What people are saying…
“Ms. Malek,
Thanks for the book. You put in a lot of work to make that happen. I will pass it along to our morning show people and Windy City Live, although the COVID disaster has put a crimp in having authors (or anyone from the outside) into our studio to do interviews.
Enjoyed going through it.”
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— Chuck Goudie/Investigative Reporter/ABC7 Chicago
“I enjoy reading history books especially local history. I was happy to see many local references and photos in the book. I especially like that the photos are in the flow of the text rather than in the middle of the book as you often see with history titles. It was obviously very well researched. It was very well put together and certainly, given the subject, will be of interest to a wide variety of readers. Thanks for letting me see it. If you're looking for criticism I can't find much wrong with the book. I think an explanation of where the Stickney name came from and the distinction between Stickney Township and the Town of Stickney would be helpful for those not familiar with the area. But that's about it. Would you like me to add the copy to our library collections? I would also like to encourage our ordering people at the main library to consider purchasing the book for other locations. If you'd like to go that route, let me know the way to order copies. Thanks again and great job with the book.”
— Rob Bitunjac, Clear-Ridge Historical Society
“As a former resident of Stickney it surprised me that it had such a sketchy past. Little did I know of Capone'spresence there. Cicero and Chicago were his domain. He was opportunistic and exploited my village in her earlyyears. The information provided was well researched, detailedand informative. It was a jaunt through Stickney and surrounding towns history. Photographs substantiated locations and individuals that captured the era. It was a good read.”
— Stacy Krezemkowski, Officer of the Illinois Courts, emeritus
“I'm happy to hear that your book has come to fruition. It's great that you have uncovered interesting info that was overlooked by other historians. You're no slouch at this and you are also a very solid researcher!”
— Mario Gomes www.myalcaponemuseum.com
“What a surprise! Amazing details I never knew.”
— Frank Slezak, Native of Stickney
“I am so very glad to see that you continued your work and that the book is coming out. I'm also glad to hear that I played some small part in that. I wish every success for you and the book!”
— Mr. James Engelhardt, Former Editor at University of Illinois
“You worried that you had no professional status as an author, yet you wrote a compelling book. Remember amateurs built the Ark; experts built the Titanic.
— R.D. From Tennessee
“The book, When Capone Ruled the Village, by Linda M. Malek has the copyright and has a short press run that is receiving very good reviews.
I am not financially connected, but have been aware of her research and have read the book, which does have a brief connection to Chicago horse racing. It is a remarkable book, which explains why Capone and his group were so active in the little suburb of Stickney, Illinois. Hard to believe there is much to add to his story, but I believe this does just that.”
— Edward L. Bowen, American Thoroughbred horse racing historian and author, President of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Editor-in-chief of Blood-Horse Magazine from 1987-92.
“Good read and I passed it to my neighbor. The Stickney/Forest View Library has a copy. Contact them for a loan out.”
— Edward Bartunek, President of the Board of Trustees, of the Stickney-Forest View Public Library District.
“Caponeville: How Chicago mob boss Al Capone ruled over the suburbs and two small towns in particular.
Al Capone’s life story and violent exploits have filled entire libraries and spawned many movies. Yet the focus is usually on his activities in Chicago. Though his power definitely originated there, his influence reached far beyond the city limits into small towns like Stickney and Forest View. In her new book When Capone Ruled the Village, author Linda M. Malek delves into this unique episode in the notorious mob boss’ life.
Linda was kind enough to contribute the following introduction and the book excerpt below to Gangsters Inc.”
— David Amoruso, founder of Gangsters Inc. www.gangstersinc.org The best website about organized crime and the Mafia.
“This book will sell out, it’s very good.”
— Lori Spinasanto
“I have read every book on Capone I could find since I was a kid. There is stuff in Linda’s book I haven’t seen anywhere else. Linda you knocked it out of the park. BRAVO!
— Mike Stromski
“Great book great read. Some of the family will be ordering the book.”
— William Koc
“Sounds like it would make an exciting movie!”
— Karen Jones, California
Linda Malek, “Many thanks for sending my copy of your book having just received it in the mail. Couldn't resist first flipping through the pictures and getting a sense of the book before reading. Our eldest brother is a Chicago area history buff with an upcoming birthday....another copy to be ordered soon. Good job!”
— Brian Curran
“Definitely impressed. You should be proud of your ability to tackle such a job.”
— T. Harper, Texas
“We got the books today. My husband can't put it down.”
— Gail Jones
“I got the Capone book, so interesting, great pictures!”
— Robin Kleronomos
“The only discrepancy I could find in your book is your personal statement that you have no credentials as a writer or historian. You can no longer make that claim. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderful book and thank you for sharing your talents as a "diligent fact finder" You've also made Christmas a snap this year and the best thing to come out of 2020 by far.”
— Brian Curran
“I received my copy last week and started reading on Sunday. I finished the first Chapter and enjoyed the pictures and story of the early days. So many of Stickney’s treasured past lost like the MacArthur schoolhouse and the Bungalow Inn.”
— Edward Dabrowski
“Linda
All your hard work is on display as you read through this book. I can admire your diligence in factual reporting. I found it to be captivating at times, humorous at times, and astonishing when the amount of money was being discussed.”
— Richard Drozdowicz
“Love this book! Easy read.”
— Gail Ann Schroeder Teresi
“I Recently received your book and I am now ordering a copy for a friend. Thanks for putting your heart into this book.”
— Barbara Shand Cowell
“I liked it and I enjoyed the photos. There was a lot of information that was new to me. Good read.”
— James Tibensky, Mitigation Specialist · Federal Defender Program of Chicago
“You are an excellent researcher.”
— Diane Sarkarati, Forensic Science Teacher, Altadena California
BRAVO!
— Al Zielinski