Chicago Authors Take Home Prestigious Awards in City's Literary Scene
The Chicago Review of Books has announced its annual literary awards, recognizing some of the city's most talented writers across various genres. Among this year's winners are Samira Ahmed, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr., Eve L. Ewing, Rob Macaisa Colgate, and Adriana Cardona-Maguigad.
For her contributions to protecting readers' freedom, Ahmed took home the Adam Morgan Literary Leadership Award. A bestselling author of young adult novels, including "Love, Hate & Other Filters," Ahmed's work has garnered widespread acclaim. Her acceptance speech highlighted the importance of maintaining a culture of open-minded reading and writing.
Ewing received the evening's nonfiction award for her book "Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism." This critical examination of educational history sheds light on the ways in which schools have been used to control and manipulate marginalized communities. Ewing, a sociologist and author, emphasized the need to confront these painful truths.
Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.'s semi-autobiographical novel "The El" won the fiction award, tracing the lives of teenage gang members set against the backdrop of Chicago in 1979. This powerful story sheds light on the city's complex social history.
Rob Macaisa Colgate took home the poetry award for his debut collection "Hardly Creatures." Published by Tin House, this work is widely praised for its nuanced exploration of disability and community.
Lastly, WBEZ's Adriana Cardona-Maguigad won an essay/short story award for her piece on a trans migrant who fled violence to find safety in Chicago. This powerful narrative humanizes the experiences of migrants facing deportation.
As the awards celebrate their 10th anniversary, they reinforce the city's rich literary landscape. The recipients – handpicked by local booksellers and the Review of Books staff – are among some of the most talented voices working today.
The Chicago Review of Books has announced its annual literary awards, recognizing some of the city's most talented writers across various genres. Among this year's winners are Samira Ahmed, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr., Eve L. Ewing, Rob Macaisa Colgate, and Adriana Cardona-Maguigad.
For her contributions to protecting readers' freedom, Ahmed took home the Adam Morgan Literary Leadership Award. A bestselling author of young adult novels, including "Love, Hate & Other Filters," Ahmed's work has garnered widespread acclaim. Her acceptance speech highlighted the importance of maintaining a culture of open-minded reading and writing.
Ewing received the evening's nonfiction award for her book "Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism." This critical examination of educational history sheds light on the ways in which schools have been used to control and manipulate marginalized communities. Ewing, a sociologist and author, emphasized the need to confront these painful truths.
Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.'s semi-autobiographical novel "The El" won the fiction award, tracing the lives of teenage gang members set against the backdrop of Chicago in 1979. This powerful story sheds light on the city's complex social history.
Rob Macaisa Colgate took home the poetry award for his debut collection "Hardly Creatures." Published by Tin House, this work is widely praised for its nuanced exploration of disability and community.
Lastly, WBEZ's Adriana Cardona-Maguigad won an essay/short story award for her piece on a trans migrant who fled violence to find safety in Chicago. This powerful narrative humanizes the experiences of migrants facing deportation.
As the awards celebrate their 10th anniversary, they reinforce the city's rich literary landscape. The recipients – handpicked by local booksellers and the Review of Books staff – are among some of the most talented voices working today.
samira ahmed's work is on point, her speech was so inspiring, talking about how important it is to keep reading and writing freely. and eve ewing's book is like, so thought provoking, shedding light on the dark history of education in america. i love that these awards are celebrating 10 years of literary greatness. can't wait to dive into rob macaisa colgate's poetry collection 
! Samira Ahmed is totally killing it with that Adam Morgan Literary Leadership Award 
, I mean, her book "Love, Hate & Other Filters" is a game changer for young adult lit. And Eve L. Ewing's nonfiction book "Original Sins" is like, so necessary for exposing the truth about how schools are messing up our communities 
. And Rob Macaisa Colgate's poetry collection is so raw and beautiful 
. It's like, we're in a new era of literature and I am SO here for it! 
. The fact that Theodore C Van Alst Jr's semi-autobiographical novel sheds light on Chicago's complex social history in 1979 just gives me chills, you feel? It's amazing how these authors are tackling tough topics with such nuance and care 
. And Adriana Cardona-Maguigad's essay on a trans migrant's journey... wow, just, wow 
!
I think it's awesome that Chicago has this amazing literary scene going on. All these writers are doing incredible work, sharing their stories and perspectives with the world. I'm fascinated by Eve L Ewing's book "Original Sins", it sounds super important in understanding our education system and how it affects marginalized communities. 
. and rob macaisa colgate's poetry collection is def something i'd add to my reading list ASAP 
Love how Chicago is finally giving its writers the recognition they deserve! Samira Ahmed's work on protecting readers' freedom is so needed in this day and age 
. Eve Ewing's book on educational history is like a punch to the gut - it needs to be said, but also hard to hear 
. And Theodore Van Alst Jr.'s novel about 70s Chicago gangs is like trying to find your family history... all these stories are so important for our understanding of this city 
. These awards are not just a nod to individual talent, but also to the community that supports and lifts each other up 
, Ewing's book on racism in schools is giving me major feels, it's about time we talk about this stuff. And Rob Macaisa Colgate's poetry collection sounds like a must-read for anyone who loves words 
. Don't get me wrong, Samira Ahmed's acceptance speech sounds pretty inspiring, but have you seen the state of Chicago's education system? It's a whole different issue altogether. And Eve L. Ewing's book is definitely important, but it feels like we're just scratching the surface of this complex problem... Meanwhile, Rob Macaisa Colgate's poetry is beautiful and all, but what about the rest of us who aren't as 'disadvantaged' or 'marginalized'? It's not like we don't have our own stories to tell 
its like, we need more voices like him. anyway, i think its awesome that these awards are celebrating 10 years of supporting talented writers - we should be totes proud of our city! 
but in a good way, you know?