On April 16, 1947, a devastating series of explosions at the docks in Texas City, Texas, killed 576 people, injured more than 3,000, and almost destroyed the soul of an entire town.

RISE UP, A novel about this well-known 1947 Texas City explosion, epitomizes the courage, resilience and determination of the ordinary people who lived there. Louis Broussard who owns a ship supply business on the docks and struggles to be authentic. Clayton Malveaux who works on the docks fights to give his young sister a better life. Grace Hanson, just released from prison in Chicago, who traveled to Texas City to live with her sister because she had no other place to go. And Father Joe who daily balances the needs of his parishioners with the greater Catholic Church.

The worst man-made disaster in the history of the United States changed the entire town and is still remembered today in annual memorial services. This fictionalized account is intended to present the emotional impact on people's lives, to convey some of the pain and suffering they experienced, and how they slowly "rise up" to live again.