Notable Chicago: 8/8–8/14
Friday 8/8: Quimby’s hosts the “Breakup Party,” an evening of lectures and zine readings presented by Vice Versa Press. Julia Arredondo, Melissa Smith, and Vanessa Viruet read. 7 p.m.
Saturday 8/9: The Chicago Publishers Resource Center hosts a three-hour writing workshop by Jac Jemc, a regular in the Dazanc Books catalogue. The workshop, “Fooling Ourselves into Writing,” shows writers how to uncover narratives using specific techniques. A three-hour writing workshop led by a professional for 25 bucks is unheard of. Think about it. 1 p.m.
Chicago’s own D. Bryant Simmons stops at City Lit Books to promote How to Knock a Bravebird from Her Perch, a story about a woman married to a professional boxer who beats her. 5 p.m.
College of Complexes is a free speech forum that takes place weekly at The Hilltop. This week is titled “George Orwell and Totalitarianism.” 2800 W Foster, 6 p.m.
One of the most notable Chicago writers right now is Rebecca Makkai, and her tour in promotion of The Hundred-Year House brings her to The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square. 7 p.m.
The latest installment of You’re Being Ridiculous continues the August theme of “Fear” at Mary’s in Andersonville. Readers include Eileen Dougharty, Jill Howe, Kelly Loris, Elise Mayfield, Jeremy Owens, and Parker Stockman. 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 8/10: Women and Children First is under new ownership, but the quality of the events is the same. Michael Goldstein stops by to promote his socio-political novel, Return of the Light. 4:30 p.m.
That’s All She Wrote has moved to Great Lakes Tattoo, but brings the same high quality live lit. This month’s lineup includes Patrick Gill, Jasmine Davila, Rosamund Lannin, and Willy Nast. 7:30 p.m.
Monday 8/11: The Chicago Nerd Social Club holds their book club meetings at Filter, one of the best coffee shops on the North Side. You’re invited. 1373 N Milwaukee, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday 8/12: Rick Perlstein is at the Pritzker Auditorium at Harold Washington Library to talk with Garry Wills about his new book, The Invisible Bridge, the third volume of his history about the political right. 6 p.m.
This Much is True is about live true stories, an intimate atmosphere, and friendship. This month features regulars Scott Whitehair and Stephanie Douglass, along with special guests Erin Diamond, Xavier Jordan, Jeremy Owens, Ben Kemper, and Shanta. Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N Lincoln, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8/13: Ellen Sussman is at The Book Cellar in support of her new novel, A Wedding in Provence. The plot takes place over a weekend and involves unwanted guests and infidelity. Sussman’s a New York Times best seller and has put together two critically acclaimed anthologies, including a literary encyclopedia of sex. 7 p.m.
At Story Luck, hosts, readers, and audience share a meal, then gather in a circle to share stories on a theme determined by the previous month’s audience. Podcasts of past shows on the website. Stage 773, 7 p.m.
Women and Children First hosts a reading by contributors to Second to None, a collection of essays and interviews that document the lives of queer and trans artists and writers in Chicago. Lineup includes Kiam Marcelo Junio, NIC Kay, Jen Richards, Amina Ross, and Jakob VanLammeren. 7:30 p.m.