A Look Ahead at Chicago Lit: November

by Kayleigh McNamara

Now in November nearer comes the sun

down the abandoned heaven.

As the dark closes round him, he draws nearer

as if for our company.

—D. H. Lawrence

November is an odd time with shrinking days. We cast our vote on the first Tuesday and give thanks on the fourth Thursday. The air turns from crisp to cold, the year comes to its close, and we are shocked that time has once again passed so quickly. 

This year Election Day falls on November 3, so head to your polling station and make your voice heard. You can check your location here. If you haven’t registered to vote yet, there’s no need to worry. Online registration is closed, but Illinois allows for same-day registration at your election day polling place with two forms of identification: Learn more here. Later that same day, treat yourself to a vibrant literary discussion. Unabridged Books will be hosting their fiction book club at 7:30 p.m. to discuss Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym. Find more here. 

Saturday, November 7, the Newberry Library is hosting a mini used book sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Rettinger Hall. They’re also offering tours of the beautiful space at 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. All proceeds from the book sale will benefit the library’s collections and programs. 

Also on November 7, Chicago Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle will be leading a poetry workshop from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Little Village branch of the Chicago Public Library. She invites everyone to experiment with her eL Cien poetic format—“a 100-word poem, composed of 5 couplets, with 10 words in each line, that embodies the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings of a place.” Registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and reserve your spot here. 

Tuesday, November 10, City Lit Books will host Matt Kessler in conversation with Gillian Flynn at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the release of his debut novel The Wiregrass. Publisher’s Weekly said the book “adds up to a searing look at the intersection of race and criminal justice in America.” Learn more and RSVP here. 

Wednesday, November 11, The Last Chapter Book Shop will host a Q&A with contemporary romance writer Andrea Thome. Tickets are $23 and include a copy of her latest book, Mine Again. Reserve yours here. 

Thursday, November 12, Three Avenues Bookshop presents their fantasy book club discussing Isabel J. Kim’s Sublimation. R. F. Kuang called the book “a mind-bending thriller about personhood, homeland nostalgia, global migration, and all forms of alienation.” The event takes place at Beermiscuous on Lincoln Avenue and is free. Learn more and RSVP here. 

Saturday, November 14, enjoy the quiet with some company at Restoried Bookshop’s “Second Saturdays Silent Reading Book Club” from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. You’re welcome to bring friends, beverages, and your own book (or you can pick one up at the store). 

Tuesday, November 17, Call & Response Books will host Leila Renee to celebrate the release of her debut novel, Soft Spots, in conversation with Cynthia Okechukwu, founder of Black Girls Read Chicago. Kiese Laymon described Soft Spots as “the best of John Hughes meets Morrison on the way to Nafissa Thompson-Spires apartment.” Learn more and purchase tickets here. 

Saturday, November 21, Maudlin House celebrates the 120th anniversary of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle with a new release of the classic novel, featuring artwork by Dmitry Samarov and a foreword by Bill Savage. Join for the launch event, 7 p.m. at Tangible Books. 

Tuesday, November 24, Madison Street Books is hosting Breakfast & Books. They will be offering coffee, tea, and pastries as you explore the store from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. 

Thursday, November 26 is Thanksgiving this year, making November 28 Small Business Saturday. Visit your local independent book store and give the gift of reading this holiday season. The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame offers a directory of Chicago Area Independent Bookstores. Check it out to find one near you!