned out to be his sister were among those who escorted the second Sudanese Lost Boy into cold Cleveland.

999