Article: A Look Inside Topless, My First Novel
Topless is more than just a story about a nightclub—it’s the story of a man, my father, Mr. Gilmore, whose sheer determination and raw, unfiltered hustle turned obstacles into empires. His journey began at age 17 when a devastating baseball accident altered his life forever. By 21, he was learning to walk again with a prosthetic limb, but his will to succeed was unshakeable. He started working at the post office, but soon, his ambitions pushed him beyond the confines of a steady paycheck.
Without the luxury of modern technology—no cell phones, no websites, no strategic team—my father built a small empire from the ground up. He went on to create a chain of delicatessens, a liquor store, laundromats, rental properties, and, of course, the infamous nightclub that would become the center of my novel. And let’s not forget, he fathered six children along the way, balancing family life with an unrelenting drive for success. With nothing but his wits, work ethic, and a pistol on his waist, he ran it all. That was my dad, Mr. Gilmore—a man who adapted, survived, and thrived in ways that are nearly unimaginable today.
As his son, I was both a family member and a silent observer. I had a front-row seat to witness the evolution of my father’s business ventures and personal struggles. And that’s exactly what I’ve captured in Topless. It’s a story of survival, ambition, and the harsh realities of navigating the business world without a safety net. The nightclub, which started as a small bar, evolved over time, reflecting the changing tides of culture and demand. What began as a neighborhood bar turned into a nightlife hotspot, eventually becoming a strip club and brothel, drawing in crowds from all walks of life—blue-collar workers, sports stars, even politicians.
Here’s a brief excerpt from the book:
Excerpt from Topless:
“The bar & lounge, formerly known as Denny’s Irish House, was renamed as Gil’s Irish House. The transformation began slowly. First, porno videos were introduced on Wednesday nights. When that became predictable, Gil brought in a topless dancer to perform alongside the films. Before long, word spread, and the lounge was packed every night of the week. What was once a quiet bar for local blue-collar workers turned into a mecca for thrill-seekers. Now, the regulars included white-collar professionals, sports stars, and men with pockets full of cash who wanted more than just a drink. A back room, musty and hidden, became the setting for private encounters between dancers and patrons—an extra income stream that boosted the club’s popularity. Gilmore’s had become the area’s ultimate brothel, where the party never stopped, and the money never ran out.”
In Topless, I unravel the layers of my father’s world, from his relentless rise to his final transformation of the club into “Gilmore’s Fool’s Paradise,” where ambition collided with excess. It’s a raw and gritty narrative, pulling no punches about the life we lived and the legacy he left behind.
This isn’t just a tale of success; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome the odds, one that will resonate with anyone who has ever fought to turn nothing into something. Follow the link to purchase Topless and step inside the story of Mr. Gilmore—a man who faced life’s trials head-on and emerged victorious.
Dive into Topless and see how one man’s journey of survival and ambition built a legacy that defied the odds.
