Before the seven years in Chicago, there was the loss that changed everything.

On September 11, 2001, Jack Almanti lost the woman he loved in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In the aftermath, the life he thought he was building collapses.

What follows is a deeply personal journey through grief, addiction, fractured relationships, and the long search for meaning in a world permanently altered by tragedy. As Jack struggles to rebuild his life in the years after 9/11, the choices he makes and the people he encounters begin shaping the path that will eventually lead him to Chicago.

Seven Years in Chicago: Part I: Survival is the opening novel in a literary series that explores love, loss, resilience, and the quiet battles people fight long after tragedy fades from the headlines.

Set in the years immediately following 9/11, the story serves as the emotional foundation for the seven-year chapter of Jack’s life that unfolds in Chicago.

Told with emotional realism and honesty, the novel explores how trauma reshapes identity, relationships, and the future we once believed we were meant to live.

Perfect for readers of character-driven literary fiction and book club novels exploring grief, healing, and the complexities of human relationships.

For readers of The Goldfinch, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, and A Little Life.

Editorial praise includes recognition from IndieReader (IR Approved) and a 4-star review from Reedsy Discovery.