The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon is the 25th selection for One Book, One Chicago. This year's program explores the book's central theme: Heroes: Real & Imagined.
In The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, Joe Kavalier and Sam Clay reimagine and redefine the comic book hero and in the process force us to grapple with questions about heroism: what does a hero look like, why do we need heroes, what makes one a hero—these are only some of the questions with which we struggle alongside Joe and Sammy as they create The Escapist, their greatest comic book superhero.
The 2014-15 One Book, One Chicago season launches with Michael Chabon in conversation with Angel Ysaguirre on October 9 at Harold Washington Library Center.
From October through spring 2015 we offer you a chance to explore heroism from multiple perspectives, as recounted through personal experience, imagined in literature, presented in politics, or synthesized in music and art. As we consider the many paths to heroism, we can determine whether our heroes are real or imagined.
A Collection of Original Essays by Chicago Authors
We're pleased to introduce a new and exciting component to the One Book, One Chicago program through a series of original essays titled Chicago Heroes: Real & Imagined!
Beginning in October and each month through spring 2015, meet a new local hero as introduced by a local author. Chicago authors will reflect on heroes from the past, present or even imagined, in a series of new short essays. Essays will be released online for free the first Friday of each month. Readers have the opportunity to meet new, exciting and unexpected heroes in essays penned by some of Chicago’s best writers.
Make sure to visit onebookonechicago.org to read each installment—and check back for additional events, reading recommendations and more through spring 2015.
The 2014-15 One Book, One Chicago is presented by the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Library, the Chicago Public Library Foundation and sponsors Allstate and BMO Harris. Partners include DePaul University, WBEZ 91.5 and Park Hyatt Chicago.
