Meghan K. Barnes

For the Love of God Meghan K. Barnes

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD tells the true story of a young girl struggling to find her identity during the confusion and deaths that followed the sudden boom of legalized gambling. She witnesses the city crumble as it is swept away by the growing casino industry of Atlantic City. An accidental fire burns down a neighbor's house, leaving nothing but their new-found gambling and alcohol addictions behind. Many are fired from their jobs and forced to leave the area, and are replaced by cheaper workers living in the newly built slum housing in the once-safe neighborhoods and parks of her childhood. Her close relationship with family and friends who also struggle with the same issues of redefining what home means to them are explored throughout this thought-provoking story.