Tom Lynch

As part of the Chicago Humanities Festival, the MacArthur "Genius" and author of "The Intuitionist" and "John Henry Days" delivers a lecture entitled "Metro Myths." His most recent work, "The Colossus of New York," is a thirteen-part nonfiction love letter to New York City, told in varying first-person and third-person styles, with utmost honesty. Whitehead mixes personal memories with smaller vignettes, and often adopts other characters' voices to assist in his dissection of the city he adores. At this event, he's joined by poet Kevin Young, Guggenheim fellow and recent National Book Award finalist, and the presentation is sure to be rewarding; each writer invests himself in his reader's prime interests. Especially Whitehead, who is aware of the attractive and unattractive facets in his writing --he knows his characters and he speaks through them. "The Colossus of New York" is only a small example of his ambition--and a wise follow-up to his first two award-winning efforts.

On November 1, author Colson Whitehead discusses his work with poet Kevin Young at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 South State, (312)494-9509. 4-5pm.

(2003-10-29)

Also by Tom Lynch

Psycho Killers
Lucky for us, Chicago's history of bloodthirsty sociopaths is something to appreciate. We have our very own chapter in the great encyclopedia of the human predator.
(2003-10-23)

The narrator stands alone
In her newest novel, Julie Hecht places alienation in the forefront
(2003-10-23)

Tip of the Week
One thing is for certain--Chicago native Sandra Cisneros has nothing to prove
(2003-10-16)

Mr. Postman
Based in the fictional small town of Nestor, New York, J. Robert Lennon's comically disorienting new novel follows its hero, Albert the mailman, through a transitional stage of his life
(2003-10-08)

Tip of Week
(2003-09-25)

Tip of the Week
(2003-09-17)

What the shuck?
(2003-09-10)

Tip of the Week
(2003-06-18)

Tip of the Week
(2003-05-21)

Tip of the Week
(2003-05-21)

Wacky cadavers
(2003-05-07)

Our town, twisted
(2003-04-22)

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