Books

“This book is … a celebration of life, both of Sinéad herself as well as each of the authors of the essays. The anthology is filled with story after story of survival that was manifested, accompanied by, or assisted by the sound of O’Connor’s voice echoing in the writer’s ears, head, heart, or pit of the stomach. They are beautiful, and you will cheer every single writer on.“—Caryn Rose, Salon

“Never repetitive … the composite effectively reveals the intimate ways in which an artist can shape her listeners’ lives. The result is a vivid and multifaceted ode to a trailblazing musician.“—Publishers Weekly

“A choir worthy of backing one extraordinary voice.” —Booklist

“Required reading …. reinforces what an amazing and interesting place [Chicago] is, filled with talented writers and artists who contributed to the book.” —John Warner, Chicago Tribune

“A stirring, entertaining and informative collection of works … The Chicago Neighborhood Guidebook is a symphony of the city – unharmonious, often tragic, sometimes ridiculous, yet always home.”—Alex Bean, Chicago Detours

“You would be a fool not to have this on your bookshelf … An essential and tremendously enjoyable book.” —Rick Kogan, After Hours With Rick Kogan

“Instead of seeing this collection as a gathering of frustrated liberal voices eager to be heard above the nativist din, Red State Blues is closer to a blues lament.” —Chris Barsanti, Rain Taxi Review of Books

“Rust Belt Chicago: An Anthology, the neighborhood cookbook taking the pulse of post-industrial Chicago right now, seems like required reading.”— Emma Terhaar, Third Coast Review

“A lively grab bag of essays, fiction and poetry that reads at times like who’s who of contemporary Chicago writers/residents.”  — Chris Borrelli, Chicago Tribune

“One of the best books to come across my desk that I can frankly remember.”—Rick Kogan, After Hours With Rick Kogan

“A book like this makes me think that really, I could live a lovely and fulfilling life and eat only soup.” —Julia Kramer, Time Out Chicago

“Martha Bayne’s new book is a reflection on the cultural importance of soup as much as a cookbook…The book reflects the almost palpable enthusiasm for soup that can be felt at the [Soup & Bread] events.” —Julia Thiel, Chicago Reader

“A charming array of soup facts, recipes, and images that make readers just long for cold nights with a bowl of something starchy and pureed.” —The A.V. Club

“One of the most thought-provoking (and appetizing!) books I’ve picked up in a long time.” —Tamar Fleishman, Baltimore Examiner