The Chicagoist will be launching later but in the meantime please enjoy our archives.

Late-Night Lit

By Anonymous in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 14, 2005 3:37PM

Chicagoist will be the first to admit that we often prefer a quiet night with a book or magazine over a rollicking party where we have to, like, interact with real people. We comfort ourselves with the notion that the partiers are missing out on our glorious literary knowledge, but might we be missing out on something ourselves? Well, for those of us book nerds who never get out, and those of you crazy party animals who never read books, the next two nights offer some splendid opportunities to expand our horizons.

Banana King - cover image: thebananking.orgTonight, we have to say, is the cooler of the two nights. Frankly, we're won over by the inclusion of a free banana. Head over to the Empty Bottle tonight at 9:00 for Rock'n'Read, to benefit the third printing of the literary zine The Banana King. For $10, you'll get admission to the show, a copy of the second issue of The Banana King, and a banana. We've read some bits of TBK numbers 1 and 2, and we think it's something worth supporting. But see for yourself tonight and enjoy readings from Al Burian, Jessica Hopper, Karl Roloff, Joe Tower, and TBK editor/publisher A.B. Drea and the music of The Functional Blackouts, Paper Bullets, and The Warm-Ups.

Harry Potter Cover - Image: amazon.comThen, tomorrow night, get geeky with Harry Potter all over town as the latest installment is released at 12:01 AM Saturday. Parties for all ages abound at bookstores throughout the city and suburbs; if you're not already tied down by a reserved copy at a particular store, we highly recommend you head to one of many local bookstores hosting Harry Potter fun into the wee hours. Downtown, party at Barbara's Navy Pier. On the south side, 57th Street Books is hosting what looks to be a rather elaborate event starting at 10 and located at The Reynolds Club, at 57th and University. On the north side, call ahead to Women and Children First (773-769-9299) to reserve your spot at their shindig; you can also reserve your copy of #6 at 20% off through today. The Book Cellar is also hosting its own party for the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Check out the Trib for events, sure to be done up in true 'burb fashion, outside the city.