The three books I have written are the result of double bypass surgery performed on my popliteal arteries, back in May of 2007.  I couldn't walk around very well, and couldn't paint, so  I started journaling, and came up with my first book, "The Journey", which is dedicated to my brother Jim.  He prompted me to have it published.  Jim was ill with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and didn't live to see the book go to print.  I treasure the days, when I called him up and read him chapters about our times growing up on the South Side of Chicago.  After the first book, I was bitten by the "writing bug".  The second book, "The Spider", is a compilation of short stories and poems, some true, some fiction...The third book, "Chicago Stories" is mainly a collection of memories I have about friends and experiences in Chicago, but has some poetry and fiction interspersed throughout the tome.  I invite you to click on the title covers for purchase information.  I have some of my stories from all three books in my blog at wheatonmadman.blogspot.com.   I want to thank all of you for supporting me in my artistic and journalistic endeavors over the years...sincerely, Rich Cronborg