Chi Town

A rollicking tour of Chicago, courtesy of the city's legends and everymen.

Alfonso Lewis goes by the name of “Sunshine.” After serving twelve years in Illinois State Prison on drug related charges, he is released and returns to the south side of Chicago to pick up where he left off. White Chocolate, Sunshine’s partner in the illicit drug trade, kept things operating while Sunshine was away, but now, it’s back to business as usual. While on a trip to the Grand Caymans, Sunshine and White Chocolate meet Leroy and Shirley Smith. The unassuming Smiths just happen to be known transporters who move drugs from Columbia to the United States. Things are looking up—until authorities search the Smiths’ hotel and find an illegal stash of drugs. The Smiths are arrested, and Sunshine and White Chocolate’s lives are forever altered. Chi-Town is a gritty tale of power, corruption, and suspense driven by a compelling sense of realism. Chicago has been a place of unrest and turmoil since its inception. Now, take a fictionalized look into its cruel lawlessness through the eyes of a criminal fighting to make his way.

The story of how one coyote saved Chicago's most treasured possession.

This collection of true-life tales evokes a city of gritty and colorful neighborhoods and people. With stories from famous Chicagoans like Mike Royko and Studs Terkel and from everyday people like Petros, the owner of a restaurant in Greek Town, Chi Town is Norbert Blei's love letter to the city that has meant so much to him. Book jacket.

You are about to embark on a journey of love, deceit, betrayal, and faith, which will have you on the edge of your seat. Now that I have your attention, let me ask you a question: When faced with egregious tests, how do you react? The answer for most people would be that they don't know until they are put in the situation. This was also the answer for Damien in this story. When accused of murder, his reaction changed his life forever. Choosing the path of God and faith put in motion a testimony to glorify God and demonstrated his absolute power. There is a saying which goes, "God does not give us more than we can bear." We will see in the story when Damien's burdens get too heavy God lightens the load. This story reflects on Damien's mental, emotion, physical, and spiritual growth while he faced tragedy and persecution. Throughout the journey, you will witness how faith in God during horrific times in life can change a person's perspective.

If you’ve ever felt the blues, sang the blues, or simply love rhythm and blues, Dr. Syleecia Thompson’s tell-all book will make you appreciate this nearly 70-year-old music genre even more. This insider’s narration reveals the dark side of the industry and what an artist has to go through in order to bring his or her talent to the masses. Included are over 20 unedited interviews (several anonymous) from artists, producers, lawyers, managers, and industry insiders. You’ll hear from such greats as R. Kelly and Syleena Johnson, Toxic, industry giants Micky “MeMpHitz” Wright, Brownstone’s Nicci Gilbert, Tank and others. Thompson’s book serves as a teaching tool for aspiring R&B artists, novice label executives, music lovers, and is a resource for those already in the industry. Fall in love with R&B all over again and rediscover what its roots and message are really about. Feel the heart and soul of a music genre steeped in tradition, rich history, Southern sound, gospel, and urban influences.

A single mother raised Sherri Pharaoh and her siblings. As an adult, Sherri’s lack of a father figure makes her unsure around men and willing to cater to their every need. She feels like there is no way she’ll ever settle down, but then, her brother introduces her to the man of her dreams. Terry is an undercover gangsta and a guy Sherri’s mother never would approve of, but Sherri wants him anyway. Compared to Sherri’s upbringing, Terry has led a hard knock life, living in the toughest parts of Chicago. Despite this—or maybe because of it—Sherri is drawn to this tall, dark, and handsome bad boy and falls hard. A life of crime can have dire consequences, as both Terry and Sherri find out before they can get married and start a family. Running from the past, Sherri relocates but is eventually left with no place to live and two more mouths to feed. To escape the hood, Sherri does things she never would have expected, all while waiting for the man who will cherish her heart.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched-they must be felt with the heart.