Tom Lynch

"Chicago is a stew of contradictions." Such a phrase begins an early paragraph of Kotlowitz's recent work of nonfiction, "Never A City So Real." The book traces the steps of Chicago's neighborhoods and their inhabitants and delivers unknown histories of those around us. The tour, which is more of a grand presentation than a walk-through, wisely doesn't attempt to convey the power of a massive city, but rather captures the small, precious stories that make our city real. Rarely can a nonfiction writer continually and consistently stun an audience--most people just don't have that many true stories to tell--but Kotlowitz continues what he started with the award-winning "There Are No More Children," which was named one of the 150 most important books of the twentieth century by the New York Public Library. This book certainly couldn't have been written by anyone outside of Chicago, and it's right to have been Kotlowitz.

Alex Kotlowitz reads from "Never A City So Real" on September 7 at 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th, (773)684-1300, at 7pm. Free.

(2004-08-31)

Also by Tom Lynch

Tip of the Week
There's a certain authenticity in a true Chicago writer--a grit, humor, a sense of place in both time and character--and Petrakis keeps these qualities in his pocket
(2004-08-25)

Jen's men
The upstairs of Rockit Bar and Grill smells like a zoo of cologne, as muscles and black shirts fill out their applications to be the next TV groom
(2004-08-25)

Tip of the Week
The University of Illinois at Chicago professor strikes some disturbing and sad chords in her recent "Homeland"
(2004-08-17)

Tip of the Week
Columbia College professor Shawn Shiflett's debut work, "Hidden Place," begins as a love story but ends so much larger
(2004-08-10)

Jesus Christ Rock Star
(2004-08-10)

Mosh Book
(2004-08-10)

Tip of the Week
(2004-08-03)

Tip of the Week
(2004-07-27)

Tip of the Week
(2004-07-20)

Punk Rock Porno
(2004-07-06)

Tip of the Week
(2004-06-29)

Tip of the Week
(2004-06-22)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment