While you’re perusing new finds at the Printer’s Row Lit Fest this weekend and South Side Lit Fest next weekend, consider adding these Chicago books to your fall reading list.
On Chicago History: ‘The South Side’
Journalist Natalie Moore’s book should be required reading for Chicagoans to understand the history of segregation in the city — and why it persists.
- 🥈 “Boss” is a deep dive into Mayor Richard J. Daley and the political machine he ran for decades. Pro-tip: Mike Royko’s book is especially handy for Chicago History Fair projects.
- 🥉 “We Are the Culture: Black Chicago’s Influence on Everything” by Arionne Nettles dives into everything from “Soul Train” to the Johnson Publishing Company to Chance the Rapper.
For Transplants: ‘The Chicago Neighborhood Guidebook’
You could spend a lifetime in the city and still have so much to explore: This anthology gives you a sense of Chicago’s 200ish neighborhoods through essays, photos, and more.
Great Fiction: ‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’
In the wake of her sister’s death, Julia navigates grief, identity, and family in this popular young adult book. Erika L. Sanchez’s story has been adapted into a play and will soon be a movie.
- 🥈 “The Great Believers” by Rebecca Makkai is another tearjerker following the devastating effects of the AIDS crisis in Chicago in the ‘80s.
For Your Inner Child: ‘Ironheart’
This Marvel comic book follows Riri Williams, the South Side superhero who re-engineered Iron Man’s suit to save the day. Chicago poet Eve L. Ewing has range for days — she’s also written about the 1919 race riots, CPS, and more.
A photo from “Chicago Protests: A Joyful Revolution.” (Courtesy of Vashon Jordan Jr.)
Photo Book: ‘Chicago Protests: A Joyful Revolution’
Photographer Vashon Jordan Jr. captured 2020 protests — and other moments of joy during an otherwise tumultuous summer.
Memoir: ‘Three Girls From Bronzeville’
Journalist Dawn Turner chronicles the different paths life took her, her sister, and their best friend after growing up inseparable in the historic South Side neighborhood in the 1970s.
For Foodies: ‘Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites’
Chicago is known for classics like deep-dish and Italian beef, but don’t sleep on mild sauce or the jibarito. Chicago journalists Monica Eng and David Hammond share recipes and recommendations for local dishes.
- 🥈“Historic Chicago Bakeries” by Jennifer Billock documents the thousands of bakeries that once lined Chicago streets and the ones that remain today. Visit bakeries in Little Village and Pilsen with Read & Run this month.
After you get all your books, join a book club!
