A Look Ahead at Chicago Lit: August

By Kayleigh McNamara
 

"August rain: the best of summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.” 

—Sylvia Plath

August rain indeed. If you’re looking to hide indoors from all these summer storms, read on to learn about some of Chicago’s upcoming literary events. 

The month starts out strong with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s Induction Ceremony on Saturday, August 1 at 2 p.m. Head to the Woodson Regional Library (9525 S. Halsted St) to see Eleanor Taylor Bland, Stanley Elkin, and Ronald L. Fair gain admittance into the Hall of Fame. Speakers will include Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, Sandra Jackson-Opoku, and Jeffrey Wolf. Learn more here. 

Wednesday, August 5, Call & Response Books (1390 East Hyde Park Blvd) is hosting Dawn Turner to discuss her new novel Majestic Hills in conversation with Lee Bey. Tickets include purchase of the book and there will be a signing after the talk. RSVP here. 

Saturday, August 8, check out Lit at the Edge at The Empty Bottle (1035 N Western Ave) for a night of music and dance in support of the Lit & Luz Festival, produced by MAKE Lit. There will be performances from Cabeza de Chivo, Selina Trepp, Flor Flores, Selective Listening, Jordan Knecht, and Señor Eddy. The event will be hosted by Disc Jacqui and Kost. All proceeds go toward the organization’s mission of bringing together artists from Chicago and Mexico. Learn more and purchase your tickets here. 

Sunday, August 9, former CLHOF president Richard Reeder will be at the Edgewater branch of the Chicago Public Library (6000 N. Broadway) to discuss his latest historical fiction novel, Sarasota. The event will take place on the second floor in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room. Registration is required. Learn more and reserve your space here. 

Tuesday, August 7, the American Writers Museum (180 N. Michigan Ave) is hosting their Get Lit: Summer Book Fair. Enjoy some cocktails and browse for books at this pop-up event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Learn more and buy tickets here. 

StoryStudio Chicago is having their ninth annual StoryBoard Festival this month. Friday night see Pemi Aguda give the keynote address in conversation with Rebecca Makkai. The hour-long event will take place at the Driehaus Museum (50 E Erie St). Attendance is free but advanced registration is recommended. The festival itself takes place Saturday at the Newberry Library (60 W Walton St). Tickets are $325 and include classes on craft, panels, and social events. Purchase your tickets here. 

Sunday, August 16 attend the Story Luck Potluck at the Theater Wit (1229 W Belmont Ave). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and live storytelling will begin at 7:00. There will be four featured readers and four stories selected from the audience. Tickets are $20 or free with a shared dish. Learn more here. 

Saturday, August 22 the CLHOF is partnering with the South Asia Institute for the first annual South Asian American Lit Fest. The all-day festival will take place in the South Asia Institute at 1925 S Michigan Ave. Fatimah Asghar will give the inaugural address. Reserve your free ticket today! 

Thursday, August 27 the CLHOF is partnering with 18th Street Casa de Cultura for the Great Chicago Books Club. Elizabeth Marino will be at the venue (2057 W. 18th St) for a discussion about her book Asylum. Registration is free. Learn more here.