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General Recommendations

Best Books of 2018

By:

ChiPubLib_Adults

Chicago Public Library

Staff-created list

Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the best books published in 2018.

By:

ChiPubLib_Adults

Chicago Public Library

51-75 of 100 items

51-75 of 100 items

The Lake on Fire

The Lake on Fire

by Brown, Rosellen

Paperback - 2018

Chicago's World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 and Gilded Era Chicago form part of the backdrop in beloved author Rosellen Brown's latest, about a Jewish ...Show more Chicago's World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 and Gilded Era Chicago form part of the backdrop in beloved author Rosellen Brown's latest, about a Jewish immigrant family's journey to America from Ukraine and protagonist Chaya's escape from a Wisconsin farm to Chicago with her 8-year-old brother Asher in tow. A thrilling new addition to the canon of literature about Chicago's history. Show less

Chicago's World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 and Gilded Era Chicago form part of the backdrop in beloved author Rosellen Brown's latest, about a Jewish ...Show more Chicago's World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 and Gilded Era Chicago form part of the backdrop in beloved author Rosellen Brown's latest, about a Jewish immigrant family's journey to America from Ukraine and protagonist Chaya's escape from a Wisconsin farm to Chicago with her 8-year-old brother Asher in tow. A thrilling new addition to the canon of literature about Chicago's history. Show less

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The Largesse of the Sea Maiden

The Largesse of the Sea Maiden

by Johnson, Denis

Book - 2018

Johnson died in 2017, but he left us this new posthumous collection of short stories that are mature, distinctive and masterful. It presents quite an arra...Show more Johnson died in 2017, but he left us this new posthumous collection of short stories that are mature, distinctive and masterful. It presents quite an array of characters: a successful ad man, a recovering alcoholic, an Elvis Presley conspiracy theorist, a county jail inmate and an aging writer. Written with unfailingly graceful prose, this collection will please fans and win the author new ones. Show less

Johnson died in 2017, but he left us this new posthumous collection of short stories that are mature, distinctive and masterful. It presents quite an arra...Show more Johnson died in 2017, but he left us this new posthumous collection of short stories that are mature, distinctive and masterful. It presents quite an array of characters: a successful ad man, a recovering alcoholic, an Elvis Presley conspiracy theorist, a county jail inmate and an aging writer. Written with unfailingly graceful prose, this collection will please fans and win the author new ones. Show less

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The Library Book

The Library Book

by Orlean, Susan

Paperback - 2018

The latest from Susan Orlean (The Orchid Thief) is essentially three books in one: a true crime investigation of the fire that burned down Los Angeles Pub...Show more The latest from Susan Orlean (The Orchid Thief) is essentially three books in one: a true crime investigation of the fire that burned down Los Angeles Public Library's central library in 1986, a history of LA's public library, and an overview of what libraries and librarians offer in the modern world. As for the crime element - if it even was a case of arson - it remains an unsolved case. Orlean profiles the main suspect, Harry Peak, and shares her thinking as to whether he was guilty, but in either case he was an interesting figure: another handsome, wannabe young actor on the scene, he loved attention and spun more contradictory stories than the boy who cried wolf. More colorful characters abound in the history of Los Angeles and its library, including some pioneering women librarians, a poet and journalist who made his name in 1884 by walking through the wilderness all the way from Ohio to work in LA, and a wild televangelist who helped raise money to restore the burned library collection. And Orlean attended conferences, spoke to leaders around the world and shadowed lifelong librarians in LA to master the ins and outs of the profession: even librarians may learn a thing or two. For library and book lovers, this is one to savor, with writing that's consistently top-notch. Show less

The latest from Susan Orlean (The Orchid Thief) is essentially three books in one: a true crime investigation of the fire that burned down Los Angeles Pub...Show more The latest from Susan Orlean (The Orchid Thief) is essentially three books in one: a true crime investigation of the fire that burned down Los Angeles Public Library's central library in 1986, a history of LA's public library, and an overview of what libraries and librarians offer in the modern world. As for the crime element - if it even was a case of arson - it remains an unsolved case. Orlean profiles the main suspect, Harry Peak, and shares her thinking as to whether he was guilty, but in either case he was an interesting figure: another handsome, wannabe young actor on the scene, he loved attention and spun more contradictory stories than the boy who cried wolf. More colorful characters abound in the history of Los Angeles and its library, including some pioneering women librarians, a poet and journalist who made his name in 1884 by walking through the wilderness all the way from Ohio to work in LA, and a wild televangelist who helped raise money to restore the burned library collection. And Orlean attended conferences, spoke to leaders around the world and shadowed lifelong librarians in LA to master the ins and outs of the profession: even librarians may learn a thing or two. For library and book lovers, this is one to savor, with writing that's consistently top-notch. Show less

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The Line Becomes A River

The Line Becomes A River

by Cantú, Francisco

Book - 2018

Author Cantu studied international relations as his major in higher education and then joined the U.S. Border Patrol to further his learning. What he obse...Show more Author Cantu studied international relations as his major in higher education and then joined the U.S. Border Patrol to further his learning. What he observed working the borders of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas for several years beginning in 2008 was, indeed, eye-opening. He bears witness to the human and environmental toll resulting from the clash between immigration and law enforcement, with the drug cartels making matters much worse. Leaving the service after nightmare-inducing stress, Cantu works for a coffee shop where he befriends another worker whose life is caught in the gears of this machinery after crossing to Mexico to say goodbye to a dying mother. This brief memoir packs a punch and clarifies, in ways that most daily coverage and partisan arguments don't, what's at stake in border policy. Strongly recommended. Show less

Author Cantu studied international relations as his major in higher education and then joined the U.S. Border Patrol to further his learning. What he obse...Show more Author Cantu studied international relations as his major in higher education and then joined the U.S. Border Patrol to further his learning. What he observed working the borders of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas for several years beginning in 2008 was, indeed, eye-opening. He bears witness to the human and environmental toll resulting from the clash between immigration and law enforcement, with the drug cartels making matters much worse. Leaving the service after nightmare-inducing stress, Cantu works for a coffee shop where he befriends another worker whose life is caught in the gears of this machinery after crossing to Mexico to say goodbye to a dying mother. This brief memoir packs a punch and clarifies, in ways that most daily coverage and partisan arguments don't, what's at stake in border policy. Strongly recommended. Show less

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Look Alive Out There

Look Alive Out There

Essays

by Crosley, Sloane

Book - 2018

Sloane Crosley has the fantastic ability to make the absurd relatable and to make the mundane feel major. Her latest book of autobiographical essays is fi...Show more Sloane Crosley has the fantastic ability to make the absurd relatable and to make the mundane feel major. Her latest book of autobiographical essays is filled with witty and self-deprecating observations regarding apartment life in a big city, motherhood and fertility, love advice from a retired adult film actor and even a brief comparison of Kanye West to Nietzsche. Fans of Nora Ephron, David Sedaris and Megan Stiesltra will appreciate the balance of lighthearted humor and personal reflection in this quick-reading collection. Show less

Sloane Crosley has the fantastic ability to make the absurd relatable and to make the mundane feel major. Her latest book of autobiographical essays is fi...Show more Sloane Crosley has the fantastic ability to make the absurd relatable and to make the mundane feel major. Her latest book of autobiographical essays is filled with witty and self-deprecating observations regarding apartment life in a big city, motherhood and fertility, love advice from a retired adult film actor and even a brief comparison of Kanye West to Nietzsche. Fans of Nora Ephron, David Sedaris and Megan Stiesltra will appreciate the balance of lighthearted humor and personal reflection in this quick-reading collection. Show less

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Looking for Lorraine

Looking for Lorraine

The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry

by Perry, Imani

Paperback - 2018

Perry provides an intimate biography about playwright, artist, and civil rights leader Lorraine Hansberry, who died tragically young at thirty-four. She e...Show more Perry provides an intimate biography about playwright, artist, and civil rights leader Lorraine Hansberry, who died tragically young at thirty-four. She examines what molded this unapologetically proud woman to become the first African American playwright to be featured on Broadway (with A Raisin in the Sun). The book gives an in-depth look into the spiritual bond created between Lorraine, James "Jimmy" Baldwin, and Nina Simone. Together, while living in an atmosphere of violence and racial discrimination, they formed an intellectual and loving friendship that created beautiful music that shaped the civil rights movement and stories that explored the complex issues of love, sexuality, and interracial relationships. Throughout the book, Perry describes Lorraine as a brilliant, restless, and radical woman who loved her husband dearly but had a passion for beautiful women and frequently championed rights for the gay and lesbian community. Perry's literary criticism is for readers who admire Hansberry and want to know more about her achievements, political affiliations, personal relationships and how her work and ideas were ahead of her time. Show less

Perry provides an intimate biography about playwright, artist, and civil rights leader Lorraine Hansberry, who died tragically young at thirty-four. She e...Show more Perry provides an intimate biography about playwright, artist, and civil rights leader Lorraine Hansberry, who died tragically young at thirty-four. She examines what molded this unapologetically proud woman to become the first African American playwright to be featured on Broadway (with A Raisin in the Sun). The book gives an in-depth look into the spiritual bond created between Lorraine, James "Jimmy" Baldwin, and Nina Simone. Together, while living in an atmosphere of violence and racial discrimination, they formed an intellectual and loving friendship that created beautiful music that shaped the civil rights movement and stories that explored the complex issues of love, sexuality, and interracial relationships. Throughout the book, Perry describes Lorraine as a brilliant, restless, and radical woman who loved her husband dearly but had a passion for beautiful women and frequently championed rights for the gay and lesbian community. Perry's literary criticism is for readers who admire Hansberry and want to know more about her achievements, political affiliations, personal relationships and how her work and ideas were ahead of her time. Show less

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A Lucky Man

A Lucky Man

Stories

by Brinkley, Jamel

Paperback - 2018

In this National Book Award-nominated collection of fiction, debut author Brinkley emerges as a powerful new voice engaging with modern urban life in subt...Show more In this National Book Award-nominated collection of fiction, debut author Brinkley emerges as a powerful new voice engaging with modern urban life in subtle tales of literary fiction. In Brooklyn and the Bronx, boys and men struggle to find their place and strive for love and sex in stories that question the unspoken rules of masculine identity. Show less

In this National Book Award-nominated collection of fiction, debut author Brinkley emerges as a powerful new voice engaging with modern urban life in subt...Show more In this National Book Award-nominated collection of fiction, debut author Brinkley emerges as a powerful new voice engaging with modern urban life in subtle tales of literary fiction. In Brooklyn and the Bronx, boys and men struggle to find their place and strive for love and sex in stories that question the unspoken rules of masculine identity. Show less

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The Mars Room

The Mars Room

A Novel

by Kushner, Rachel

Book - 2018

A former dancer at a San Francisco strip club called The Mars Room winds up in prison in this thoughtful novel that considers the causes, effects and toll...Show more A former dancer at a San Francisco strip club called The Mars Room winds up in prison in this thoughtful novel that considers the causes, effects and toll of incarceration. In kaleidoscopic fashion the story presents chapters of Romy's life growing up neglected in the city by the bay, while also portraying stories of fellow prisoners, a teacher, a corrupt cop, and a stalker. She also works in some interesting food for thought, like an extended contrast between two notable American figures of isolation: Henry David Thoreau and Theodore Kaczynski. But while Kushner ambitiously paints on a broad canvas, she doesn't neglect the personal, human stories of women in prison, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes even darkly funny. The novel reads carefully and deliberately but comes to a rousing conclusion in which all the pieces fall into place, and the effect is devastating. Show less

A former dancer at a San Francisco strip club called The Mars Room winds up in prison in this thoughtful novel that considers the causes, effects and toll...Show more A former dancer at a San Francisco strip club called The Mars Room winds up in prison in this thoughtful novel that considers the causes, effects and toll of incarceration. In kaleidoscopic fashion the story presents chapters of Romy's life growing up neglected in the city by the bay, while also portraying stories of fellow prisoners, a teacher, a corrupt cop, and a stalker. She also works in some interesting food for thought, like an extended contrast between two notable American figures of isolation: Henry David Thoreau and Theodore Kaczynski. But while Kushner ambitiously paints on a broad canvas, she doesn't neglect the personal, human stories of women in prison, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes even darkly funny. The novel reads carefully and deliberately but comes to a rousing conclusion in which all the pieces fall into place, and the effect is devastating. Show less

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Melmoth

Melmoth

A Novel

by Perry, Sarah

Book - 2018

Perry's follow-up to her acclaimed debut novel The Essex Serpent is another treat for fans of the classics. It’s set in contemporary times but it's writte...Show more Perry's follow-up to her acclaimed debut novel The Essex Serpent is another treat for fans of the classics. It’s set in contemporary times but it's written like a Gothic novel from in the vein of Bram Stoker and Daphne du Maurier. Loosely inspired by the little-known 1820 Gothic novel Melmoth the Wanderer, Perry's novel concerns an ancient spirit who haunts people whose consciences are weighed down with the guilt of their crimes. An English translator named Helen Franklin has exiled herself to Prague, denying herself every joy in life for reasons she refuses to divulge to her acquaintances. When a professor friend disappears after raving about a shadowy figure who follows him everywhere, Helen digs into his files and researches the history of this phantom. Atmospheric and chilling, the novel brilliantly plays with history and literature to tell a story of profound meaning, but it's also a slow-burning, spooky ghost story. Show less

Perry's follow-up to her acclaimed debut novel The Essex Serpent is another treat for fans of the classics. It’s set in contemporary times but it's writte...Show more Perry's follow-up to her acclaimed debut novel The Essex Serpent is another treat for fans of the classics. It’s set in contemporary times but it's written like a Gothic novel from in the vein of Bram Stoker and Daphne du Maurier. Loosely inspired by the little-known 1820 Gothic novel Melmoth the Wanderer, Perry's novel concerns an ancient spirit who haunts people whose consciences are weighed down with the guilt of their crimes. An English translator named Helen Franklin has exiled herself to Prague, denying herself every joy in life for reasons she refuses to divulge to her acquaintances. When a professor friend disappears after raving about a shadowy figure who follows him everywhere, Helen digs into his files and researches the history of this phantom. Atmospheric and chilling, the novel brilliantly plays with history and literature to tell a story of profound meaning, but it's also a slow-burning, spooky ghost story. Show less

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The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock

A History in Three Volumes

by Gowar, Imogen Hermes

Book - 2018

If you're not a fan of fantasy fiction, don't let the titular mermaid scare you off of this story of a lonely merchant whose life is turned upside-down wh...Show more If you're not a fan of fantasy fiction, don't let the titular mermaid scare you off of this story of a lonely merchant whose life is turned upside-down when he comes into possession of a mermaid. First-time novelist Gowar's Georgian-era London is so transporting and the finely-drawn characters so vivid that that it reads like a straightforward work of historical fiction, so you'll likely maintain your suspension of disbelief, mermaids and all. The action is leisurely-paced, and, as love stories go, this one is a bit melancholy. Gowar also acknowledges the realities for women and people of color at the time, but those moments help the story add up to something brutally truthful and effective. Fans of Michael Faber's The Crimson Petal and the White or last year's marvelous The Essex Serpent will find much to enjoy. Recommended for lovers of well-researched historical fiction open to something a little different. Show less

If you're not a fan of fantasy fiction, don't let the titular mermaid scare you off of this story of a lonely merchant whose life is turned upside-down wh...Show more If you're not a fan of fantasy fiction, don't let the titular mermaid scare you off of this story of a lonely merchant whose life is turned upside-down when he comes into possession of a mermaid. First-time novelist Gowar's Georgian-era London is so transporting and the finely-drawn characters so vivid that that it reads like a straightforward work of historical fiction, so you'll likely maintain your suspension of disbelief, mermaids and all. The action is leisurely-paced, and, as love stories go, this one is a bit melancholy. Gowar also acknowledges the realities for women and people of color at the time, but those moments help the story add up to something brutally truthful and effective. Fans of Michael Faber's The Crimson Petal and the White or last year's marvelous The Essex Serpent will find much to enjoy. Recommended for lovers of well-researched historical fiction open to something a little different. Show less

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My Sister, the Serial Killer

My Sister, the Serial Killer

A Novel

by Braithwaite, Oyinkan

Book - 2018

This spare, sharp thriller tells the story of the harried Korede and her entitled sister Ayoola, who live in their family compound in Lagos, Nigeria with ...Show more This spare, sharp thriller tells the story of the harried Korede and her entitled sister Ayoola, who live in their family compound in Lagos, Nigeria with their widowed mother. From the first paragraph, the reader becomes aware of the sisters’ uneven relationship, and Korede’s caustic narration can be forgiven in light of the risks she takes for Ayoola. A nurse at the local hospital, Korede knows how to clean up and dispose of blood and bodies, which comes in handy in the wake of Ayoola’s many unfortunate accidents with her boyfriends. When Ayoola meets and shows interest in Korede’s crush, a handsome young doctor named Tade, Korede panics and the pressure mounts. A brief, fun read with a final twist. Show less

This spare, sharp thriller tells the story of the harried Korede and her entitled sister Ayoola, who live in their family compound in Lagos, Nigeria with ...Show more This spare, sharp thriller tells the story of the harried Korede and her entitled sister Ayoola, who live in their family compound in Lagos, Nigeria with their widowed mother. From the first paragraph, the reader becomes aware of the sisters’ uneven relationship, and Korede’s caustic narration can be forgiven in light of the risks she takes for Ayoola. A nurse at the local hospital, Korede knows how to clean up and dispose of blood and bodies, which comes in handy in the wake of Ayoola’s many unfortunate accidents with her boyfriends. When Ayoola meets and shows interest in Korede’s crush, a handsome young doctor named Tade, Korede panics and the pressure mounts. A brief, fun read with a final twist. Show less

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My Year of Rest and Relaxation

My Year of Rest and Relaxation

by Moshfegh, Ottessa

Book - 2018

Moshfegh, whose last novel Eileen was nominated for a Booker Prize, offers up an unsettling, darkly humorous novel. The unnamed narrator, a recent college...Show more Moshfegh, whose last novel Eileen was nominated for a Booker Prize, offers up an unsettling, darkly humorous novel. The unnamed narrator, a recent college graduate living off her parents' inheritance in New York City, attempts to voluntarily hibernate for a year with the assistance of drugs, essentially living as little as possible with apathy and alienation as a guiding force. Her very limited interactions include local cashiers, her inept psychiatrist, an old college friend, a former boyfriend, and an edgy artist with designs to make her into a piece of work. Moshfegh is a provocative and incisive writer with an uncanny ability to highlight the absurd and will surely be much-discussed in coming months. Show less

Moshfegh, whose last novel Eileen was nominated for a Booker Prize, offers up an unsettling, darkly humorous novel. The unnamed narrator, a recent college...Show more Moshfegh, whose last novel Eileen was nominated for a Booker Prize, offers up an unsettling, darkly humorous novel. The unnamed narrator, a recent college graduate living off her parents' inheritance in New York City, attempts to voluntarily hibernate for a year with the assistance of drugs, essentially living as little as possible with apathy and alienation as a guiding force. Her very limited interactions include local cashiers, her inept psychiatrist, an old college friend, a former boyfriend, and an edgy artist with designs to make her into a piece of work. Moshfegh is a provocative and incisive writer with an uncanny ability to highlight the absurd and will surely be much-discussed in coming months. Show less

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November Road

November Road

A Novel

by Berney, Louis

Book - 2018

November Road is a thriller, a romance, and a crime novel. The author uses the 1963 J.F.K. assassination as the backdrop, which starts a cat-and-mouse cha...Show more November Road is a thriller, a romance, and a crime novel. The author uses the 1963 J.F.K. assassination as the backdrop, which starts a cat-and-mouse chase across the country. The main character, Frank Guidry, has been working for mob boss Carlos Marcello for a long time. He knows too much about the plot behind the assassination and suddenly himself becomes the target. Skipping town in desperation, Frank meets a beautiful housewife (Charlotte) with two girls and a dog on the road. Using them as a cover to shake the hitman on his tail, Frank befriends and falls in love with Charlotte. This is not a typical love story. Neither is it a predictable crime story. Filled with twists and turns, this gripping read is hard to put down and is highly recommended. It's also a good choice for book club readers who will find many points to discuss. Show less

November Road is a thriller, a romance, and a crime novel. The author uses the 1963 J.F.K. assassination as the backdrop, which starts a cat-and-mouse cha...Show more November Road is a thriller, a romance, and a crime novel. The author uses the 1963 J.F.K. assassination as the backdrop, which starts a cat-and-mouse chase across the country. The main character, Frank Guidry, has been working for mob boss Carlos Marcello for a long time. He knows too much about the plot behind the assassination and suddenly himself becomes the target. Skipping town in desperation, Frank meets a beautiful housewife (Charlotte) with two girls and a dog on the road. Using them as a cover to shake the hitman on his tail, Frank befriends and falls in love with Charlotte. This is not a typical love story. Neither is it a predictable crime story. Filled with twists and turns, this gripping read is hard to put down and is highly recommended. It's also a good choice for book club readers who will find many points to discuss. Show less

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One Person, No Vote

One Person, No Vote

How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy

by Anderson, Carol

Book - 2018

Anderson's thorough yet concise book details the many methods by which voters are being disenfranchised across the United States. She writes about gerryma...Show more Anderson's thorough yet concise book details the many methods by which voters are being disenfranchised across the United States. She writes about gerrymandering, purging of voter registration rolls, complicated changes in voter ID laws, the lack of resources in communities of color resulting in a reduced number of polling places, and even the removal of ramps prohibiting wheelchair users' easy access to the voting booth. If you choose just one book to read about this serious threat to our democracy, One Person, No Vote promises to keep you captivated by Anderson’s powerful writing. You will be dismayed at the ease with which voters can be denied the right to vote, but you will finish the book feeling hopeful due to grassroots efforts to repair the system. Show less

Anderson's thorough yet concise book details the many methods by which voters are being disenfranchised across the United States. She writes about gerryma...Show more Anderson's thorough yet concise book details the many methods by which voters are being disenfranchised across the United States. She writes about gerrymandering, purging of voter registration rolls, complicated changes in voter ID laws, the lack of resources in communities of color resulting in a reduced number of polling places, and even the removal of ramps prohibiting wheelchair users' easy access to the voting booth. If you choose just one book to read about this serious threat to our democracy, One Person, No Vote promises to keep you captivated by Anderson’s powerful writing. You will be dismayed at the ease with which voters can be denied the right to vote, but you will finish the book feeling hopeful due to grassroots efforts to repair the system. Show less

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Our House

Our House

by Candlish, Louise

Book - 2018

Bram and Fiona separate after she finds him making love to another woman in their sons’ playhouse. In order to maximize the stability of the boys’ lives, ...Show more Bram and Fiona separate after she finds him making love to another woman in their sons’ playhouse. In order to maximize the stability of the boys’ lives, Fi proposes a "bird's nest" custody arrangement – the boys will stay in the house at all times while the parents alternate between the house and a nearby studio flat. One day Fiona comes home from a weekend trip and finds another couple moving into her much-loved house. Bram and the children are missing and this couple insist that they have bought the house. The narrative alternates between Fi and Bram and between "moving day" and the events which led up to it. Slowly, but surely, all is revealed as they struggle to save the family's future. Watch out for the sting in this tale's tail. Show less

Bram and Fiona separate after she finds him making love to another woman in their sons’ playhouse. In order to maximize the stability of the boys’ lives, ...Show more Bram and Fiona separate after she finds him making love to another woman in their sons’ playhouse. In order to maximize the stability of the boys’ lives, Fi proposes a "bird's nest" custody arrangement – the boys will stay in the house at all times while the parents alternate between the house and a nearby studio flat. One day Fiona comes home from a weekend trip and finds another couple moving into her much-loved house. Bram and the children are missing and this couple insist that they have bought the house. The narrative alternates between Fi and Bram and between "moving day" and the events which led up to it. Slowly, but surely, all is revealed as they struggle to save the family's future. Watch out for the sting in this tale's tail. Show less

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Palaces for the People

Palaces for the People

How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life

by Klinenberg, Eric

Book - 2018

Sociologist Klineberg wrote the classic Chicago book Heat Wave in the 90s when he had just embarked on his field of study. Now he's back with a fascinatin...Show more Sociologist Klineberg wrote the classic Chicago book Heat Wave in the 90s when he had just embarked on his field of study. Now he's back with a fascinating new book that reports on two decades worth of research. Pundits often point out that social ties are fraying in modern life. Civic institutions that once bound people together have weakened, and some have suggested that social media can take up the slack. Others have encouraged people to get out and join clubs. But Klineburg's research suggests that there is no replacement (online or otherwise) for "social infrastructure," physical places that bring people together: public libraries, community garden, coffee shops, parks and swimming pools, and childcare centers, to name a few. His research shows that when communities invest in these things, they thrive. When they don't, it's much harder for them during the hard times. Agree or not (and he makes such a persuasive case you probably will), his case studies are eye-poppingly engaging. Essential for urban planners, business people, futurists, community activists, and anyone interested in how people relate, this hopeful book will inspire you in your thinking about the future. Show less

Sociologist Klineberg wrote the classic Chicago book Heat Wave in the 90s when he had just embarked on his field of study. Now he's back with a fascinatin...Show more Sociologist Klineberg wrote the classic Chicago book Heat Wave in the 90s when he had just embarked on his field of study. Now he's back with a fascinating new book that reports on two decades worth of research. Pundits often point out that social ties are fraying in modern life. Civic institutions that once bound people together have weakened, and some have suggested that social media can take up the slack. Others have encouraged people to get out and join clubs. But Klineburg's research suggests that there is no replacement (online or otherwise) for "social infrastructure," physical places that bring people together: public libraries, community garden, coffee shops, parks and swimming pools, and childcare centers, to name a few. His research shows that when communities invest in these things, they thrive. When they don't, it's much harder for them during the hard times. Agree or not (and he makes such a persuasive case you probably will), his case studies are eye-poppingly engaging. Essential for urban planners, business people, futurists, community activists, and anyone interested in how people relate, this hopeful book will inspire you in your thinking about the future. Show less

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The Perfect Nanny

The Perfect Nanny

A Novel

by Slimani, Leïla

Paperback - 2018

France’s 2016 Goncourt Prize Winner is a dark, gripping psychological thriller about Louise, nanny to Adam and Mila Masse. When Myriam Masse decides to re...Show more France’s 2016 Goncourt Prize Winner is a dark, gripping psychological thriller about Louise, nanny to Adam and Mila Masse. When Myriam Masse decides to return to her career as a high-powered lawyer after having their second child, Paul and Myriam are forced to find a nanny for their two children. Louise appears to be simply perfect; she cares for the children, plans the children’s birthday parties, stays late, cooks the family dinner, cooks for the Masses' dinner parties and accompanies the family on vacations to look after the children. Despite the seemingly idyllic situation, tensions mount with Louise, who has embedded herself so deeply within the family's fabric that it now seems impossible to remove her. Slimani's novel examines class, power, domesticity and working parents in a haunting novel that will leave you turning the pages until the very end. Show less

France’s 2016 Goncourt Prize Winner is a dark, gripping psychological thriller about Louise, nanny to Adam and Mila Masse. When Myriam Masse decides to re...Show more France’s 2016 Goncourt Prize Winner is a dark, gripping psychological thriller about Louise, nanny to Adam and Mila Masse. When Myriam Masse decides to return to her career as a high-powered lawyer after having their second child, Paul and Myriam are forced to find a nanny for their two children. Louise appears to be simply perfect; she cares for the children, plans the children’s birthday parties, stays late, cooks the family dinner, cooks for the Masses' dinner parties and accompanies the family on vacations to look after the children. Despite the seemingly idyllic situation, tensions mount with Louise, who has embedded herself so deeply within the family's fabric that it now seems impossible to remove her. Slimani's novel examines class, power, domesticity and working parents in a haunting novel that will leave you turning the pages until the very end. Show less

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The Perfectionists

The Perfectionists

How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World

by Winchester, Simon

Book - 2018

From John Wilkinson’s first forays into precision in the 1800s to our modern transistors that are getting smaller and more precise by the year, this book ...Show more From John Wilkinson’s first forays into precision in the 1800s to our modern transistors that are getting smaller and more precise by the year, this book takes a look at the history of precision. This book goes into depth, charting the ideas and people who made precision such a big part of the modern world. He also talks about the downside of precision. Many craftsman felt and still feel that it takes away from their artistry. Highly skilled and paid craftsman can be replaced by much cheaper unskilled labor or machines. Does that take away from the final product? Readers with a serious interest in tech history, look no further. Show less

From John Wilkinson’s first forays into precision in the 1800s to our modern transistors that are getting smaller and more precise by the year, this book ...Show more From John Wilkinson’s first forays into precision in the 1800s to our modern transistors that are getting smaller and more precise by the year, this book takes a look at the history of precision. This book goes into depth, charting the ideas and people who made precision such a big part of the modern world. He also talks about the downside of precision. Many craftsman felt and still feel that it takes away from their artistry. Highly skilled and paid craftsman can be replaced by much cheaper unskilled labor or machines. Does that take away from the final product? Readers with a serious interest in tech history, look no further. Show less

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A Place for Us

A Place for Us

A Novel

by Mirza, Fatima Farheen

Book - 2018

Mirza's debut novel is described as a family saga, but it is both more and less than that.It is no sprawling multi-generational epic, as that moniker usua...Show more Mirza's debut novel is described as a family saga, but it is both more and less than that.It is no sprawling multi-generational epic, as that moniker usually implies; instead it is the story of one family, told from the children's childhood through their young adulthood, from multiple points of view and in alternating time periods. Like all good family stories, this book is both universal and specific. Hadia, the oldest daughter, has always been an overachiever, wanting nothing more than to please her parents. Huda, the middle daughter, spends most of her time in the orbit of her more successful sister and sensitive brother Amar. Amar, the youngest and only son, struggles with his place in both his family and as an Indian Muslim growing up in California. As the narrative unfolds, each child and the parents take a turn revealing secrets kept, wishes and hopes granted or denied, and the complicated relationship between faith, culture, and family. This lyrically written novel will appeal to readers who appreciate complexity and who enjoy bittersweet stories that weave together multiple threads. Show less

Mirza's debut novel is described as a family saga, but it is both more and less than that.It is no sprawling multi-generational epic, as that moniker usua...Show more Mirza's debut novel is described as a family saga, but it is both more and less than that.It is no sprawling multi-generational epic, as that moniker usually implies; instead it is the story of one family, told from the children's childhood through their young adulthood, from multiple points of view and in alternating time periods. Like all good family stories, this book is both universal and specific. Hadia, the oldest daughter, has always been an overachiever, wanting nothing more than to please her parents. Huda, the middle daughter, spends most of her time in the orbit of her more successful sister and sensitive brother Amar. Amar, the youngest and only son, struggles with his place in both his family and as an Indian Muslim growing up in California. As the narrative unfolds, each child and the parents take a turn revealing secrets kept, wishes and hopes granted or denied, and the complicated relationship between faith, culture, and family. This lyrically written novel will appeal to readers who appreciate complexity and who enjoy bittersweet stories that weave together multiple threads. Show less

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The Poppy War

The Poppy War

by Kuang, R. F.

Book - 2018

Rin, a war orphan with a miserable life in a rural village, unexpectedly achieves admission into the most prestigious military academy in all of Nikan. He...Show more Rin, a war orphan with a miserable life in a rural village, unexpectedly achieves admission into the most prestigious military academy in all of Nikan. Her peers, most from wealthy elite families, do not readily accept a dark-skinned peasant from the south, but she proves to be an exceptional student with a gift for shamanism. Her master teaches her restraint when calling upon the gods, especially the Phoenix, the god of war, who has taken a great interest in Rin. Her training is cut short when another war breaks out with the Federation of Mugen, an island nation off the coast of Nikan. The war is incredibly brutal and Rin risks losing herself as she increasingly connects with the Phoenix in savage combat, all against her master's advice. The Poppy War is an unforgettable read, a high fantasy, war narrative, and coming of age tale steeped in Asian history and mythology written by a debut author and scholar of Chinese history. Show less

Rin, a war orphan with a miserable life in a rural village, unexpectedly achieves admission into the most prestigious military academy in all of Nikan. He...Show more Rin, a war orphan with a miserable life in a rural village, unexpectedly achieves admission into the most prestigious military academy in all of Nikan. Her peers, most from wealthy elite families, do not readily accept a dark-skinned peasant from the south, but she proves to be an exceptional student with a gift for shamanism. Her master teaches her restraint when calling upon the gods, especially the Phoenix, the god of war, who has taken a great interest in Rin. Her training is cut short when another war breaks out with the Federation of Mugen, an island nation off the coast of Nikan. The war is incredibly brutal and Rin risks losing herself as she increasingly connects with the Phoenix in savage combat, all against her master's advice. The Poppy War is an unforgettable read, a high fantasy, war narrative, and coming of age tale steeped in Asian history and mythology written by a debut author and scholar of Chinese history. Show less

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A Princess in Theory

A Princess in Theory

by Cole, Alyssa

Paperback - 2018

Naledi Smith doesn't believe in fairy tales. After a childhood spent in foster care, and an adulthood spent working multiple jobs to put herself through g...Show more Naledi Smith doesn't believe in fairy tales. After a childhood spent in foster care, and an adulthood spent working multiple jobs to put herself through grad school, she knows for sure that life is never easy or perfect for people like her. So when she starts receiving emails telling her that she's been betrothed to the crown prince of the African nation of Thesolo since infancy she knows they can't be real. But when a mysterious, and very attractive, man shows up in her life, she starts to think that maybe fairy tales do come true, after all. A Princess in Theory is a smart, sexy romance that establishes a whole cast of characters who will have their own stories told in future books in the Reluctant Royals series. Show less

Naledi Smith doesn't believe in fairy tales. After a childhood spent in foster care, and an adulthood spent working multiple jobs to put herself through g...Show more Naledi Smith doesn't believe in fairy tales. After a childhood spent in foster care, and an adulthood spent working multiple jobs to put herself through grad school, she knows for sure that life is never easy or perfect for people like her. So when she starts receiving emails telling her that she's been betrothed to the crown prince of the African nation of Thesolo since infancy she knows they can't be real. But when a mysterious, and very attractive, man shows up in her life, she starts to think that maybe fairy tales do come true, after all. A Princess in Theory is a smart, sexy romance that establishes a whole cast of characters who will have their own stories told in future books in the Reluctant Royals series. Show less

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The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs

The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs

A New History of A Lost World

by Brusatte, Stephen

Book - 2018

Responsible for the recent discovery of 15 new dinosaur species, paleontologist and Chicagoland native Brusatte has painted a new picture of the dinosaur ...Show more Responsible for the recent discovery of 15 new dinosaur species, paleontologist and Chicagoland native Brusatte has painted a new picture of the dinosaur as highly intelligent and adaptable, capable of evolving through 150 million years of volcanic eruptions, temperature shifts, continental drift, and changes in sea level. Brusatte structures the book around the dinosaur’s first appearance in the Triassic period, its rise from small shadow-dweller to the superspecies we all know and love, to its extinction in the late Cretaceous period. Joining the plant-loving Triceratops and the mighty T-Rex are funky species like Zhenyuanlong, a dog-sized, feathered dinosaur recently discovered in China, and Quianzhousaurus, a tyrannosaur nicknamed Pinocchio-Rex for its long snout. Readers of popular science will zip through this infectious story, enjoying the abundance of photographs and Brusatte’s ability to simplify complex concepts. Keep a lookout for references to the University of Chicago, where Brusatte studied under noted Paleontologist Paul Sereno. Show less

Responsible for the recent discovery of 15 new dinosaur species, paleontologist and Chicagoland native Brusatte has painted a new picture of the dinosaur ...Show more Responsible for the recent discovery of 15 new dinosaur species, paleontologist and Chicagoland native Brusatte has painted a new picture of the dinosaur as highly intelligent and adaptable, capable of evolving through 150 million years of volcanic eruptions, temperature shifts, continental drift, and changes in sea level. Brusatte structures the book around the dinosaur’s first appearance in the Triassic period, its rise from small shadow-dweller to the superspecies we all know and love, to its extinction in the late Cretaceous period. Joining the plant-loving Triceratops and the mighty T-Rex are funky species like Zhenyuanlong, a dog-sized, feathered dinosaur recently discovered in China, and Quianzhousaurus, a tyrannosaur nicknamed Pinocchio-Rex for its long snout. Readers of popular science will zip through this infectious story, enjoying the abundance of photographs and Brusatte’s ability to simplify complex concepts. Keep a lookout for references to the University of Chicago, where Brusatte studied under noted Paleontologist Paul Sereno. Show less

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Rocket Men

Rocket Men

The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man's First Journey to the Moon

by Kurson, Robert

Book - 2018

1968 was a tumultuous year which shook the foundations not only of American society, but far beyond as well. In 1968, the world also witnessed astronauts ...Show more 1968 was a tumultuous year which shook the foundations not only of American society, but far beyond as well. In 1968, the world also witnessed astronauts flying the first mission which circumnavigated the moon and safely returned to earth. Kurson covers the story of this epic NASA mission which took Astronauts Bill Anders, Frank Borman, and Jim Lovell as the first team to successfully complete this mission. This is an exceptional account of not only the technical aspects of preparing and executing a mission of this magnitude, but also the human side of the mission and its impact on the everyday lives of these families. Rocket Men is a well-balanced story of courage, determination and inspiration. Show less

1968 was a tumultuous year which shook the foundations not only of American society, but far beyond as well. In 1968, the world also witnessed astronauts ...Show more 1968 was a tumultuous year which shook the foundations not only of American society, but far beyond as well. In 1968, the world also witnessed astronauts flying the first mission which circumnavigated the moon and safely returned to earth. Kurson covers the story of this epic NASA mission which took Astronauts Bill Anders, Frank Borman, and Jim Lovell as the first team to successfully complete this mission. This is an exceptional account of not only the technical aspects of preparing and executing a mission of this magnitude, but also the human side of the mission and its impact on the everyday lives of these families. Rocket Men is a well-balanced story of courage, determination and inspiration. Show less

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Sabrina

Sabrina

by Drnaso, Nick

Book - 2018

The fate of a Chicago woman drives this disturbing story that captures the alienation, violence and paranoid underbelly of contemporary life. A divorced A...Show more The fate of a Chicago woman drives this disturbing story that captures the alienation, violence and paranoid underbelly of contemporary life. A divorced Air Force cybersecurity worker named Calvin takes in his old high school friend Teddy after Teddy's girlfriend goes missing. Teddy mostly sits around in a state of shock while Calvin deals with some major decisions about his career and family. He does his (somewhat pathetic) best to care for Teddy, not realizing the true danger Teddy is in - or the danger Teddy poses. Meanwhile the story smartly illustrates some of the dangers that face us all. Chicagoan Nick Drnaso's book has been nominated for the Booker Prize longlist, the first graphic novel ever to be so honored. Show less

The fate of a Chicago woman drives this disturbing story that captures the alienation, violence and paranoid underbelly of contemporary life. A divorced A...Show more The fate of a Chicago woman drives this disturbing story that captures the alienation, violence and paranoid underbelly of contemporary life. A divorced Air Force cybersecurity worker named Calvin takes in his old high school friend Teddy after Teddy's girlfriend goes missing. Teddy mostly sits around in a state of shock while Calvin deals with some major decisions about his career and family. He does his (somewhat pathetic) best to care for Teddy, not realizing the true danger Teddy is in - or the danger Teddy poses. Meanwhile the story smartly illustrates some of the dangers that face us all. Chicagoan Nick Drnaso's book has been nominated for the Booker Prize longlist, the first graphic novel ever to be so honored. Show less

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Scarface and the Untouchable

Scarface and the Untouchable

Al Capone, Eliot Ness, and the Battle for Chicago

by Collins, Max Allan

Book - 2018

Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition, Dick Tracy) and A. Brad Schwartz present the most meticulously researched biography of Al Capone (and, to a lesser e...Show more Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition, Dick Tracy) and A. Brad Schwartz present the most meticulously researched biography of Al Capone (and, to a lesser extent, Eliot Ness) to date. Capone, who was originally from Brooklyn, came to embody the Chicago of this observation: "No one is ashamed of anything in Chicago, it is too big, too busy, too powerful. . . . [It] is gorgeous and awful." Opening with the St. Valentine Massacre, the reader follows the rise and fall of both Capone and Ness. Capone died of syphilis-related complications, and Ness in alcoholic obscurity. This is a must-read for any fan of Chicago history. Show less

Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition, Dick Tracy) and A. Brad Schwartz present the most meticulously researched biography of Al Capone (and, to a lesser e...Show more Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition, Dick Tracy) and A. Brad Schwartz present the most meticulously researched biography of Al Capone (and, to a lesser extent, Eliot Ness) to date. Capone, who was originally from Brooklyn, came to embody the Chicago of this observation: "No one is ashamed of anything in Chicago, it is too big, too busy, too powerful. . . . [It] is gorgeous and awful." Opening with the St. Valentine Massacre, the reader follows the rise and fall of both Capone and Ness. Capone died of syphilis-related complications, and Ness in alcoholic obscurity. This is a must-read for any fan of Chicago history. Show less

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