As the Sun Smiles

Winner of 11th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards.

Finalist of the 14th Annual American Book Festival Awards.

Finalist of the 2018 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

What is strength? Alex is a resident of the negatively imaged East Knoxville, a part of a city that has never been of the ideal American dream. Beginning on the same solemn evening as the funeral of Alex’s beloved Ms. Darlene, Alex’s understanding of everything that came before is challenged as America’s worst fear unpredictably swarms over the city and forever changes the country. With a self-appointed purpose, Alex claims resposibility for little brother Willie’s welfare–providing emotional support and guidance, but Alex’s faith begins to vanish as intangible fear fully morphs into masked hostiles seen marching up and down city streets. Under a beautiful sky and an even more deceptively inviting sun, Alex finally learns that this previously claimed responsibility, though never achievable, was worth it.