Book (b)

Where Does Poetry Hide? is a collection of poems from the fall 2001 Performance Poetry Workshop, a collaboration between Gallery 37 and Young Chicago Authors, featuring students from Westinghouse Career Academy.

In 1988, the city of Chicago declared three acres of public land along Lake Michigan the future home of DuSable Park--a green refuge dedicated to Chicago's first settler, Jean Baptiste Point DuSable. The park has yet to emerge, however, and it is possible that these three lakefront acres could be sold to developers. In 2001, Chicago artist Laurie Palmer sent out an open request for proposals, and the resulting artwork became an innovative exhibit. This inspiring collaboration of Chicago's artists, architects, and activists to bring the plight of DuSable Park to the public has now been catalogued in 3 Acres on the Lake . This volume includes fascinating and thought-provoking renderings of the imagined DuSable Park, as well as commentary on the project and other public space issues from many of its contributors. 3 Acres on the Lake will be insightful reading for anyone interested in urban planning, landscape architecture, and the struggle to preserve public space in American cities.

Discover the world-famous Chicago “L”—in all its grit and glory. The thundering “L” is one of Chicago's most enduring icons. Operating 247 since 1892, it is not only an antique but a working antique. More than 10 billion people have ridden the “L,” which now carries half a million people a day over 222 miles of track. The heavy, rumbling “L” has a light side too. It is sought out by tourists, featured in major motion pictures, enjoyed by wideeyed kids, photographed by admirers, and studied by historians. Meanwhile, both the Smithsonian Institution and the Chicago History Museum have recently enshrined Chicago “L” cars as the showpiece of major permanent exhibits. The Chicago “L” shows how the early “L” lines helped to build Chicago as well as how today's “L” helps to revitalize neighborhoods and tie the city together. Over the past 100 years, the “L” has survived numerous attempts to tear it down. Today its future is secure. New services are being added and new lines planned. This educating and entertaining book brings the tenacious “L” to life.

1977 Mercury Cooper -- A la Manière de John Cheever -- At a wedding -- Backwoods diversion -- A story about oilmen -- Vaquero says -- A la Manière de Samuel Breslin -- Museum study.

In Chicago, a secret L train runs through the mythical East Side of the city. On that train, you’ll find a house-cat conductor, an alcoholic elf, a queen of the last city farm, the most curious wind, and an exceptional girl by the name of Francesca Finnegan. When we first encounter Richard K. Lyons, he is a man who has long forgotten the one night, when he was still a boy called Rich, when Francesca invited him aboard the secret L for an adventure through the East Side. The night was a mad epic, complete with gravity-defying first kisses, mermaid overdoses, and princess rescues. Unfortunately for Rich, the night ended like one of those elusive dreams forgotten the moment you wake. Now, Rich is all grown up and out of childish adventures, an adult whose life is on the verge of ruin. It will take the rediscovery of his exploits with Francesca, and a reacquaintance with the boy he once was, to save him.

"The Dignity of Resistance chronicles the four decade history of Chicago's Wentworth Gardens public housing residents' grassroots activism. This comprehensive case study explores why and how these African-American women creatively and effectively engaged in organizing efforts to resist increasing government disinvestment in public housing and the threat of demolition." *

Street Play and Other Activities of Our Youth is a memoir by Russ Grundy about activities that he took part in while growing up in Chicago in the 1940's.