A Message of Hope: A Review of “The Boys of Fairy Town” by Jim Elledge
Fairy Town—areas in Chicago where queer men felt safe to be themselves in an era of repression and discrimination.
Time for Change: Review of “The War on Neighborhoods” by Ryan Lugalia-Hollon and Daniel Cooper
The criminal justice system is broken, diminishes public safety and causes untold misery and death. Transformation is needed.
Magic and Mayhem: Review of “What Should Be Wild” by Julia Fine
An enchanting story of Maisie’s quest, the tale of her curse and an unsettling look at the ordeals women face.
Hoops, Handguns, Hope: Rus Bradburd talks about Shawn Harrington and “All the Dreams We’ve Dreamed”
Guns, basketball, friendship and heroism on Chicago’s West Side
Reclaiming the City: A Review of “The End of Chiraq”
“Chiraq” unpacked by young Chicago literary artists and activists—”a vexed term and a space of possibility.”
Claiming Your Gift: A Review of “Defying the Verdict” by Charita Cole Brown
Brown writes with remarkable clarity and insight about her rollercoaster of mania and depression.
Modern Tragedy and Fake News: Nick Drnaso discusses “Sabrina”
A story of grief and loss, it follows what happens after a young woman disappears.
Lit Top 5: May 2018
Selected literary events for May
Unique Blossoms: Reviews of Jenny Boully’s “Betwixt-and-Between: Essays on the Writing Life” and Del and Sofia Samatar’s “Monster Portraits”
“There will be a heavenly castle; there is a holy grail; there did fall golden apples.”
Data-Driven: Review of “Beyond Measure” by Rachel Z. Arndt
“When the numbers change, so does the woman.”
