Unveiled: The Hidden Life of Nuns

Cheryl L. Reed will read from her new book, "Unveiled: The Hidden Life of Nuns," at 5pm at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark. Free. Call 773/769-9299 for more info.

Myopic Poetry Series: Gudding & Beer

Myopic Books, 1564 N. Milwaukee, hosts its Myopic Poetry Series every Sunday at 7pm (more info and a complete schedule here). This week's reading features Gabriel Gudding and John Beer.

Gabriel Gudding's first book, "A Defense of Poetry," was published by the University of Pittsburgh press as part of their Pitt Poetry Series in November, 2002. His work has appeared in journals like American Poetry Review, LíBourgeoizine, Fence, VeRT,  etc. He is currently an assistant professor of English at Illinois State University where he teaches quote experimental unquote poetry. He has started 2 creative writing programs in prisons and is looking to start some trouble in the maximum security facility in Pontiac (downstate) this semester. He was born in Minnesota, and has lived in San Francisco, LA, Seattle, Port Townsend Washington, Olympia, Indiana, New York, and Mississippi. He is very glad to be out of Mississippi.

John Beer lives in Chicago. His poems and essays have appeared in periodicals including Chicago Review, Chicago Tribune, Crowd, Verse, Colorado Review, Barrow Street, and the Review of Contemporary Fiction.

DEPART-ment

The second, of hopefully many, DEPART-ment shows will take place this weekend at 2010 W. Fulton #310 (near Damen and a little south of Grand Ave.) Come see the wares of creatively independent crafters and artisans and support an effort to support individuals instead of questionable mass marketers of cheaply made goods. "Store" hours are from 11am to 5 pm.

The Art of the Mix Tape

Alan Jacobson, DJ and music columnist, discusses how to make a great mix tape, and makes one before your eyes. In addition, there will be a Mix Tape Show, Tell and Trade -- bring a tape you've made and it'll be played (or at least discussed) and you'll have to opportunity to trade tapes with others. Pretty cool, actually. 8pm at the Mess Hall gallery, 6932 North Glenwood Ave. Free, although donations won't be turned down. BYOB. Presented by Mess Hall and NCAAV.

The Hidden Life of Nuns

Chicago Sun-Times reporter Cheryl Reed interviewed 300+ nuns around the country -- some with jobs, some running social service agencies, some who live in seclusion, shave their heads and beat their bare asses -- for her book "Unveiled: The Hidden Life of Nuns." She'll read from her book and discuss the modern state of sisterhood at Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., 5 pm. Call 773-769-9299 for more info.