Furnaces and fireplaces aren’t the only entities generating the kind of warmth that can banish winter’s chill. Another source of that sustenance is a great bookstore.
Winter 2011 is a fine time to acquaint yourself with Centuries & Sleuths, 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park, co-winner of the 2011 Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America for its contributions to the mystery genre. Owner Augie Aleksy plans to be in New York on April 28 to pick up his prize.
Aleksy, however, may wonder that night if he ever left Chicago, because he’s sure to run into Chicago-area resident and best-selling author Sara Paretsky, chosen as the group’s 2011 Grand Master. Previous holders of the title have included Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, P.D. James and Agatha Christie.
Here are more gems from the winter literary lineup. All events are free:
Karen Abbott, author of the new biography “American Rose: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee,” will be making several local stops, including an appearance at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave.
Wade Rouse is an engagingly funny essayist, a sort of David Sedaris without the tendency to exaggerate. Rouse will be discussing his new memoir, “It’s All Relative: Two Families, Three Dogs, 34 Holidays and 50 Boxes of Wine,” at 6 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.
David Ellis, a Springfield-based attorney and mystery writer, will read from his new book, “Breach of Trust,” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Barnes & Noble, 1441 W. Webster Ave.
For 14 years, Columbia College Chicago has sponsored its Story Week festival, a gathering of writers, readers, critics, editors and agents. This year’s festival, scheduled for March 13-18, includes these highlights:
More Top Picks Best Av Media Streamers
Jennifer Egan, author of one of the best novels of 2010, “A Visit From the Goon Squad,” will appear at 2:30 and 6 p.m. March 14. At the first event, she’ll be joined by Chicago author Joe Meno. At the second, the moderator will be Chicago-based critic and essayist Donna Seaman. Both will be held at the Harold Washington Library Center.
Playwright Regina Taylor, whose drama “The Trinity River Plays” opens in January at the Goodman Theatre, will discuss her work at 1 p.m. March 17 at the Harold Washington Library Center.