Rock Documentaries

Some of the most powerful movies star not overpaid Hollywood actors but gloriously gifted singers and musicians. They're rock documentaries, great entertainment if you’re a fan of behind-the-music stories. One of the most moving and suspenseful rock documentaries is Searching for Sugar Man, about a Mexican-American singer-songwriter from Detroit. A 2012 Academy Award-winner for Best Documentary Feature, the movie sets…
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Chicago’s Stylin’

What better time to stock up on some fashionable reading than with the start of the Chicago History Museum's new exhibition, ChicagoStyled, which is all about the history of fashion in Chicago? Even if you aren't a fashionista, these great books will keep you entertained over the holidays. Who wouldn't love working in a vintage clothing…
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Everyday Teen Heroes

What makes a hero? The characters from this year's One Book, One Chicago selection, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, create their own superheroes as a direct response to their lives. When I think of heroes, superheroes like the X-Men and Batman first come to mind, but what about everyday heroes? The main character in Colin Fischer has…
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Christmas by Hand

For some people, the best part of the Christmas season is the decorating that goes along with it. If that is true for you, then you will not be disappointed in Treasures for the Christmas Tree.  Something about this book speaks to the true meaning of Christmas. It has simple but beautiful ideas for creating…
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Moran More

Caitlin Moran made a splash two years ago with her book of essays, How to Be A Woman. While better known in England than here in the States, her body of work so far will hopefully rectify that. How to Be a Woman goes roughly in chronological order, from Moran's burgeoning adolescence in Wolverhampton to contemplating her mortality…
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Famous Parents and Their Children

It's hard having a famous parent. Even as you're living in the shadow of someone much more accomplished than yourself, you still have to contend with all the same public pressures of your illustrious ancestor. It doesn't help that people love talking about the strains of your relationship. As a great example, Galileo's Daughter, despite the title, is less…
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Native American Trickster Tales

Trickster tales are close to my heart. Whether they are foxes, rabbits, coyotes, crows or men, tricksters are both rascals and generous friends. Their tales teach us the value of patience, tolerance and respect while tickling our funny bones. Take a look at what some favorite Native American tricksters do to get a full belly…
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