Ever wondered which books have the power to completely reshape how we see a city? We recently asked readers what books irrevocably altered their perception of Chicago, and the responses were fascinating! Here's what they shared, lightly edited for clarity, offering a glimpse into how literature can transform our understanding of a place.
"'Division Street' by Studs Terkel opened my eyes to the great variety of people living in Chicago." – Don Hedeker. This book, it seems, served as a powerful introduction to the diverse tapestry of Chicago's inhabitants.
"'City of the Century' by Donald L. Miller made clear that Chicago’s 19th-century growth was beyond belief: a population of 200 people [in 1832] to 1 million in 1890." – Craig Barner. This response highlights the sheer, almost unbelievable, pace of Chicago's expansion. Imagine a city exploding from a tiny settlement to a metropolis in just a few decades!
"'The Death and Life of the Great Lakes' by Dan Egan was a summer selection for my Rogers Park book club. Living so close to Lake Michigan all my life, I’ve always known it was a treasure. This book put the value and fragility of this awesome resource in perspective." – Anne Halston. And this is the part most people miss... It's a reminder that even something as seemingly indestructible as a Great Lake requires our care and attention.
"'Boss' by Mike Royko. While I was in high school, I read his column regularly, but reading that book while in college put a lot of the snippets together." – Christopher Rosecrants. This shows how a book can provide a deeper understanding of a city's history and politics, even if you're already familiar with some of the individual pieces.
"'Chicago and Its Suburbs' by Everett Chamberlin. It is from 1874 and gives a great description of the city and suburbs. It even includes areas like Schaumburg and Roselle. It shows ... that the whole way the city and suburbs are today diametrically opposed to each other was almost nonexistent at that time." – Robert Haugland. This is a fascinating look at how the relationship between the city and its suburbs has evolved over time.
"'Our America: Life and Death on the South Side of Chicago' by LeAlan Jones and Lloyd Newman. ... [I] grew up fairly sheltered and privileged in the suburbs, and this book really helped me understand the legacy of discrimination in Chicago." – Steph Gladstein. This is a crucial point. It underscores how literature can bridge divides and foster empathy by shedding light on the experiences of others.
"'Forever Open, Clear, and Free' by Lois Wille’ focuses on the battle for the open lakefront. You’ll come away knowing Montgomery Ward is a hero we should thank endlessly ... and how lucky we are to have our beautiful front yard." – Susan Swann. This response highlights the importance of preserving public spaces and the often-unsung heroes who fight for them.
"'The Devil in the White City' [by Erik Larson] changed my view of Chicago. ... I had no idea of this lurid past." – Egle Krosniunas. This book, with its blend of history and suspense, clearly left a lasting impression!
"Reading Upton Sinclair’s ‘The Jungle’ in high school was a real wake-up call to adulthood and reality." – Dave Kraft. But here's where it gets controversial... This classic novel, exposing the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry, continues to resonate with readers.
"'The Chicago Anti-Vietnam War Movement' by Bradford Lyttle ... revealed to me that Chicago’s anti-war movement was just as active and fighting for social justice as many of the more well-known movements in the country." – Claire Boyle, Oswego. This response reminds us that history is often more complex and nuanced than we initially perceive.
So, what do you think? Did any of these books change your view of Chicago? Are there any other books that you'd add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
