Prose and Poetry Blended in New Three-Part Novella, LEAVING FOR DETROIT

From author and poet/songwriter Roger Cockreham comes a stirring collection of a dozen short stories interspersed with over a dozen songs and poems woven together to form an inspiring fiction. Cockreham's self-published book, titled Leaving for Detroit, marks his debut into the publishing world, which shows great promise for more future works.

Leaving for Detroit is a three-part novella that takes place in the years 1937, 1943, and 1952. The stories are about sexual promiscuity, loyalty to friends, and ideological differences. But in every case, there is a common thread that binds the stories together. They are stories of survival and the choices that the characters make in order to ensure that survival, or the loss of everything, the death of someone.

Death is a common theme throughout the book, in all the stories, from "The Oasis" in 1934 to "The Letter" in 2008. The final act in life is death, which takes on many different faces in these stories, from the loss of an unborn child to suicide, and to murder; and it is invariably caused by the choices people make at different times in their lives.

Some characters are the victims of someone else's choice, though it can be argued that the hand of death itself is a victim. These are stories of ordinary people making choices that may be ordinary, or in some cases, extraordinary. Circumstances occur that allow people to live a long life, but in almost every circumstance there is a choice to be made; and in every choice, there lies the ever present specter of death.

With its host of unique characters, descriptive narrative and witty dialogues, plus Cockreham's varied selection of poems, Leaving for Detroit is a book that offers an interesting blend of poetry and prose. Cockreham has creatively crafted a novella that grips readers and offers a foretaste of his literary prowess.

For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.

About the Author
Roger Cockreham lives in Austin, Texas where he continues to work on other upcoming projects, "Steam from the Teacup," a book of verse, and "The Journey of Master Chang," a book for children of all ages.

Leaving for Detroit * by Roger Cockreham
and other Stories
Publication Date: February 15, 2013
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 253 pages; 978-1-4797-9022-7
Trade Hardback; $29.99; 253 pages; 978-1-4797-9023-4
eBook; $3.99; 978-1-4797-9024-1

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.

For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

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