On The Nine is a collection of short stories based on the neighborhood where Tony Bowers spent his most meaningful years. The Nine refers to the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood on the south side of Chicago near 79th Street and it is there that Bowers sets his scenes as they jump through time from the late 70's to present day. Each story teaches a valuable lesson complete with rich, complex characters that speak to the author's understanding of the human condition. While The Nine can be a tough place to live in, it becomes apparent that even its most colorful characters only want a more beautiful life. And for most of them, they're willing to do whatever it takes to get it - even if they're not sure what the next day may hold for them and the people they love.