A lot of funny people have passed through Chicago; some have stayed and some have moved to the other coasts. However, this post is about comedians who were born in Chicago and vicinity, most of whom also grew up and cut their comic teeth here. This is a collection of their autobiographical material. Bob Newhart was…
#TBT: Happy Birthday, Patti Smith!
By Jennifer
Multitalented poet, artist and singer-songwriter Patti Smith turns 70 on December 30. In this Throwback Thursday post, we celebrate her long and varied career as a boundary-pushing artist who has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has won the National Book Award. Smith was born in Chicago in 1946, grew up in…
The Life and Influence of J.R.R. Tolkien
By Kate
Even if you've never read a word he's written, you know of J.R.R. Tolkien and the mightiest product of his imagination, Middle Earth. Maybe you read The Hobbit for the first time as a child (or had it read to you as a bedtime story like I did!) and have loved it ever since, or…
Farewell, Carrie Fisher
By Stephen
Beloved actress and author Carrie Fisher has died at age 60. She will be greatly missed by her legions of fans and admirers. Let's take a brief look back at her career highlights for those still catching up with her or wanting to revisit her work. Fame came to this daughter of Hollywood legend Debbie…
Inaugural Chirby Awards Recognize Chicago-Area Authors
By Patrice
In recognition of Chicago’s rich literary culture and history, the Chicago Review of Books created its own unique book award this year affectionately called the Chirbys. The award celebrates noteworthy writing published by authors from the Chicagoland area during the current year in a variety of categories. The panel of judges consisted of representatives from Chicago…
How We Make The Funny
The Daily Show was a little nothing of a property when it debuted in the mid-90s. With the leadership of Jon Stewart, however, it became a cultural touchstone and the place where millions got their news. The Daily Show (the Book) by Chris Smith is an oral history of the high times and raucous humor of this staple…
Caught Reading: Holiday Shopping Edition
It's become obvious to my family and friends that the best gifts I can give, besides time together and kindness, are books! During my trips to local bookstores, both mainstream and independent, this holiday season, I spotted several shoppers also searching for that perfect book for a loved one. Whether it's for you, your family or your…
Your Bellevue Reading List
David Oshinsky has written a lucid history of the storied Bellevue Hospital, naturally titled Bellevue. It also deals with the history of medicine and New York City, which Bellevue is intrinsically part of. From its days as the infirmary of a poorhouse to Hurricane Sandy (the only time in Bellevue's history that it closed its doors)…
The Ghost of Christmas Past, Shopping Edition
By Johanna
Christmas will be here in just a few days. Have you finished your shopping? These days, last-minute Christmas shopping usually involves a click on a screen and waiting for the items to arrive at your house. Not so long ago, though, Chicagoans got all dressed up and traveled downtown to do their holiday shopping. Take a break from your…
The Play’s the Thing
By Jeff
It's easy to pretend you like the theater. All you have to do is complain about what's popular. But if you don't have the time or money to appreciate the theater in person, the library has plenty of ways to marvel at the stage. L.A. Theatre Works shrinks popular and classic plays into a radio-friendly…
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