Before Angalia Bianca became one of Chicago’s foremost authorities on violence interruption and prevention and before she received international recognition and was honored by the City of Chicago, she was a criminal, a master manipulator, a brilliant con artist. Bianca spent twelve years in prison for forgery, embezzlement, drug dealing, and theft. But now she has gone far beyond the expectations for recovery to a life of service fueled by an unrelenting determination to make a difference.
 
Bianca was once a gang member; now she puts her life on the line to interrupt gang violence. For thirty-six years she was a heroin addict; now she mentors people in recovery. She was homeless; now she appears as an invited guest, speaking across the country and around the world. Bianca crawled out of the deepest hole imaginable; now through her work with CeaseFire/Cure Violence she climbs back down to change lives.
 
In Deep is a blunt, honest look at Bianca’s life. Her mind-blowing stories take readers deep into a life of grit and gang violence that seems inescapable. Her story is at once fascinating, terrifying, and ultimately full of hope. Readers will be inspired by Bianca’s climb out of the depths of depravity, and by her commitment to those facing the worst that the city of Chicago has to offer.

"A harrowing, heart-wrenching account of addiction, jail time, redemption, and renewal, In Deep will inspire you to go out and make a difference yourself. After almost losing her own life (over and over again!), Bianca has saved many others' lives and uplifted countless more with her fierce, fearless determination and never-take-no-for-an-answer brassy sass." —Pamela Des Barres, author of I'm with the Band

"A riveting, raw, and brutally honest portrayal of a roller-coaster street life fueled by gang violence and drug addiction; a real page-turner that sucks you in from the get-go and takes you on an adventure you can only imagine in your wildest dreams. Awe-inspiring and nothing short of a miracle, Bianca is a force to be reckoned with and an unlikely heroine and role model. She has proved that nothing is impossible and it's never too late." —Vera Ramone King, author of Poisoned Heart

"When I read In Deep I was taken to the streets and prisons of Chicago and was sucked into Bianca's life. It is an unbelievable account of drugs, prostitution, mafia, and rock 'n' roll. I couldn't put it down! I felt like I had lived it with her." —Carmine Appice, legendary rock drummer, author of Stick It!

"Bianca is the real f*cking deal. Every harrowing story of hers is much more than one person should experience in her lifetime, and she has survived dozens of them. The fact that she is still alive and using her every remaining dear breath to now serve humanity rather than deplete it is inspiring." —Christian Picciolini, author White American Youth

"Riveting, poignant, and necessary. You can tell that Bianca means every word she says, so you believe in her story. Who better to address the violence in Chicago than someone who has lived it?” —Vic Mensa, rapper, songwriter, and producer

"When In Deep arrived, I snuck away for a weekend and read it cover to cover. The life experiences and fear resonated all too well. Angalia has relied on her hope and discipline to make a difference. What a wonderful force of nature!" —Angie Bowie, author of Backstage Passes

Angalia Bianca works in the streets of Chicago helping at-risk youth. She regularly speaks in schools, prisons, and the media on ways to combat violence. She has been seen on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360, A & E Secret Life of a Gang Girl. She was appointed a goodwill ambassador by IChange Nations (Affiliate of the United Nations), Awarded a Resolution for Bravery by the City of Chicago in 2016, and was named the National Association of Social Workers Illinois chapter's Public Citizen of the Year in 2017.

Linda Beckstrom has written professionally for 25 years.

Kevin Gates is a bestselling rapper; his wife Dreka Gates manages him and their record label BWA.