A Walk in Chicago

This book, Never a City so Real: A Walk in Chicago by Alex Kotlowitz (2004)is a love letter from a man to the city he loves and the people who give his Chicago it's unique spirit.

We walk along with Eddie, Millie & Brenda, Milton, Andrea, Robert, Dave, Ramazan, and Gary & Richard. We see the city through diverse neighborhoods in the south, east, and north parts of the metropolis. Street artists, internationally recognized artists, machinists, lawyers, and social workers show us their Chicago.

This book makes me want to go to Chicago to experience the large personalities the city gives birth to. Included is a story about a man who stands up for what he believes in the face of mob opposition, while managing to look like just an ordinary Chicagoan. Another though trial lawyer braves the Chicago courts, fighting both for her clients and for herself. There is a pair of social workers, friends since childhood who work and live in a difficult Chicago, but continually see the sunny part of the city's face.

There are many funny stories here that made me laugh aloud.

This book gets a thumbs up.

posted by reader kay at 3:24 PM