Best Books About Chicago

This influential novel follows Bigger Thomas, a young black man who accidentally kills a white woman, and his downward spiral afterward. Set in 1930s Chicago, the story explores poverty and hopelessness in inner cities and what it means to be black in America. This restored edition includes an essay by the author and notes on the text. Now an HBO Film!

Chicago: City on the Make by Nelson Algren is a gritty, poetic portrayal of Chicago and its people. Algren presents the city's history through the eyes of its "nobodies nobody knows". The book captures the dynamic tension between Chicago's beauty and brutality, energy and greed, in a way that made it controversial upon its original publication in 1951. Sixty years later, this anniversary edition includes historic photos and annotations, making it more accessible than ever. The result is a raw, honest, and unforgettable exploration of one of America's most fascinating cities.

Explore the lives of immigrants in early 20th-century industrialized cities through this eye-opening novel. The author delves deep into the harsh realities of working-class poverty, unsanitary living conditions, and lack of social support. Through his investigation of the American meatpacking industry, he exposes shocking health violations and corruption in positions of power. This muckraking novel is a gripping portrayal of wage slavery that will leave readers in awe.

Follow the coming-of-age journey of young Latina Esperanza Cordero in this acclaimed and beloved book. Set in Chicago, the story is told through a series of vignettes, depicting both heartbreak and joy as Esperanza invents her own path and identity. A timeless coming-of-age story that has touched the hearts of readers worldwide.

"South Side" by Natalie Moore sheds light on the harsh reality of segregation in the "world class city" of Chicago. Despite its luxurious amenities, Chicago is considered one of the most segregated large cities in the US. Moore delves into this issue through reported essays and personal stories of those living in segregated communities on the South Side. Discover the lasting impact of historic segregation and the policies that perpetuate it in this insightful and important narrative.

Follow Augie March on his journey through mid-20th-century America as he navigates various occupations and encounters countless mentors and exemplars. With a voice as enchanting and free-spirited as Augie himself, this book is a must-read for fans of Dickensian-style American fiction.

"Explore the captivating story of a young Eastern European Jewish immigrant who was shot to death in Chicago, and the obsession of a modern-day writer who seeks to uncover the truth behind his death. This unique and thought-provoking novel weaves together the past and present, taking readers on a journey through history, poverty, and crime. Written by a MacArthur Genius Award winner, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an original and entertaining read from one of the most dynamic literary voices of our time."

Discover the thrilling story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair in 'The Devil in the White City.' Author Erik Larson brings to life the extraordinary events surrounding the fair and the two men at its center: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect behind the construction of the "White City," and H.H. Holmes, a notorious serial killer who used the event to lure victims to his gruesome World's Fair Hotel. Larson's skilled storytelling interweaves the tales of these two men, showcasing the incredible successes and sinister secrets of 19th-century Chicago.

Follow the journey of a young woman as she leaves behind her small town in search of a better life in this revolutionary first novel. Theodore Dreiser's "Sister Carrie" tells the story of Carrie Meeber's rise to fame, and the effects of her progress on the men who use her and are used in turn. With a nonjudgmental approach to its heroine's actions, the book sparked controversy upon its debut in 1900, but continues to fascinate readers with its compelling plot and realistic characters. A book that leaves an "inescapable impression of bigness" and seeks to "stir, to awaken, to move" – "Sister Carrie" is a psalm of life and a criticism of life all in one.

A sweeping and unconventional love story, this novel follows Henry, a librarian who travels through time, and Clare, an artist whose life follows a traditional path. As their passionate love blooms, they must navigate time itself and test the limits of fate. A celebration of love's power over time.