The name "Frankenstein" conjures up images of a green, grunting monster stomping about with bolts in its neck. The monster was most notably portrayed by Boris Karloff in the Universal Classic Monster films of the 1930s. Frankenstein is, of course, Victor Frankenstein, created by 18-year-old Mary Shelley in her 1818 novel, Frankenstein, Or, The Modern Prometheus. For…
Stories of Impostors
Individuals who adopt a new identity or create a fictitious past make for intriguing narratives, especially in the true crime genre. Con artists, tricksters and impostors have claimed royal lineage, impersonated doctors and pilots, and have fraudulently sold historical buildings. The reason for their shams vary from greed to narcissism. Check out these absorbing stories of…
Unresolved Incidents of Untimely Yet Intentional Demise (Murder at the Office)
Tedium is part of even the best job and I should know: I have it. Everyone's fantasized about doing something more exciting or important, like solving a murder mystery. Here are some of those fantasies brought to the page, between conference calls of course, often with hilarious results. Chuck Restic is an HR exec in…
About Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?: One Book, One Chicago 2018-2019
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a masterpiece ahead of its time, a prescient rendering of a dark future and the inspiration for the blockbuster film Blade Runner. The book celebrates the 50th anniversary of its publication in 2018. By 2021, the World War has killed millions, driving entire species into extinction and sending mankind…
About Philip K. Dick: 2018-2019 One Book, One Chicago Author
Philip K. Dick, author of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, was born in Chicago in 1928 and lived most of his life in California. He briefly attended the University of California, but dropped out before completing any classes. In 1952, he began writing professionally. A prolific writer, Dick published 44 novels, 121 short stories…
Banned: 3 Teen Books That Spark Controversy
Each year, libraries celebrate Banned Books Week by speaking out against censorship and highlighting books that have been banned or challenged in schools or libraries across the United States. If we didn't read books that spark controversy, we wouldn't have the ability to develop and expand our minds. Why is it important to raise awareness…
True Crimes and Fictional Counterparts
Much of fiction is inspired by real-life events, including real crimes. Since the murder of Marie Rodgers was fictionalized by Edgar Allen Poe in “The Mystery of Marie Roget,” fiction writers have adapted, reimagined and transformed real crimes into great fiction. Check out these intriguing novels inspired by real crimes and nonfiction books related to…
Chicago Fought to Limit Flu’s Spread During 1918 Epidemic
A hundred years ago, the Spanish flu spread throughout the world, killing an estimated 50 million to 100 million people. It arrived in Chicago by September 1918 and killed 8,510 people in the city in just two months. According to health reports, from September 21, 1918, to November 16, 1918, 37,921 cases of influenza and…
Caught Reading: The Back-To-School Blue Line Edition
Now that summer is over, we can get serious about things again, including reading. Blue Line riders do not disappoint: there is little fluff to be had between O'Hare and Forest Park. Here are some of the meatier titles to be found on the Blue Line. American Icon by Bryce G. Hoffman chronicles CEO Alan Mulally's…
5 Articles on Disaster Preparedness
If the devastating fires and hurricanes of 2017 and 2018 taught us anything, it's the importance of being prepared. While you can't predict when and where the next disaster will happen, you can do your best to be prepared for it. National Preparedness Month acknowledges our need to focus on planning, preparation and safety in case of an emergency…
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