November 7th - Derek Haas -
Signing & Reception for the author (also co-creator of Chicago Fire,
Chicago PD, and Chicago Med)
Join us on November 7th at 6pm to celebrate Mr. Haas' new novel with a reception and signing here at
after-words.
What happens when an elite assassin becomes a
father? Acclaimed author and screenwriter Derek Haas explores the answers in A
Different Lie, a unique and thrilling twist on a family story.
Now a new dad, Columbus, the infamous “Silver
Bear,” finds himself staying up late for feedings and changing diapers—all
while leading the double life of a contract killer.
The struggle is not with his conscience. He enjoys
his gig. But a child forces him to weigh selfishness versus safety: continue
his line of work, and he’ll always wonder if he’s putting his child’s life at
risk. His wife, Risina, serves as his fence, and like Columbus, she’s good at
her job and likes doing it—an unusual take on working motherhood.
When the next assignment comes in, both Columbus
and Risina are surprised to find that the mark is another assassin: a brash,
young killer named Castillo, an assassin on the rise. Even Columbus is
impressed with Castillo’s tenacity and talent. And as he closes in on his
target, Columbus realizes that Castillo is a younger version of himself. It’s
almost like looking in a mirror. Castillo, for his part, has even studied
Columbus’s work.
But Columbus’s assignment is clear and there is no
turning back. Then, Castillo learns that his hero and unwitting mentor has a
family—a revelation with enormous ramifications.
Mr. Haas is
currently the lead writer on “Chicago P.D.,” “Chicago Fire,” and the
forthcoming “Chicago E.R.” Additionally, he and his
screenwriting partner Michael Brandt are the force behind such kinetic
screenplays as the blockbuster hit Wanted, the critically acclaimed 3:10 to
Yuma, and The Double. Haas and Brandt also created and executive produce the
hit show Chicago Fire, currently airing on NBC. He is also the
author of The Assassin trilogy, the best-selling Silver Bear trilogy
novels, Columbus, Dark Men, and The Right Hand, which was recently optioned by
Universal Pictures. Derek currently lives in Los
Angeles and is the editor of Popcornfiction.com, which promotes genre short
fiction from top screenwriters and authors.
November 14th - Live Performance of Henry IV Part I
November 14th - The
Commission Theatre Company will be giving us a live performance of
Shakespeare's Henry IV Part I.
"House" opens at
6pm, "Curtain Up" at 7pm.
Henry IV Part I is the
second play in Shakespeare's series of histories covering the reigns of Richard
II, Henry IV and Henry V. Shakespeare muses on the consequences of actions, the
role of princes and the realities of wielding power.
All are welcome to
attend. There will be a 15 minute
intermission.
November 18th - Author Talk and Book Signing, White Collar Girl
November 18 at 6pm - Author
Renee Rosen will be in conversation with former Chicago Tribune editor Marion
Purcelli, model for the lead character in Rosen’s novel, White Collar Girl
In White Collar Girl,
bestselling author Renee Rosen explores the Chicago Tribune newsroom of the
1950’s. Meet Jordan Walsh, a woman from
a family of esteemed reporters—and with connections to luminaries like Mike
Royko, Nelson Algren, and Ernest Hemingway.
The novel chronicles her struggles to be taken seriously as a society
reporter at The Chicago Tribune.
Praised for her ability to
bring history to life, Rosen’s fascinating novel captures the inner workings of
a 1950’s newsroom and the essence of living in a time when career-minded women
were not taken seriously and men dominated the workplace. Packed with moments
of palpable tension, excitement, and a hint of romance, White Collar Girl is an extraordinary tribute to an important time
in Chicago’s history and one of the Windy City’s most illustrious institutions.
Former Tribune editor
Marion Purcelli was one of the employees Rosen consulted with (and was inspired
by) when creating Jordan Walsh. Rosen
and Purcelli will speak about Purcelli’s experiences as a woman breaking through
the glass ceiling in a male-dominated industry informed Rosen’s book.
This event is organized by
the Chicago Book Expo, a free
celebration of all things local and literary, with over 90 local presses and
authors selling their books and over a dozen readings, workshops, and panel
discussions. It happens Saturday, November 21, 2015, from 11am to 5pm at
Columbia College Chicago; find out more at www.chicagobookexpo.org.
Renée Rosen is the
bestselling author of What the Lady Wants and Dollface, as well as the young
adult novel, Every Crooked Pot. Her acclaimed novels expertly combine Chicago’s
rich history with remarkable storytelling. She lives in Chicago. Visit her
online at ReneeRosen.com, Facebook.com/ReneeRosenAuthor, and @ReneeRosen1.
Marion Purcelli began
working for the Chicago Tribune the day after she graduated from high
school. She spent the next 27 years
there. She started her career as a copy
girl, before moving to the Radio-TV department. She began doing the program
listings and soon graduated to editing the work of others. She did the layout, design, and makeup of the
Sunday TV pages, and, ultimately, all the spade work for creation of the TV
Week - for which she also wrote. After her success in writing news stories for
the daily paper about television coverage of the Kennedy assassination, she
became an associate editor of the Sunday Magazine, focusing on entertainment
stories. In the early 70s she became assistant to the Sunday Features editor,
and shortly thereafter was appointed editor of the Sunday Lifestyle section. In
late 1976 she left the Tribune to become vice president of corporate
communications for a large real estate firm whose main business was condominium
conversion.
November 21st - Chicago Book Expo
November 21st 11am -5pm -
Chicago Book Expo - Columbia College 1104 S. Wabash
This celebration of Chicago
independent presses and authors will, as always, feature an expo floor where
you can buy books from local presses and authors, as well as over 15 programs,
readings, and workshops. after-words will be on hand to sell book from these
authors. Come joins us, admission is
free!