The Innkeeper on 110th Street

About the Book

The Innkeeper on 110th Street, inspired by a true story, reveals the trials and tribulations of a man whose life could best be characterized as an enigma. In the mid-fifties, Chuck Pierce relocates to New York City from Detroit, and soon thereafter began a hotel career.

He learned early in the business that dealing with the public, and especially if taking their money, brews conflict. That to remain in charge and be respected, the manager has to step forward in any given situation, never backwards. He learned quickly and thoroughly.

Chuck Pierce is determined to advance to the top — second place is not an option. At the same time he is cognizant of the fact that financially speaking, individuals are classified as lower, middle and upper class, in our self-serving society.

Being aware of that stranglehold, he recognizes that, through no fault of his own, he was born at the low end — the very low end of the totem pole. Starting from that premise, at an early age he observed the work ethics of the lower and middle class and made up his mind that he didn’t want to end up in those two classes. Rather, he would use the dissatisfaction of being labeled poor to catapult himself past the middle class into the so-called upper or first class category.

In his assessment, the middle class yearns for a supposedly secure job, a car and house. After reaching that plateau, they consider themselves successful and set for life, never realizing that to create wealth, great risks, up and above the ordinary are required.

According to his reasoning, this type of mindset lulls one to complacency, mediocre thinking and actions — no real incentives for accomplishments. Also, it is a fact that when not satisfied, one tends to possess self-made impetus to climb out of the mire. And it should be by any legitimate means.

His bottom line viewpoint was that mediocre habits and thinking inclines one to accept things as they are and be content with the ordinary. No one said life is easy, but who needs that?

The Innkeeper on 110th Street depicts the trials and tribulations of a Harlem hotel manager, where money and illicit sex were the norm. Due to its location, the establishment caters to many unsavory characters, such as pimps, whores, and Mafia types.

Even against impossible odds, with a Mafia hit staring him in the face, Chuck Pierce turns disadvantages into advantages and walks away with his life.

About the Author

Born in the United States, of African and French heritage, Charles Prince was a soldier in the U.S. military. He lived and wrote in Brazil for over six years and has traveled extensively. Mr. Prince has worked as an international free-lance correspondent and has written travel guides for Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina. Like most writers, Charles states: “Actually, I never had any idea or inkling that I would ever write a novel. I started reading at a very young age and have been an avid reader ever since. In my youth I often read four to six hours per day and still do when time permits.”