Literary
Chicago: A Book Lover's Tour of the Windy City,
by Greg Holden
Literary Chicago: A Book Lover's Tour of
the Windy City might well be the most innovative approach
to a city guide I have ever seen. Although the author, Greg
Holden, is quick to point out his reliance on other works that
have documented the extensive use of Chicago as a setting in
numerous books, I was struck with the depth of research and
passion that Holden brought to this work. Evidence of that passion
might be a little off-putting to casual readers -- the "them
and us" (writers and non-writers) approach in the introduction
is a bit strong. Even so, I suggest putting any feelings this
might evoke aside, because this really is a great
guide for exploring Chicago.
In the first half of the guidebook, the author
skillfully enhances his narratives about traveling around
Chicago with excerpts from novels, plays, poems, and other
literary works. He ties these in with what can actually be
seen today, whether you're wandering on foot or by vehicle.
Along the way, Holden layers in facts and historical anecdotes
in a manner that makes these otherwise quite ordinary places
seem larger than life. These "literary tours" explore
ten distinct areas of the greater Chicago area. In addition,
the author provides detailed maps, walking directions, lists
of bookstores, coffeehouses, and "other places of interest"
for all sections of the city.
The second half of the book is a compendium of
"who's who" and "what's what" in the Chicago
literary world. Here you can discover the locations for just
about every "open mic" event in the city, and a
monthly calendar of book events. There is also a really interesting
list of street names -- Hugh Hefner Way and Poe Street are
among the thirty-one the author profiles. The entertaining
trivia quiz is also worth checking out, but get ready to be
humbled!
There are so many cool places to visit in Chicago
that it's not too surprising that I didn't know about some
of them until I read this book. One such venue is Oz Park
in the Lincoln District, which even has a yellow brick path.
Another is the last remaining vestige of the Chicago stock
yards -- the Union Stock Yards Gate. The next time you find
your road trip path wending its way to Chicago, I suggest
you pick up a copy of this book and use it to explore places
you are unlikely to find on your own. You'll also appreciate
the ones you already know about in a fascinating new way.
Mark
Sedenquist
3/27/05
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