Who captures the Chicago of today as Bellow did in Augie March? Thankfully for us, the list is long, but we’ve gathered a few to read from their work and talk about the inspiration that is Chicago.

This reception and reading features Stuart Dybek (The Coast of Chicago, I Sailed with Magellan), Achy Obejas (Ruins), Natalie Moore (WBEZ, The Almighty Black P Stone Nation) and Jaswinder Bolina (Carrier Wave) as well as the finalists in our flash fiction contest. J.C. Gabel, co-editor/co-publisher of Stop Smiling Books and the newly revamped magazine The Chicagoan, serves as master of ceremonies.

Since its launch in fall 2001, One Book, One Chicago has engaged and challenged readers in Chicago with more than 20 book selections, hundreds of programs and discussions, and countless memorable encounters among readers. Twice a year, we see our fellow Chicagoans reading the same book on buses or trains, in parks or cafés, on campuses and in libraries. Lectures, author appearances, performances and more bring people together to immerse themselves in a great book, and to learn more about themselves and each other in the process.

Reservations are recommended. Email rsvp@stopsmilingonline.com.