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Books matching: chicago setting

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg
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    "The Middlesteins" by Jami Attenberg delves into the intricate dynamics of the Middlestein family, focusing on Edie, a compulsive overeater struggling with her weight and its impact on her relationships. Set in suburban Chicago, the novel explores themes of addiction, family dysfunction, and cultural identity. Attenberg skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, providing a deep insight into each character's struggles and complexities. The story unfolds with a mix of humor and compassion, tackling serious issues such as obesity and family conflict with a relatable and engaging narrative style.

    Little Edie Herzen, age five: not so little. Her mother had noticed this, how could she miss it? Her arms and legs, once peachy and soft, had blossomed into something that surpassed luscious. They wer...

  2. #2
    Divergent
    Book 1 in the series:Divergent

    Divergent - Divergent by Veronica Roth
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    The novel 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth is set in a post-apocalyptic version of Chicago where society is divided into five factions based on different personality traits. The story follows Beatrice Prior as she makes the life-changing decision to switch factions from Abnegation to Dauntless, leading to a series of challenges and adventures. The book is a mix of dystopian elements, a coming-of-age story, and a romantic subplot between Beatrice and her instructor, Four Tobias. Despite some opinions critiquing the writing style and character development, the book is praised for its fast-paced plot, engaging world-building, and the strong, independent female protagonist.

    THERE IS ONE mirror in my house. It is behind a sliding panel in the hallway upstairs. Our faction allows me to stand in front of it on the second day of every third month, the day my mother cuts my h...

  3. #3
    Love Hacked
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    Book 4 in the series:Knitting in the City

    Love Hacked - Knitting in the City by Penny Reid
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    In "Love Hacked" by Penny Reid, the story follows Dr. Sandra Fielding, a child psychiatrist with a disastrous dating life, who finds herself attracted to the hot and mysterious waiter, Alex, at her favorite Indian restaurant. As their relationship develops, Sandra and Alex navigate through challenges and dark topics while slowly unraveling Alex's backstory. The writing style is described as witty, sexy, and romantic, with a slow burn romance that keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' journey.

    I met Chuck standing in the concession line at a Cubs game. I saw him and just knewthat this was the guy. He wasthe onementioned in my Sunday horoscope. As all very important and highly intelligent fe...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Knitting in the City )

  4. #4
    Things Not Seen
    Book 1 in the series:Things

    Things Not Seen - Things by Andrew Clements
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    'Things Not Seen' by Andrew Clements follows the story of Bobby Phillips, a fifteen-year-old boy who wakes up one morning to find himself invisible. As Bobby struggles with his newfound invisibility, he befriends a blind girl named Alicia, forming a unique bond as they navigate the challenges of Bobby's condition. Throughout the book, Bobby and Alicia work together to unravel the mystery of Bobby's invisibility, leading to heartwarming moments and unexpected discoveries. The writing style of the book is simple yet engaging, incorporating science fiction themes and real-life applications to keep the reader immersed in the conflict and mystery surrounding Bobby's condition.

    It’s a Tuesday morning in February, and I get up as usual, and I stumble into the bathroom to take a shower in the dark. Which is my school-day method because it’s sort of like an extra ten minutes of...

  5. #5

    Hairstyles of the Damned by Joe Meno
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    Hairstyles of the Damned by Joe Meno is a coming of age story that delves into the drama and anxiety of being a teenager. The protagonist, Brian Oswald, navigates a crumbling home life while dealing with unrequited love. The book captures the journey of a flawed yet relatable character, who undergoes a transformation from a heavy metal enthusiast to a punk rocker. Set in Chicago's Southwest side, the novel incorporates music and nostalgia, creating a vivid backdrop for the story. Written in a conversational and teen vernacular style, the book explores themes of self-discovery, youthful rebellion, and the struggles of lower middle-class young adults.

    The other problem I had was that I was falling in love with my best friend, Gretchen, who I thought the rest of the world considered fat. We were in her crappy car and singing, and at the end of the s...

  6. #6
    Chasing Vermeer
    Book 1 in the series:Chasing Vermeer

    Chasing Vermeer - Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
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    Three unidentified people get a mysterious letter one night, and soon after strange things start to happen to Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay. Seemingly unrelated events connect, and an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Soon after, the two new friends find themselves in the middle of an international art scandal. Petra and Calder befriend one another to track down a missing painting and its thief. Along the way, they both realize they share a love for art, museums, and even M&M's. With the help of a set of a mysterious book about unexplained phenomena, Calder and Petra race against the clock to chase down the painting and catch a thief.


  7. #7

    Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
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    Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a mind-bending science fiction thriller that follows the protagonist, Jason Dessen, as he is kidnapped and thrown into a world of parallel universes. The book explores the consequences of choices, the concept of multiverses, and the intense journey of Jason trying to get back to his family through various alternate realities. The writing style is fast-paced, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns.

    No one tells you it’s all about to change, to be taken away. There’s no proximity alert, no indication that you’re standing on the precipice. And maybe that’s what makes tragedy so tragic. Not just wh...

  8. #8
    Indemnity Only
    Book 1 in the series:V.I. Warshawski

    Indemnity Only - V.I. Warshawski by Sara Paretsky
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    'Indemnity Only' in the V.I. Warshawski series by Sara Paretsky is a mystery novel featuring the tough and resourceful female private detective, V.I. Warshawski, as she navigates through a complex case involving a missing girl, a corrupt union boss, a murder, and insurance fraud in Chicago. The story unfolds with twists and turns, showcasing V.I.'s tenacity, investigative skills, and determination to uncover the truth despite facing dangerous situations and shady characters. The writing style evokes a sense of historical fiction, capturing the essence of Chicago in the 1980s and highlighting themes of feminism, social justice, and the evolving landscape of technology.

    The night air was thick and damp. As I drove south along Lake Michigan, I could smell rotting alewives like a faint perfume on the heavy air. Little fires shone here and there from late-night barbecue...

  9. #9

    Something About You - FBI/US Attorney by Julie James
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    Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde finds herself as the sole witness to a murder while staying in a luxury hotel. FBI Special Agent Jack Pallas, with whom she has a rocky past, is assigned to the case. As they work together to solve the crime, they must navigate their complicated history and growing feelings for each other. The book combines elements of romance, humor, and suspense in a contemporary setting, with witty dialogue and a well-thought-out plot that keeps the readers engaged.

    The story unfolds with tension, danger, and a touch of humor as Cameron and Jack face off against the criminal underworld while also dealing with their developing relationship. The book features strong character development, realistic interactions, and a refreshing portrayal of a heroine with intelligence and agency, making it a compelling read for fans of contemporary romantic suspense.

    Cameron had been trapped inside her hotel room for nearly two hours while the Chicago Police Department supposedly conducted their investigation. She knew enough about crime scenes and witness questio...

  10. #10

    Family Man by Marie Sexton, Heidi Cullinan
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    "Family Man" by Marie Sexton and Heidi Cullinan is a sweet and heartwarming novella that follows the story of Vincent, a thrice-divorced Italian man from Chicago, and Trey, a hardworking young man balancing multiple responsibilities. As Vincent navigates his realization of being gay and his attraction to Trey, their relationship blossoms slowly and tenderly, set against the backdrop of Vincent's large Italian family and Trey's personal struggles. The book explores themes of family, love, self-discovery, and acceptance, with a writing style that is described as emotional, realistic, and engaging.

    The truth about Vincent Fierro’s sexual orientation came to him as he lay underneath a client’s sink, de-clogging onion skins from a busted garbage disposal in a two-bedroom condo on Aldine. I wonder,...

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