Escape the Chicago Heat: Your Ultimate Chicago Sun-Times Inspired Summer Reading List

Beat the Chicago Summer Heat with a Book: A Curated Reading List Inspired by the Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago summers are legendary – a vibrant mix of lakefront fun, bustling festivals, and sweltering heat. But even the most dedicated Chicagoan needs a break from the sun sometimes. What better way to escape the heat than with a captivating book? This curated summer reading list takes inspiration from the diverse perspectives and engaging stories often found within the pages of the Chicago Sun-Times, offering a selection for every reader.

Thrillers and Mysteries that Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

The Chicago Sun-Times often features crime stories and investigations, reflecting the city’s rich history and complex narratives. This section draws inspiration from those gripping tales, offering thrillers perfect for those scorching summer evenings:

• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: Set in Missouri, but with a similar edge-of-your-seat suspense as a Chicago crime novel, Gone Girl will keep you guessing until the very end. The dark twists and shocking revelations mirror the unpredictable nature of city life.
• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: A psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns, perfect for those who appreciate intricate plots and unreliable narrators. The underlying mystery will keep you engrossed even amidst the heat.
• The Guest List by Lucy Fokley: A locked-room mystery set on a remote island, offering a change of pace from the urban setting of Chicago, while still providing suspenseful thrills and unexpected plot developments that resonate with the investigative style often showcased in the Sun-Times.

Chicago-centric Reads: Exploring the City’s Heart

The Chicago Sun-Times provides vital coverage of Chicago’s culture, history and its people. These books offer a glimpse into the heart of the city, its vibrant neighborhoods, and its unforgettable characters:

• The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson: A non-fiction masterpiece that intertwines the story of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition with the tale of H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who preyed on visitors. This book brings to life a pivotal moment in Chicago’s history, offering a thrilling and insightful read.
• Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian: Although not explicitly set in Chicago, this psychological thriller explores themes of obsession and deception within a city’s complex social fabric, similar to the intricacies often depicted in the Sun-Times’ local reporting.
• City of Big Shoulders: A Novel by Mike Royko: This classic showcases a distinctly Chicago voice and explores the lives of various characters within the city’s unique landscape. It’s a powerful reflection of the city and its people, offering an intimate understanding of the spirit of Chicago – something the Sun-Times expertly captures in its day-to-day coverage.

Escape the City: Literary Journeys to Faraway Lands

Sometimes, the best way to beat the Chicago heat is to escape to another world entirely. These books offer a respite from the urban hustle, allowing you to immerse yourself in diverse landscapes and cultures:

• One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez: A magical realism masterpiece, this epic saga transports you to the fictional town of Macondo, offering a rich tapestry of characters and stories. This book provides a stark contrast to urban life, perfect for relaxation.
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This captivating novel is a journey through Hollywood glamour and complex relationships. The escapism of this story provides a delightful contrast to the everyday realities of Chicago.
• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: A coming-of-age story set in the marshes of North Carolina, this atmospheric novel offers a tranquil escape, filled with nature and suspense. The stunning descriptions of the natural world provide a perfect antidote to the concrete jungle of Chicago.

Dive into Engaging Non-Fiction: Learn Something New

The Chicago Sun-Times isn’t just about fiction; it’s a source of information and insightful commentary. This section mirrors that dedication to exploring significant topics:

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari: This insightful work explores the history of humanity, offering a grand perspective that can contrast nicely with the daily headlines of the Sun-Times.
• Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou: A captivating true-crime story that reveals the inner workings of Theranos, a high-profile tech company. This book offers a glimpse into the world of business and technology, a topic often covered in the Sun-Times’ business section.
• Educated by Tara Westover: A memoir that details the author’s journey from a secluded upbringing to achieving a PhD from Cambridge University. This inspirational story resonates with the human-interest stories often found in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Lighthearted Reads for a Relaxing Summer

Sometimes, you need a book that’s simply enjoyable and lighthearted, perfect for escaping the stresses of everyday life. These choices offer precisely that:

• Evvie Drake Starts Over by Anna Beth McPartlin: A heartwarming romance that follows two people finding love and new beginnings. Its feel-good factor is perfect for those seeking a lighter summer read.
• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion: A charming and witty novel about a genetics professor looking for a wife. The quirky characters and delightful humor offer a refreshing escape.
• The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune: A heartwarming fantasy novel about found family and acceptance. The positive message and magical elements offer a perfect escape from reality.

This curated summer reading list, inspired by the breadth and depth of the Chicago Sun-Times, aims to offer something for every reader. So, grab your favorite beverage, find a shady spot, and let these books transport you to new worlds, exciting adventures, and thought-provoking journeys. Happy reading!