Events Fri Apr 30 2010
Columbia College's urban arts festival, Manifest, starts May 14 on Columbia's Loop campus. It will feature graduate and undergraduate poetry showcases, a creative nonfiction showcase, and readings from Columbia's fiction writers. It's free and open to the public, so check out the schedule of events here. This year, the festival will include the Po-Tent (at Balbo and Wabash): Columbia poetry students at typewriters will create verses right in front of you, and/or you can use provided materials to compose your own found poems. You may even get to meet Allen Ginsberg or Alexander Pope! Or...their impersonators.
— Emily Wong
Events Fri Apr 30 2010
University of Chicago grad Cheeni Rao reads from In Hanuman's Hands on May 4. A memoir of Rao's addiction and the spiritual awakening that led to his recovery, In Hanuman's Hands is the the 2009 winner of the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award for Fiction. The title is a cultural idiom which roughly means "God help you." University of Chicago Bookstore, 970 E. 58th St., (773) 702-7712. 2-4pm. Free.
— Rebecca Hyland
Events Wed Apr 28 2010
Author James Kennedy's Apr. 17 Dome of Doom party started off calmly enough with a gallery show, featuring fan art inspired by Kennedy's 2008 book The Order of Odd-Fish (the May Gapers Block Book Club selection).
But the event later transformed into a costumed dance-off -- those brave enough to enter the PVC-pipe Dome of Doom as dance-fighters got in for free. See Time Out Chicago for a photo gallery.
If you missed the insanity, there's a possibility that there will be a repeat next year. If Chicago theater group Collaboraction -- who helped organize the event -- has its way, says Kennedy, "I think it will become an annual thing (though not always Order of Odd-Fish themed). They've even kept the Dome!"
Photo courtesy jameskennedy.com, and thanks to designer Erick Delgado for photo resizing.
— Ruthie Kott
Events Wed Apr 28 2010
Spoken word performers Michelle Renae and Sondra Morin read at Transistor, 5045 N. Clark, as part of "Friday Night Live," April 30 at 8pm. The event is BYOB with a suggested donation of $5. Transistor is an eclectic, "arty" space, selling quality, well-chosen books, music, and electronics, and encourages community interaction through classes, performances, podcasts, and more.
— Amy Ganser
Events Wed Apr 28 2010
Otherwise known as Columbia Poetry Review, the student-edited poetry magazine published annually by Columbia College Chicago's English Department. CPR's issue no. 23 is being released April 29 at a reading/release party at Columbia College's Ferguson Hall. Contributors to the issue, along with special guest Zachary Schomburg, will be there to read their work.
— Emily Wong
Reviews Wed Apr 28 2010
In this poetry collection, Chicago poet John Franklin Dandridge travels the city, following the speaker's interactions -- both usual and unusual -- and giving the reader occasional glimpses into a metaphysical world. You never know what you may find around the corner: a girlfriend's apartment, a wormhole, or Further Down Rd., "where one discovers whether they're human or a computer." Infused with pop culture references (Hendrix! A poem called "Winnie Cooper"!) and Chicago icons (the Cubs, the el), Dandridge's first chapbook doesn't disappoint. Further Down Rd. is available from Fast Geek Press. Want to hear Dandridge read his work? You can listen to a selection of poems from the book here or come to the release party at Tonic Room on May 10. John Franklin Dandridge lives and writes in Chicago and received his MFA in Poetry from Columbia College Chicago in 2006.
— Emily Wong
Events Tue Apr 27 2010
Saturday, May 1 marks the 10th annual "Honor Thy Mother" literary event and luncheon sponsored by Literature for All of Us, a 501(c)(3) organization which connects young people to their strengths through literature, engaging them in book groups where they read and discuss literature and write poetry. Event includes lunch, poetry readings by teen LFAOU poets, and keynote speech from author Elizabeth Berg. Doubletree Hotel, 9599 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie. Begins at 11:30am. Tickets are $100 per person. Registration details available on the LFAOU website or contact Maria Ballantyne at (847) 869-2249.
— Rebecca Hyland
Events Tue Apr 27 2010
Wednesday marks the release of the Not For Tourists Guide To Chicago 2010 iPhone app. Attendees of the launch party who print a voucher from the NFT site can pick up a free NFT Guide to Chicago 2010 and enjoy a 312 Urban Wheat Ale while supplies last. Sheffield's Beer Garden and BBQ Restaurant, 3258 N. Sheffield, Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 7-10pm, FREE, 21+.
— Rebecca Hyland
Events Mon Apr 26 2010
Poet/actor S.A. Griffin is touring the country on his Poetry Bomb Tour of Words, and the Chicago Slam Works is hosting the launch party on May 26! CSW strives to promote performance poetry through events, and this event in particular will benefit OUTSPOKEN: Chicago's Poetry & Spoken Arts Festival in September 2010.
— Emily Wong
Events Sun Apr 25 2010
Are you determined to read more but can't seem to find the time? Is that stack of books you promised to read slowly collecting a thin layer of dust? Perhaps you just need some motivation--apart from your personal desire to be more literate. How about raising money for a good cause? Starting May 1, Open Books is hosting their first annual read-a-thon. So clean off those shelves, gather a group of friends and get reading!
Open Books' Read On 2010 raises funds for their literacy programs, helping children and adults from around Chicago and the world learn to read and write. Readers of all ages can sign up for the event. Youth readers under the age of 13 must commit to raise $50, adults 13 or older must commit to raise $100. All readers will keep track of their pledges gathered from friends, family and sponsors, and monitor the number of pages or books they have read between May 1 and May 26.
Throughout the month, readers will be invited to events at Open Books to celebrate the read-a-thon and the noteworthy efforts of all who participate. Events will include the Open Books Birthday celebration on May 1, Saturday read-ins and book discussion, and a wrap-up party where prizes will be awarded. Yes, there are prizes, it wouldn't be complete without them.
So if you want to join in the fun, check some books off your reading list and raise some money for Open Books, then sign-up today!
— Vanessa Day
Events Sun Apr 25 2010
April is National Poetry Month, which means you have about a week left to celebrate. Mindful Metropolis has a great list of Chicago poetry events -- go out and get your poetry fix!
— Emily Wong /
Events Sat Apr 24 2010
The first Saturday in May (this year it falls on May 1st) means free comic books for all, Chicago stores are celebrating with celebrity appearances (Mike Norten and Katie Cook , local artist group Trubble Club), music, and most importantly free comics!
— Rose Lannin
Hear author and Chicago policeman Martin Preib read from his new book
The Wagon and Other Stories from the City on podcast at The Chicago Blog, blog of the University of Chicago Press. The Wagon is set for release in May. The Chicago Reader says of The Wagon: "One thing's for sure: Preib isn't a cop moonlighting as a writer. He's a writer who happens to work as a cop."
— Rebecca Hyland
Events Fri Apr 23 2010
Stop by Cafe Con Leche, 2714 N. Milwaukee Ave, tonight between 7pm and 9pm to purchase a copy of the latest Logan Square Literary Review. Mingle with contributors, supporters, and the folks who publish the eclectic compilation of works submitted by the general public. Find out how to contribute to their upcoming Summer Issue and ask about the Tim Tam Slam, coming to Logan Square this September...
— Amy Ganser
Events Thu Apr 22 2010
How cool is it that William Shakespeare decided to spend his 446th birthday in Chicago? Friday, April 23 (the Bard's birthday), is Talk Like Shakespeare Day, and the man himself will be hanging around city landmarks, just waiting for you to approach him and say, "Good morrow to thee, cousin." Just remember: Rhymed couplets are all the rage.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Thu Apr 22 2010
Silver Tongue, Columbia College's word-based reading series, presents a jammed packed lineup of literary insight and entertainment next Tuesday, April 27. At 2pm Opium Magazine's founding editor, Todd Zuniga, will lead the free Workshop: How to Start a Literary Publication offering way more useful advice than "post on Craig's List."
Opium's Literary Death Match will follow at 7pm featuring emerging Columbia College writers. A panel of judges including local Chicago writers Lindsay Hunter, Chris Bower, Robbie Q.Telfer and Jason Bredle provides witty commentary, critiquing the short (7 minutes or less) stories down to the merciful, final two contestants guaranteed to make you laugh...or else. Zuniga hosts the hilarity. To close the night, Speak Easy Ensemble, a comedic word performance group, takes the stage.
All events take place April 27 and are free and open to the public. Todd Zuniga's Workshop: How to Start a Literary Publication starts at 2pm in the Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash, 8th Floor.
Literary Death Match begins at 7pm in the Conaway Center, 1104 S. Wabash, 1st Floor, with Speak Easy Ensemble to follow.
— Amy Ganser
News Thu Apr 22 2010
Wednesday night's Colm Tóibín talk was way full, to the point of overflow. Thanks to the tip from reader Julie at Publish Chicago.
— Ruthie Kott
News Thu Apr 22 2010
The Poetry Foundation has begun construction of a new home that will be Chicago's first building dedicated solely to the art form of poetry, and the first permanent venue for Poetry magazine in its nearly 100-year history in the city. "This new home will have a dramatic, positive impact on our mission. We will be able to invite new audiences into the world of poetry through our public spaces, expanded programming, and new partnerships," said Poetry Foundation President John Barr. "It will offer to poetry lovers a destination, a physical engagement with the art form." The 22,000-square-foot building is being constructed at the intersection of Dearborn and Superior. The total projected cost for the building, including land acquisition, is $21.5 million. Funding is made possible by the estate of pharmaceutical heiress Ruth Lilly, who often submitted poems to Poetry magazine but was never published there.
— Rebecca Hyland
Golf lessons with Tiger Woods would likely cost thousands -- or $13.59 -- but Debby Herbenick, Time Out Chicago sex columnist, gives away Tiger's lessons on getting hot 'n' heavy for free. Author of the 2009 book Because It Feels Good: A Woman's Guide to Sexual Pleasure and Satisfaction (Rodale Books), Herbenick draws advice from "celebrity sexperts" in a four-part CheekyChicago series (Tiger is the first).
— Ruthie Kott
Events Tue Apr 20 2010
David Sedaris's cousin Nancy is principal of an elementary school for troubled children in Florida. One time, Sedaris recalled in a Jan. 29, 2010, diary entry, she showed him a photo of a "certified therapy horse" wearing sneakers that was brought to the school for the children to read to. His first question: "Why is he wearing sneakers?"
At a Saturday night reading at Roosevelt University's Auditorium Theatre, Sedaris, best-selling author of seven personal-essay collections, delivered excerpts from his personal diary and from unpublished pieces to a sold-out audience, commenting with his inimitable, dry wit on the world we live in. From the theater's sixth floor (row B), it was impossible to make out Sedaris's facial features, but his high-pitched voice with a hint of a Southern accent -- often heard on public-radio shows like This American Life -- was unmistakable.
This deceptively sweet voice, with its mischievous tone and perfectly timed pauses, made each snarky blow hit harder. Reading from an unpublished essay about issues that befall airline passengers, which he "may have read a few pages [from] the last time he was here," he told a story of being in line at a Colorado airport's customer-service desk, waiting to reschedule a connecting flight to Portland. He noticed a family in line in front of him, with two 50-ish parents, two teenage boys, and a teenage girl holding a baby. One of the boys -- the one wearing the "freaky mothafucka T-shirt," of course -- was the father. When a woman in line commented to Sedaris about how the ones having babies are the ones who shouldn't, the humorist wanted to agree with her, as long as her opinion wasn't "tied to a conservative agenda" and instead came from a "petty and judgmental" place, like his. Just to be safe, he simply responded, "What gets me is that they couldn't even spell 'motherfucker' right."
On a tour of 36 cities in 36 days, Sedaris also read stories from his forthcoming book, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary (Little Brown & Company), set to come out in October. Illustrated by Ian Falconer, best known for the Olivia series, the book includes fable-like stories about "animals that do things that people do." In "Faithful Setter," for example, a purebred Irish setter tells the story of his marriage to a "mixed-breed country girl," who is one-quarter spaniel and cusses like a sailor. Even when she cheats on him with the bull terrier that lives across the street, the setter remains loyal because he can't imagine loving anyone else (if that description sounds cheesy, don't fear--there is definitely some classic Sedaris raunch in there -- at one point, our narrator wonders what his wife's hysterectomy tastes like).
According to Brian Babylon, host of Chicago Moth StorySLAM, who introduced Sedaris, you've really made it when you have at least seven Facebook pages with your name on them.
Sedaris's next stop is Akron, OH, on Apr. 21. For a full schedule of his appearances, go here.
— Ruthie Kott
Events Tue Apr 20 2010
Irish writer, gay writer -- bald writer? In a 2009 interview with Boldtype, Colm Tóibín discusses his identity and his novel Brooklyn, the 2010 One Book, One Chicago selection. Tóibín will be speaking Wednesday, April 21, 6pm, at Harold Washington Library.
— Ruthie Kott /
Feature Tue Apr 20 2010
Lucy Knisley published her first book in 2008 -- French Milk, an illustrated journal detailing a trip to Paris with her mother. Lucky for Chicago, the School of the Art Institute graduate's interests and inkings also lean local. She continues to chronicle her experiences in autobiographical, often food-centric comics, and is currently working on Relish, a graphic novel about growing up in a family of foodies.
Name: Lucy Knisley
Job: Cartoonist, Teacher
Age: 25
Education: Art Institute of Chicago (BFA), Center for Cartoon Studies (MFA)
Awards: ICPA award for Excellence in Illinois College Newspapers (for exceptional cartoon or comic strip), finalist in the Scripps Howard Foundation's Charles M. Schulz College Cartoonist Award
Location: Logan Square
Hometown: Originally from Manhattan, but my parents split up when I was 7. My mom moved about two hours north to a little town called Rhinebeck, which is where I spent most of my childhood.
Website: http://www.lucyknisley.com/
Favorite place in Chicago: Wicker Park, five years ago. Maybe Fox and Obel.
Self-portrait
You grew up reading comics?
Yeah, I did. I sort of got really into them when my parents split up. My dad is a writer and literary professor guy, and my mom is more of an artist and visual person. I think comics became this sort of melding of my mother and father's influence on me -- which was interesting, because they both hated comics, they thought that they were really stu- well, they didn't hate them, they bought them for me and let me read them and stuff. My mom thought Archie comics, which were my favorite, were really sexist and demeaning. My dad thought they weren't literary and scholarly enough, so I had to kind of read them and defend them and look at them critically, so I could convince my parents to buy them for me. So it was like Archie comics, and Calvin & Hobbes, and TinTin, and Astrix and Obelix. But yeah, I would read anything -- I was one of those kids who would pick up the New Yorker and read it if it was there. I babysat for a lot of New Yorker cartoonists that moved upstate.
Brain Waves on Paper
Nice. When did you decide you wanted to make comics for a living?
I sort of toyed with the idea when I was a kid, but I always thought that I'd have to choose between being an artist and being a writer. I really wanted to do both...I ended up at this high school where I had a really, really awesome art teacher, who took me under his wing, and got me into art school and stuff like that. At that point, the decision was kind of made for me, that I would be an artist.
But when I got to art school...I started making comics as a way to communicate with these people I felt unable to breach that border with, and I started publishing them.That's when they were seen by a fellow student at the school, Hope Larson, who's a professional comic book artist now. She contacted me via e-mail and was kind of like hey, I really like your work. She introduced it to me as something you could make a living doing. That was, I think, the point where I really seriously considered it.
Continue reading this entry »
— Rose Lannin
Events Tue Apr 20 2010
Next Monday author Christian TeBordo reads from his new short story collection, The Awful Possibilities, which Jeff Parker, author of Ovenman, calls "Quentin Tarantino on short story juice. The violence and depravity ride the surface, where I like them, and the heart is a lyrical heart. Add to that creepy postcards with cryptic messages and this collection attacks from all sides." Published by local Featherproof Books, this is a book release party including special guests Jeff Parker, Lindsay Hunter, Adam Levin, and Tim Kinsella, with music by DJ Baby Sloth. Free, 21+. At The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., (773) 227-3530, Monday, April 26 at 8 p.m.
— Rebecca Hyland
Events Tue Apr 20 2010
This Thursday and Friday, author Lisa Shannon reads from
A Thousand Sisters: My Journey into the Worst Place on Earth to Be a Woman. The book tells of her 2007 and 2008 trips to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, a region in which "rape is the norm. It is a weapon of war," according to the group Human Rights Watch. John Prendergast, co-founder of The Enough Project, says A Thousand Sisters "shines a spotlight on the hope that emanates so stubbornly from this complex country, primarily through [Shannon's] loving portrayal of her Congolese sisters. Instead of victims, these women are determined survivors, three-dimensional human beings who deserve our respect and solidarity." Lisa Shannon is the founder of the fundraising group Run For Congo Women and an ambassador for Women for Women International. She'll be appearing at Barbara's Bookstore, 1218 S. Halsted, on Thursday, April 22 at 7:30pm. and at Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark, on Friday, April 23 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland
Events Tue Apr 20 2010
This Thursday author Peter Carey will be at the downtown Chicago Public Library. He'll be reading from Olivier and Parrot in America, an historical novel about a spoiled aristocrat fleeing the 1830 July Revolution in France, the ex-con sent along as his servant, and their impressions of "The New World." Chicago Public Library, 400 S. State Street, Thursday, April 22, 6 p.m.
— Rebecca Hyland
Events Thu Apr 15 2010
The Pan Dulces Work Session, a new collaborative writing workshop hosted by the Chicago Underground Library, argues writers can receive the benefits of a traditional writing seminar and more from a free, self-directed, open workshop. The Pan Dulces experiment establishes two key tenets.
1. "All writers really need is to read and to know some good readers."
2. "Writing can be practiced with strong roots in the city."
Denise Dooley, the creator of Pan Dulces, has dabbled in all sorts of writing and creative forums such as zine-making, theater, and slam. Her inspiration to organize this new approach came first from studying in the United Kingdom where she found academic writing programs (or lack thereof), the editing process, and creative collaboration dramatically different from the writing practices in the United States. "My sense was that when I met writers there, they would give you stuff to read, and you could just kick back and enjoy it. While here people exchange stuff with the expectation that you will have your pen out, and you will tear stuff up," Denise explains.
In Chicago Denise credits the Next Objectivists poetry workshop at Mess Hall in Rogers Park with additional inspiration, focusing more on writing and reading poetry than on "the scramble to get published." To put it simply she says, "The main idea [behind Pan Dulces] is trading work and getting to know each other."
To give you a better idea of what may happen and entice you to show up this Sunday at the Chicago Underground Library, Denise graciously answered a few questions about what she expects Pan Dulces to offer.
First off, how is this kind of workshop different from a "paid" writing seminar or an academic course? Why is that important?
If something is free, it doesn't take up as much of your time, it's self directed, it's totally open. You don't have to pretend you're an expert. You don't have to move to another state to do it. You will have access to all these people and resources if you want them.
Writing classes are really generous, they give you a lot of what writers are looking for: specific advice, a pre-set group of writers to interact with, a list of things to read. And that's so simplified, and it works so well that we've forgotten how to do it without that framework. You can debate "are writing programs good or bad for literature?" forever. We already know there are limits, but it's a sweet hustle if you can make it work for you. It seems more interesting to come up with a third option- remembering how it went before that setting was so dominant.
There's also another layer of advantage; innovation is challenging. Formulating new activities for writers to do together is going to force us to go back to a lot of basic questions about the process. It's going to be harder to come up with our own materials than to follow someone's canon, and we will learn a lot from the process of figuring it out together. The "do" in DIY is lots of work, and work is a good way to learn.
Continue reading this entry »
— Amy Ganser
Events Thu Apr 15 2010
If you're in need of some calm this tax day, Barnes and Noble downtown is hosting Columbia College professor Stephen T. Asma
tonight. He'll be reading from his new book Why I Am a Buddhist: No-Nonsense Buddhism With Red Meat and Whiskey. As the title suggests, Asma's aim is to "take the humorless brown rice eaters...the California, out of Buddhism. If a guy like me can be a Buddhist...trust me, there's room for you." In addition to personal anecdotes about his own spiritual journey, there are down-to-earth explanations of reincarnation, karma, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and how Buddhism differs from Hinduism. Barnes and Noble, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., (312) 362-8792, April 15 at 6pm. Free.
— Rebecca Hyland
Events Wed Apr 14 2010
High school reunions: a chance to bring that hot new girlfriend to show off to those classmates who used to make fun of you for actually reading in study hall. To hear your sophomore-year crush Steve Feldman whisper softly in your ear that he's actually been in love with you since he first laid eyes on you. To tell people all about your successful patent for small papers that stick to surfaces. Ah, the latent possibilities!
Of course, none of that happened to me when I went to my five-year a few years ago, but I did learn some things that amused me: a surprising amount of my former classmates still lived in New Jersey (and thus made me feel superior), and being able to drink with Señor Gomez and Doc Schaffler was kind of awesome.
Chicago author Elizabeth Berg wants to hear your reunion stories for a Tuesday, April 20, event, sponsored by the Book Table. Berg, who publishes The Last Time I Saw You (Random House) this month, will read from her new book, told from the perspectives of five former classmates attending their 40th reunion, and will also read an essay about a fan's high-school reunion experience.
Below are essay-submission instructions from the Book Table:
Write a one-page essay about your own experience at a high-school reunion.
Submit it to the Book Table no later than Friday, April 16, either in person (at 1045 Lake Street in Oak Park) or e-mailed to mail@booktable.net.
Plan on attending the event on April 20 to find out the winner. (You must be in attendance to win.)
Elizabeth will read aloud the winning story at the event. The winner will also be presented with a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates.
The reading will be held at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St. in Oak Park, April 20 at 7:30pm.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Wed Apr 14 2010
Local author Jenny Seay has been bringing art and culture to the Near West suburbs for over three years hosting Tamale Hut Cafe Presents. Next installment of this roughly monthly reading is this Saturday, April 17. Featured reader of the night is born and raised Chicago author Billy Lombardo. He'll be reading from his new book, The Man With Two Arms, the story of ambidextrous baseball star Danny Granville, which his website calls "more than a baseball novel, it is an exploration of friendship, marriage, and philosophy; of balance, art, and love. It is a story of the ways in which we protect, betray, forgive, love, and shape each other as we attempt to find our way through life." Tamale Hut Cafe, 8300 W. Cermak Road (between 10th and 11th Ave.), North Riverside, IL, (708) 442-0948, April 17 at 7 p.m. BYOB. Reading is free, but you'll want to bring money for Jaime's tamales. There's also an open mic, so bring stories, poems, essays or songs.
— Rebecca Hyland
Our May Book Club selection is the wonderfully imaginative The Order of Odd-Fish by James Kennedy. The young adult novel follows protagonist Jo on her fantastical journey into Eldritch City where three-foot cockroaches serve as uppity butlers, knights persue studies as varied as esoteric weaponry and bizarre smells and Jo must come to terms with the horrible legend surrounding her birth. It's a great read and I hope you all enjoy it. In a stroke of good timing, Saturday, April 17, also sees the opening of The Dome of Doom, a combination art show, dance party and fight inspired by the Odd-Fish fan art James has received. The opening gallery show is free and lasts from 7pm-9pm, while the costumed dance party and fight are $20 for general admission ($25 if you purchase your tickets after April 15). The show is put on in partnership with Collaboraction and will be held at 437 N. Wolcott. Get an idea of what the fighting will be like here and check out some of the great art that will be on display here.
As a special offer to Book Club members, James will give a tour of the gallery, discuss the book and give a short reading on Monday, April 19, at 7:30pm. Just tell them you're with the Gapers Block Book Club and you'll be admitted. Can't make it on Monday? Fret not, as James will also join us at our meeting on May 10 when we discuss The Order of Odd-Fish. New members to the Book Club are always welcome to join--no special actions needed other than showing up and stating your affiliation with us. I hope to see many of you at both the gallery show and our discussion!
To get a feel of the novel, read my original review and check out my interview with the author.
— Veronica Bond
News Mon Apr 12 2010
Best-selling author Jonathan Eig's new book, Get Capone, sheds new light on the criminal investigation leading to the conviction of gang leader Al Capone, through never-before-seen government documents and newly discovered letters written by Capone himself. The book, which last January may have inadvertently helped re-open the 1939 murder case of businessman Edward J. O'Hare, is being promoted through up-to-the-minute technology. Eig wrote an iPhone app, "Chicago Gangland Tour," a guidebook-style app featuring over 600 photos. "With today's technology, you can just stand somewhere, pull out your phone, and know whose blood got spilled on that very spot," he said. Get Capone comes out April 27. Official book release party held Tuesday, April 27 at 7 p.m., at Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark Street, $15, $12 members, includes whiskey tasting. Eig will also appear at the Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., on April 28 at 7 p.m.
— Rebecca Hyland
Events Sun Apr 11 2010
Columbia College graduate and accomplished author Joe Meno brings it back to Chicago with his latest novel The Great Perhaps. Come see him read from this at Quimby's Books: Tuesday, April 13th, 7pm.
— Rose Lannin
I hope you've been reading Gang Leader for a Day by Sudhir Venkatesh along with us this month. What an incredible story. We'll be meeting at The Book Cellar this Monday, April 12, at 7:30pm to talk about the book. New members are always welcome!
These discussion questions are taken Penguin's reading guide for Gang Leader for a Day:
- How would you respond if a graduate student from an elite university turned up at your door and announced his intention to study you? How would your reaction differ from what Sudhir Venkatesh encountered in Gang Leader for a Day?
- Give a character sketch of J.T. What are his particular strengths and weaknesses as a leader?
- In Gang Leader for a Day, Venkatesh continually compares the Black Kings' drug trafficking with more conventional forms of American business. To what extent are you persuaded by these comparisons?
- What strategies does Venkatesh use to gain the confidence of J.T. and the other people he meets at Robert Taylor? Does he ever completely gain their trust? Why are issues of trust so difficult in this book?
- In chapter two, Venkatesh and J.T. argue about whether a "culture of poverty" exists among poor blacks in America. In your opinion, does Gang Leader for a Day do more to confirm or to dispute that there is such a culture?
- Why is J.T. so anxious and controlling with regard to where Venkatesh goes and whom he talks with at Robert Taylor? Whom or what is he really protecting?
- On pages 146 through 149, Ms. Bailey blames the conditions at Robert Taylor on a larger society that has denied opportunities to the poor. To what extent do you consider her arguments persuasive?
- J.T. constantly rationalizes the activities of the Black Kings and maintains that the gang confers more benefits than detriments on the community. Is there any truth to his self-justifications? Are there ways in which the community would be worse off if the BKs were suddenly to disappear?
- Venkatesh's portrayal of the Chicago police and other "legitimate" institutions of power is less than wholly complimentary. To what extent do you think the city's institutions helped to create and maintain the conditions that allow gangs to flourish?
- Why do Venkatesh's efforts to educate the young women and children of the project fail so miserably? Why does he find it so difficult in general to help the people he encounters?
- How does a powerful woman like Ms. Bailey exert influence over the housing project? How does the exercise of female power in this book differ from the wielding of male power?
- As you read Gang Leader for a Day, were you troubled by the ethics of Venkatesh's research? Was he, as he himself sometimes worried, as exploitative and manipulative in his own way as J.T. was in his?
- Did reading Gang Leader for a Day make you more or less sympathetic to the problems of America's urban poor? Why?
— Alice Maggio
Feature Tue Apr 06 2010
In a little over a week, Chicago's going to explode in a burst of comics, toys, and all manner of pop culture excitement. The source of this KAPOW is C2E2, the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, a new convention packed with panels, merchandise, celebrities (Alex Ross! Colleen Doran! Anya from Buffy!) and more. I had the chance to talk to Lance Fensterman, the man behind the booths and exhibitions. Lance has had an interesting career in his own right, and shared his perspective on conventions, fans, and the details and methodology that make up planning a big event.
Name: Lance Fensterman
Job: Vice President of Pop Culture for Reed Exhibitions
Age: 32
Education: Just enough.
Location: Norwalk, CT, 35 miles outside of NYC
Hometown: Fargo, ND
Website: http://www.mediumatlarge.net/
Favorite place in Chicago: The Blue Frog? Or maybe Gino's East Pizza.
Portrait by Andrea Topalian
How did you get into running comic book conventions? Did it stem out of a love of comics, or something else?
I was a ward of the state and Reed adopted me and put me to work...actually, I was an independent bookseller for many years and hired by Reed to run the publishing industry's annual gathering. From there I took over New York Comic Con and the New York Anime Fest. As our group of events grew, so did my role, and I now oversee ReedPop our group of pop culture shows, including Penny Arcade Expo (PAX,) PAX East, UFC Fan Expo, New York Comic Con, Star Wars Celebration, and of course C2E2.
Continue reading this entry »
— Rose Lannin
Events Mon Apr 05 2010
Louisa May Alcott is well-known for her novel Little Women, and the romance and heartbreak it entails. Less is known about her own romances (or lack thereof?), something Kelly O'Connor McNees explores in her latest novel, The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott. McNees will be reading this Thursday at Barnes & Noble (1441 West Webster Ave), 7:30pm.
— Rose Lannin
Events Mon Apr 05 2010
The first six writers to be inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame will be announced Saturday, May 1, during a special benefit presentation and concert at the magnificent Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills.
This special evening of words and music, hosted by the Chicago Writers Association, will feature appearances by acclaimed local authors Elizabeth Berg, Joe Meno, Sara Paretsky, Rosellen Brown and Achy Obejas. Marc Kelly Smith, creator and founder of the poetry slam movement, will emcee.
The night will also feature a concert at the Estate's Music Theater by Jelani Eddington, performing on the world's largest restored theater pipe organ. The original theater organ, a 1927 Wurlitzer from the Omaha Theater, has been expanded and now controls 8,000 pipes, percussions and sound effects.
The Sanfilippo Estate, nicknamed the Place de la Musique, is a 44,000-square-foot private residence filled with magnificent collections of beautifully restored antique music machines, chandeliers, art glass, the world's largest restored theater pipe organ, the most spectacular European salon carousel in existence, street and clock towers, steam engines and other functional mechanical antiques. The Estate, owned by Jasper Sanfilippo, former CEO of the parent company of Fisher Nut, hosts charities holding fundraisers through the Sanfilippo Foundation. View a picture gallery of the Sanfilippo Estate or watch the WTTW Chicago Tonight video featuring the Sanfilippo Estate.
Doors will open at 6pm, at which time guests will be able to tour the Residence and its collections. The announcement ceremony will begin at 7:15, followed by the concert at 8 pm. Attire is business casual.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and are available online now: $55 for CWA members; $65 for non-members. Tickets WILL NOT be available at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, a project of the nonprofit Chicago Writers Association.
Directions to the Sanfilippo Estate will be included with your ticket purchase. The Estate is about 45 minutes from Downtown Chicago.
— Alice Maggio
Contest Thu Apr 01 2010
The Chicago Public Library's website, chipublib.org, is holding its second annual design contest.
Between April 5 and May 15, submit your poster design prominently featuring the phrase "chipublib.org" following these instructions here, and then become a member of the library's contest flickr group. Entries will be judged by the library and 30 finalists will be presented for voting May 17-23, and the winning design will be displayed around the city.
So, get started!
— Andrew Huff
