Chicago Review of Books
@chicagorevbooks.bsky.social
š¤ 3942
š„ 360
š 612
A
@storystudiochicago.bsky.social
publication! Editor-in-Chief
@mbwwelch.bsky.social
"A tightrope act between high-concept smut and feminist critique, Saenz makes a case for messy connection, even if itās far more likely to kill you than going it alone." Nick Malone's review of ā200 Monasā by Jan Saenz (
@littlebrown.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/09/2...
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Everyone's Dying for The Little Death In "200 Monas" - Chicago Review of Books
They (the French, mostly) say that the psychic forces that drive us to the grave are the same ones that drive us in the bedroom. Sex, good or bad, is obliteration, sublimation, raptureāa temporary way...
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/09/200-monas-jan-saenz/
about 22 hours ago
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
Ian MacAllen
4 days ago
At
@chicagorevbooks.bsky.social
, I looked at the depictions of motherhood in Gunk by Sara Sams.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/05/g...
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Measuring Motherhood in "Gunk" - Chicago Review of Books
Our review of Saba Sams's novel, "Gunk."
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/05/gunk/
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
Jill Christman
4 days ago
So grateful to
@gaylebrandeis.bsky.social
for having this conversation with me! In about an hour, Iām heading down to pickles pub in Baltimore for the THFEās first reading. Eek!
#awp26
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
Catapult Book Group
4 days ago
"Few authors understand the art of thrills like Daniel Kraus, and in Partially Devoured his knowledge is on full display. . . Partially Devoured is filled with grief, love, and fascination throughout every frame and word." ā
@chicagorevbooks.bsky.social
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/02/1...
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12 Must-Read Books of March 2026 - Chicago Review of Books
Here are the 12 books you need to read in March 2026.
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/02/12-must-read-books-of-march-2026/
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"We all have wounds we return to again and again on the page...Grief is one of mine."
@gaylebrandeis.bsky.social
's interview with
@jillchristman.bsky.social
on "The Heart Folds Earlyā
@univnebpress.bsky.social
is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/06/i...
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Invite Everyone into the Room: An Interview with Jill Christman - Chicago Review of Books
A conversation with Jill Christman on her new memoir, "The Heart Folds Early"
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/06/invite-everyone-into-the-room-an-interview-with-jill-christman/
4 days ago
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
American Writers Museum
5 days ago
Interested in flexing your writing muscles? Next week you can at our generative writing workshop on religion, spirituality, & faith with National Book Award finalist Andrew KrivƔk (The Sojourn, The Bear). Co-presented by
@storystudiochicago.bsky.social
Register at
www.eventbrite.com/e/american-p...
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American Prophets Workshop: Writing Religion with Andrew KrivƔk
Co-sponsored by StoryStudio Chicago, a generative workshop as part of the AWM's "American Prophets: Writers, Religion & Culture" exhibition.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/american-prophets-workshop-writing-religion-with-andrew-krivak-tickets-1979771504865?aff=socialmedia@storystudiochicago.bsky.social
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If you're looking for a new Chicago literary event, look no further than the Chicago Literary Salon. Join authors Rowan Beaird,
@rebeccamakkai.bsky.social
, Nancy Johnson, and
@melanieben.bsky.social
for a conversation about fashion in historical fiction on 3/19.
www.hastybooklist.com/hbl-store/fa...
5 days ago
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"A fast-paced, compact novel that dives deep into questions of motherhood."
@ianmacallen.bsky.social
's review of āGunkā by Saba Sams (
@aaknopf.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/05/g...
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Measuring Motherhood in "Gunk" - Chicago Review of Books
Our review of Saba Sams's novel, "Gunk."
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/05/gunk/
5 days ago
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5 days ago
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
StoryStudio Chicago
7 days ago
Registration is now open for the next event in our Writers on Writing series, in partnership with the Newberry Library! The event happens April 9 with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Jennifer Egan in conversation with Michael Zapata.
buff.ly/jCaeFz3
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
Rebecca Makkai
6 days ago
If youāre headed to AWP and want to avoid me, here are the two panels and one party to stay away from š§µ
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"The whole idea of novelistic truthāthe deeper truthāthatās what Iām looking for here: the truth that is truer than fact."
@denisesrobbins.bsky.social
's interview with
@joukovsky.bsky.social
on "Medium Rareā (
@melvillehouse.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/04/m...
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In āMedium Rare,ā A. Natasha Joukovsky Brings Greek Myth to March Madness - Chicago Review of Books
Our review of A. Natasha Joukovsky's new book, "Medium Rare."
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/04/medium-rare-a-natasha-joukovsky/
6 days ago
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"Thereās so much beauty in transition, in loss and gain. You have to catch it." Ryan Asmussen's interview with Jonathan Galassi on "The Vineyardā (
@aaknopf.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/03/w...
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Watching the Vineyard Flow: An Interview with Jonathan Galassi - Chicago Review of Books
At age 77, Jonathan Galassi stands for more than himself and his own celebrated career as poet and translator. Unarguably, he is an icon of the book publishing industry, a luminary of the literary wor...
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/03/watching-the-vineyard-flow-an-interview-with-jonathan-galassi/
7 days ago
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
Rebecca Makkai
8 days ago
This is going to be so fun!! Please join us if you're at AWP or happen to be in Baltimore for less chaotic reasons!
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
University of Wisconsin Press
7 days ago
"An electric debut. . . . An utter delight from start to finish.ā Many thanks to
@chicagorevbooks.bsky.social
for including Lisa Low's forthcoming collection, Replica, in their roundup of 12 must read books of March--and in such fantastic company! Check out the full round-up:
tinyurl.com/a4s6pud4
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12 Must-Read Books of March 2026 - Chicago Review of Books
Here are the 12 books you need to read in March 2026.
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/02/12-must-read-books-of-march-2026/
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We're excited to be co-hosting Jeff Boyd's Chicago launch of HARD TIMES (
@flatironbooks.bsky.social
)! Even more exciting: Jeff'll be in conversation with Chicago's own Rowan Beaird! You seriously (seriously!) don't want to miss this. Join us at the Book Cellar on 3/31 at 6:30pm!
8 days ago
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Chicago Review of Books
StoryStudio Chicago
8 days ago
The
@chicagorevbooks.bsky.social
has your 12 must-read books for March -- including REPLICA, the debut poetry collection by our Curriculum Coordinator Lisa Low!!!
buff.ly/uQJjAIV
#booksky
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12 Must-Read Books of March 2026 - Chicago Review of Books
Here are the 12 books you need to read in March 2026.
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/02/12-must-read-books-of-march-2026/
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This month, weāre welcoming a wide range of exciting new releases that bend their genre conventions and chart a new path forward of possibility in literature, our EIC
@mbwwelch.bsky.social
writes. Check out the rest of his picks for March's best books below!
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/02/1...
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12 Must-Read Books of March 2026 - Chicago Review of Books
Here are the 12 books you need to read in March 2026.
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/03/02/12-must-read-books-of-march-2026/
8 days ago
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Headed to AWP next week? We (and our friends at
@storystudiochicago.bsky.social
) would be thrilled to see you! Come hear from CHIRB staff and StoryStudio instructors, AND get your books signed!
www.storystudiochicago.org/storystudio-...
11 days ago
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Chicago Review of Books
StoryStudio Chicago
11 days ago
TONIGHT! Join us for our free panel with
@chicagorevbooks.bsky.social
celebrating the publication's 10 years. Panelists will discuss what makes a good review, the importance of book coverage these days, and how you can improve your chances to get your work reviewed. Register:
buff.ly/aBC7HDS
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Check out
@mbwwelch.bsky.social
on the
@literaryhub.bsky.social
podcast talking a few of our favorite things... Bookstores and libraries anybody? š¤©
lithub.com/celebrating-...
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Celebrating, Defending, Mourning, and Loving Bookstores (and Libraries!) on The Lit Hub Podcast
A weekly behind-the-scenes dive into everything interesting, dynamic, strange, and wonderful happening in literary cultureāfeaturing Lit Hub staff, columnists, and special guests! Hosted by Drew Brā¦
https://lithub.com/celebrating-defending-mourning-and-loving-bookstores-and-libraries-on-the-lit-hub-podcast/
11 days ago
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Chicago Review of Books
Lit Hub
12 days ago
āThe stories are folksy, a little retro and sensual, with multiple dips into earthy, furtive lesbian lust.ā 5 book reviews you need to read this week.
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5 Reviews You Need to Read This Week
Our basket of brilliant reviews this week includes Alexandra Jacobs on Lauren Groffās Brawler, Ed Burmila on Gavin Newsomās Young Man in a Hurry,Ā Alex Shephard on Danny Funtās Everybody Loses, Anahidā¦
https://buff.ly/Us7CYCH
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Chicago Review of Books
StoryStudio Chicago
13 days ago
Do you have questions about applying for StoryBoard? Our amazing Artistic Director
@rebeccamakkai.bsky.social
wrote you a personal letter answering all your FAQs! 𤩠Read here:
buff.ly/sROWff5
#writingcommunity
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
Belt Publishing
12 days ago
Our table at the ABA Winter Institute! If you stopped by yesterday, you probably saw a new face behind the table. Thatās me (Andrew), a new employee for Belt, helping out with marketing. It was great to meet both new and longtime fans of Belt, and to chat a bit about the yearās upcoming projects!
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This is TONIGHT! This is FREE! All you need to do is register at the link below, and we can't wait to see you soon!
us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
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11 days ago
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"Makes use of tools from a variety of genres." Ryan Teitman's review of āThe Irish Goodbyeā by Beth Ann Fennelly (
@wwnorton.com
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/27/t...
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Going Short and Long in "The Irish Goodbye" - Chicago Review of Books
Our review of Beth Ann Fennelly's new book, "The Irish Goodbye."
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/27/the-irish-goodbye/
11 days ago
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Chicago Review of Books
12 days ago
@chicagorevbooks.bsky.social
calls OUR DIARIES, OURSELVES "a joyful deep dive into this time-honored tradition of preserving who we are." On sale now from
@beaconpress.bsky.social
!
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/01/07/n...
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New Books from Chicago Authors in 2026 Part I - Chicago Review of Books
Each year when I compile this list of new books from Chicago authors, Iām in awe of the beauty and breadth that the cityās literary community has to offer. In fact, it feels like there are more books ...
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/01/07/new-books-from-chicago-authors-in-2026-part-i/
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"Historical fiction, if it aims to do more than just entertain, is able to encourage the longer view." Ryan Asmussen's interview with Ian McGuire on "White River Crossingā (
@crownpublishing.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/26/w...
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Sifting Through History: An Interview with Ian McGuire - Chicago Review of Books
Our review of Ian McGuire's new book, "White River Crossing."
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/26/white-river-crossing/
12 days ago
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
Maggie Russell
13 days ago
I loved the collaborative mosaic aspect of this book. This review does a great job of encapsulating it.
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
RS Deeren
13 days ago
Such a great book and such a great conversation!
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"We want others to feel good because we understand the intensity of that same desire in ourselves."
@pearsonality.bsky.social
's interview with
@bplatzer.bsky.social
on "The Optimistsā (
@littlebrown.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/25/b...
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Brian Platzer Gets the Joke in "The Optimists" - Chicago Review of Books
I first met Brian Platzer in 2007 when we were wide-eyed graduate students at the Johns Hopkins University Writing Seminars.Ā I say āwide-eyedā but in truth, that was just me: a medical student deligh...
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/25/brian-platzer-gets-the-joke-in-the-optimists/
13 days ago
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"Rural spaces, especially agricultural ones, never let you forget that you exist in a body, that you wonāt be around forever."
@rsdeeren.bsky.social
's interview with
@saramaurerwrites.bsky.social
on "A Good Animalā (
@stmartinspress.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/25/w...
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Who gets to follow their dreams?: An Interview with Sara Maurer on her debut novel, "A Good Animal." - Chicago Review of Books
An authorās debut is so much more than a welcoming of a new voice into the literary world; itās a widening of new perspectives for readers. This is especially true when that authorās novel introduces ...
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/25/who-gets-to-follow-their-dreams-an-interview-with-sara-maurer-on-her-debut-novel-a-good-animal/
13 days ago
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
The Rumpus
14 days ago
"I didnāt set out to write a likable character." Rich Text and the Tunnel Vision of Love:
@rachellayown.bsky.social
interviews SeƔn Hewitt about Open, Heaven (
@aaknopf.bsky.social
). ā”ļø
buff.ly/Ii3xRwC
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Chicago Review of Books
StoryStudio Chicago
13 days ago
You're cordially invited to join us this Friday at 6pm CT on Zoom for our Pub Crawl Final Panel -- a joint venture with our sibling publication,
@chicagorevbooks.bsky.social
, which is celebrating 10 years! This is free and open to everyone. Register here:
buff.ly/aBC7HDS
#booksky
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"This is my most Southern novel...The characters are all unique, and some of them are larger than life, and they talk a lot of trash. Theyāre funny."
@aaisforaarti.bsky.social
's interview with
@tayari.bsky.social
on "Kinā (
@aaknopf.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/24/t...
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The Question of Hope: An Interview with Tayari Jones on "Kin" - Chicago Review of Books
Our review of Tayari Jones's new historical novel, "Kin."
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/24/the-question-of-hope-an-interview-with-tayari-jones-on-kin/
14 days ago
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Yay Cynthia!!
@cynthiapelayo.bsky.social
š„³š„³š„³
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14 days ago
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
StoryStudio Chicago
15 days ago
On this cold and blustery Chicago day, let's all dream of warm summer days ahead...and your writing plans for this summer, which hopefully including our StoryBoard Conference. Applications are open for just over another month. Apply now!
buff.ly/3nQnSfF
#writingcommunity
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
StoryStudio Chicago
15 days ago
We recognize a good piece of writing when we see it, and this is a good piece of writing. š§š«
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"Both addictive and painful...each tale its own saturated, heavy narrative, weighted down with hope and hurt." Leah von Essen's review of āBrawlerā by Lauren Groff (
@riverheadbooks.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/24/_...
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Caught in the Net of Lauren Groff's "Brawler" - Chicago Review of Books
The themes of Brawler by Lauren Groff are difficult at first to connect; the overall mood of the stories is what brings them all together, a wiggly feeling difficult to pin down in words. What unites ...
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/24/__trashed/
14 days ago
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"Explores the idea of myth versus history." Aaron Coats's review of āThe Stormā by Rachel Hawkins (
@stmartinspress.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/23/p...
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Predicting the Aftermath of Myth in āThe Stormā - Chicago Review of Books
Our review of Rachel Hawkinsās new novel, āThe Storm.ā
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/23/predicting-the-aftermath-of-myth-in-the-storm/
15 days ago
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
Cynthia āCinaā Pelayo
17 days ago
Deadline extended! Do you want to work on your novel with me? Weāll have one full year and we will meet in StoryStudio Chicagoās cozy living room each month and talk all things writing.
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"Takes us behind the scenes of that assumption to look at the evolution of this ācommonā object, from practical, technological, and processual perspectives." Jessi Rae Morton's review of āBallotā by Anjali Enjeti (
@bloomsburyacademic.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/20/a...
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A Thing Worth Fighting For: Anjali Enjetiās āBallotā - Chicago Review of Books
Our review of Anjali Enjeti's new book, "Ballot"
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/20/a-thing-worth-fighting-for-anjali-enjetis-ballot/
18 days ago
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
Lit Hub
19 days ago
@mbwwelch.bsky.social
on the closing of Chicagoās Volumes Bookcafe and what we lose when we lose independent bookstores.
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What We Lose When Our Independent Bookstores Close
Iām on my way to a reading when I get the call from my mother letting me know that my uncle passed away. The news isnāt unexpected. In the past few months, his worsening condition made a stranger oā¦
https://buff.ly/vKRuDjl
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
Victor Ladis Schultz
19 days ago
so grateful to
@chicagorevbooks.bsky.social
for their article revealing the cover of THE BOOK OF THE JAGUAR, my novel forthcoming from fairwood press (
@patrickswenson.bsky.social
)! preorder links in the article & in my bio šš¼
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/19/e...
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Exclusive Cover Reveal: A First Look at Victor Ladis Schultz's "The Book of the Jaguar" - Chicago Review of Books
An exclusive cover reveal of Victor Ladis Schultz's debut novel, "The Book of the Jaguar"
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/19/exclusive-cover-reveal-a-first-look-at-victor-ladis-schultzs-the-book-of-the-jaguar/
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Chicago Review of Books
From Beyond Press
19 days ago
Thinking a lot about this as B&N prepares to open a new bookstore in my neighborhood where the small stores are already struggling.
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Chicago Review of Books
Angry Algonquin
19 days ago
#BookSky
š š
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
Rachel León
19 days ago
Iāve been so excited about this book and love the cover, so be sure to check it out!
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reposted by
Chicago Review of Books
JCS
19 days ago
Thoughts on the closing of Chicago's Volumes Bookcafe.
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Weāre excited to offer an exclusive cover reveal of Chicago Review of Books Daily Editor
@celldeathvic.bsky.social
's forthcoming debut novel, The Book of the Jaguar (Fairwood Press, August 18, 2026)! Check it out below š and join us in congratulating Victor!
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/19/e...
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Exclusive Cover Reveal: A First Look at Victor Ladis Schultz's "The Book of the Jaguar" - Chicago Review of Books
An exclusive cover reveal of Victor Ladis Schultz's debut novel, "The Book of the Jaguar"
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/19/exclusive-cover-reveal-a-first-look-at-victor-ladis-schultzs-the-book-of-the-jaguar/
19 days ago
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"The plot and mysteries are engaging, the characters are complex, the moralities ambiguous and thought-provoking." Philip Janowski's review of āLast Seenā by Christopher Castellani (
@vikingbooks.bsky.social
) is out now.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/19/l...
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Victims of Love in "Last Seen" - Chicago Review of Books
Our review of Christopher Castellani's fifth novel, "Last Seen."
https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/02/19/last-seen/
19 days ago
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