Why are we afraid of broken mirrors? Ancient taboos, fears about drowning, doppelgänger, demons, a tool of divination, the soul's prison? Trace the superstition back to myths of Narcissus, Echo, Hindu death spirits and the Slavic gypsy Fate goddess. Dig deep into the collective psyche. You may find a better history of a superstition in a comprehensive…
The Psychology of Fear: Why Do We Love to Scare Ourselves Silly?
By Mara
"Terror is a passion which always produces delight when it does not press too close." —Edmund Burke It seems counter-intuitive, but we go out of our way to scare ourselves by watching scary movies, riding roller coasters and jumping off of bridges WITH bungees, all within constraints of course. Arousal Dr. Margee Kerr has some…
Mysteries of China
The well-traveled Elsa Hart has written her first novel, a mystery: Jade Dragon Mountain. Set just before the solar eclipse of 1708, exiled librarian Li Du must solve a murder in three days. The Emperor of China is to come to a restive backwater to command the eclipse. Of course, he knows when it will happen…
Chicago YA Authors
By Heidi
Chicago is home to many great things, not the least of which is the population of great young adult authors based here. If you're looking for your next great read and want to try someone local, here is a sampling of authors who might just be your neighbor. Laura Ruby has written many great books for…
Polish American Ingenuity and Invention
By Ashley
The theme of Polish American Heritage Month is Enterprise, and what better way to celebrate than with a look at some Polish inventors? For example, did you know that Barbie was invented by a Polish-American inventor? Although Barbie has gone through many changes, she is still a fixture in toy stores and homes around the world…
Authors That Will Make You Blush
By Robin
Most folks think spring is season of new love and blooming possibilities, but for me, there’s something romantic about fall. I love the quality of light and mix of warm and cool air, the floating and crunchy brightly colored leaves that make me aware of each step, along with the smells of the earth and pine…
In Celebration of Native American Heritage
By Robin
When you see Hello Kitty or a tardis near a teepee, you simply have to stop and study the image more closely. All of Debra Yepa-Pappan’s images offer this same kind of intrigue, and now through December 30, you can see her work on exhibit at Harold Washington Library Center. The Logan Square native enjoys…
Quiz: Test Your Chicago Movie IQ
By wsumner
Chicago has been the setting and the star of more movies than we can count. How well do you know Chicago in the movies? Test your expertise with our quiz by Tuesday, November 3, and you'll enter a drawing for a free book. We're giving away three copies of The Third Coast, this year's One Book, One Chicago…
#OBOC Part 2: Want to Know More About Nelson Algren?
By Johanna
Part 2 of The Third Coast by Thomas Dyja, this year's One Book, One Chicago selection, covers the years 1945 to 1949. Dyja's sweeping history pays particular attention to the development of art and culture in Chicago, focusing on architecture, music, television and literature. One person he highlights in this section is Nelson Algren, a novelist whose work examines the gritty underworld…
Guest Blog: Kerry Ryan Lynch on Choose Kind
By Shilo
As part of Choose Kind Chicago, we’re featuring a guest blog by Kerry Ryan Lynch, mother of 3-year-old Mary Cate Lynch. Mary Cate, of Beverly, was born with a rare condition called Apert syndrome; she and her mother make presentations at schools throughout the Chicago area emphasizing author R.J. Palacio’s message to Choose Kind. Chicago Public Library…
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