"a warrior of the mind, a warrior of the spirit, an activist, a poet."  

   - Cornel West, Ph.D.

Neal Hall, M.D., graduate of Cornell and Harvard, ophthalmologist and poet, has published a critically acclaimed anthology of verse, Nigger For Life, reflecting his painful, later life discovery, that in "unspoken America," race is the one thing on which he is "first" judged, by which he is "first" measured, "first," against which his life and accomplishments are metered diminished value, dignity, equality and justice. All of which have everything to do with accessing choice, opportunity, power and freedom in America.

The body of poetry is extraordinary ... meaningful beyond black and white, worthy of - down through the ages - analytical and academic study for their compelling, empowering commentary. Nigger For Life should be read, studied and included amongst the great poetry volumes written.

Nigger For Life has been featured on numerous poetry/book blogs and radio interviews. The book has been made required reading by the University of Sciences in Philadelphia's African American literature class

Nigger For Life is currently poised to be reviewed international and it has been acquired by The University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus's library on behalf of its students

 What readers have said about a Nigger For Life book:

"This is a stunning and impressive poetry collection that calls into question America's view of itself as a society that has become more racially tolerant, and even challenges the wave of optimism that swept through the country following the election of the USA's first Black President. I found many of the poems quite hard-hitting and I was particularly impressed by Dr Hall's intellectual and emotional honesty, his skillful wordplay and the subtle way he gets beneath your guard and forces you to put your preconceptions about race to the test. I would go as far as suggesting that 'Nigger For Life's' a must read for anyone who wants to get a sense of why African-Americans continue to have deep-seated concerns and skepticism about race." relations in America, and why overcoming racism may not be as simple" or as assured " as some may think."

"I read the whole book from cover to cover over an entire day - I could not put it down! It's not often that you actually "believe" an author; believe his pain, believe his story, his strength, his determination. I can hear the pain in the voice of Dr. Hall and I think it echoes the pain of Dr. King and Malcolm X. This is the type of book that needs to be studied, reread, and taught at Contemporary African American literature classes. What a find ! "

"As a 'white' professional, I find Dr. Hall's writing to be like a 'dagger' - evocative, poignant, HONEST. Honest is necessary, true, good, just. Dr. Hall has always known how to 'tell the truth and shame the devil,' all in the same breath - it is his path, his charm, and our blessing."

Nigger For Life can be acquired at: www.surgeonpoet.com