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