The Summer of Backyard Jams By Jason Narducy As a musician, the author had performed with some big acts in big venues. Then came the pandemic. Read more
Tenenbaum’s Garden By Mark I. Rosen A Chicago rabbi has made it his mission to care for the indigent, in life and in death. Read more
The Birth of Bloodshot Records By Rob Miller In an excerpt from his new memoir, a Bloodshot Records founder recounts the start of a genre-defining label. Read more
The Man Conserving Chicago’s Monuments By Joanna Marszałek The city’s go-to restorer has worked on everything from two particular bronze lions (you know the ones) to ancient rock art. Read more
The Charlie Trotter Way By Curtis Duffy With Jeremy Wagner In his new memoir, an acclaimed chef recounts working for a culinary legend — and how their relationship soured. Read more
Requiem for the Montrose Beavers By Robert Loerzel The author was delighted when the wood-chomping rodents surfaced at the harbor. Then one turned up dead. Read more
Love and the Literati By Rebecca Makkai How a couple’s passion for books spurred not only a romance but a business embraced by local authors. Read more
All We Ever Wanted to Be Was a Party Band By Rick Telander For 54 years, through raucous parties and life’s twists and turns, the author has rocked on with his band. Read more
A Museum Designed to Make You Uncomfortable By Annie Howard In the back of a Bucktown curiosity shop, the unsavory gets its due. Read more
The Monkey Retirement Home By Lorrie Barrett In rural Indiana, a former Chicago zookeeper runs a sanctuary for rescued primates. Read more
