A Michael Chabon Classic Is The 25th 'One Book, One Chicago' Selection

By Jaclyn Bauer in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 15, 2014 7:20PM

Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon and Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me host Peter Sagal announced the latest selection in the Chicago Public Library's "One Book, One Chicago" Friday at the Harold Washington Library Center. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon is this season’s pick and joins the ranks of past selections such as To Kill a Mockingbird, The House on Mango Street and A Raisin in the Sun.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is the 25th book chosen for the "city-wide reading initiative that brings diverse Chicagoans together around one central book and theme." Heroism is this year’s theme: one that Bannon and Sagal noted are universal across generations, ethnicity, race and religion.

The Pultizer Prize-winning novel revolves around the adventures of writer Sam Clay and artist Joe Kavalier at the dual advents of World War II and the “Golden Age of Comics,” as they “embark on adventures fueled by their ambitions.” Sagal pointed out that it is “becoming a superhero” which is truly interesting and holds the weight of importance in comic book culture and in the lives of individuals. “The origin story” as Sagal noted is multifaceted and multilayered, making for a truly relatable and compelling adventure no matter where you come from or where you are going to.

Starting in October 2014 and running through Spring 2015, The Chicago Public Library will be hosting programs to support the reading of Chabon’s novel, including events involving “music, literature, political discussions, [and] art exhibits” to name a few. In an attempt to involve local authors and give readers a chance to interact and delve into Chicago’s diverse literary culture, a collection of essays by local Chicago authors will be released on the first Friday of each month, which will reflect on heroes of the past, present and future.

Chabon himself will participate in the commencement of the season 6 p.m. Oct. 9 to discuss his novel at the Harold Washington Library.

Grab a copy of the novel at your local bookstore soon so that you can join in on this unique Chicagoan experience.