In the Silence of this Room, the first release from Grey Sparrow Press, is a cross-cultural collection of writings that through poetry, narrative, and photos grapple with some of the most pressing issues of the world we live in: war, poverty, health care, environment, family, beauty, and lastly the ever-present need to connect love. The book represents the efforts of dedicated artists around the globe, some whom have been awarded literary prizes, to express a personal vision. Many of the writers have experienced the terrors of war and poverty, the lack of adequate medical care, and the reality of oppression. For them, this book represents both the vision of the world as it is and what it can be. It also expresses the belief that no matter our culture or environment, no matter what distance separates us we are more similar than not. We are all richly human and can accomplish great things.