Dec 6, 2014 Rockridge Public Library Oakland, CA
Heart Strong, Selected Poems 2000-2012 by Nina Serrano

I am thrilled and grateful to receive the Josephine Miles PEN Oakland Literary Award 2014 for Excellence in Literature for my latest book of poems “HEART STRONG, Selected Poems 2000-2012.”
Recognition from the esteemed and knowledgeable group of my literary peers, PEN OAKLAND, fills me with satisfaction that my poems reflecting my life’s work are being recognized. I am humbled to see the other authors also receiving awards in different literary genres at this same ceremony.
Pen Oakland Literary Award
The PEN Oakland-Josephine Miles Awards were created twenty years ago to honor writers of exceptional works often not acknowledged by the mainstream literary community. The award honors books published the previous year that both reflect a multi-cultural or marginalized viewpoint and represent the highest standards of literature.
I am glad that my poems, born of the search for the pathways out of confusion or pain, and embracing the joy and love of life itself, strike a chord in others. I hope they inspire and support readers and listeners in their own journeys.

I am excited for my publisher, Estuary Press, not only because HEART STRONG is being awarded, but also because We Will Shoot Back, by Akinyele Omowale Umoja is also receiving an award and includes a Harvey Richards’ photo licensed by Estuary Press.
Heart Strong, Selected Poems 2000-2012 is available as an ebook and paperback.

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