Michael Welch

Jan 7, 2025 | sailingworld.com | Michael Welch

We all know what happens when six champion one-design keelboat teams meet in the British Virgin Islands to race for glory in 43-foot bareboats of dubious equality. It’s a whole lotta fun, frustration and challenges by the day, but it’s one heck of a sailing adventure that comes with an equal-size rum buzz.

Jan 3, 2025 | chireviewofbooks.com | Michael Welch

2025 is officially here, and so is my favorite, unruly, incomprehensibly long rundown of the books coming out this year from Chicago authors! When I started making this series three years ago, it was because I worried that the Chicago Review of Books was missing the full breadth of writing that was coming out of this city. Our reach and focus at the review are international, but our heart will forever be with Chicago.

Jan 2, 2025 | chireviewofbooks.com | Michael Welch

Happy New Year from the Chicago Review of Books!Whether your resolution is to read more or you’re simply looking for a good book to start the year off right, there’s a lot to be excited for in the first month of 2025.

Nov 1, 2024 | chireviewofbooks.com | Michael Welch

Let me start with quite the understatement: This November is a stressful, stressful, stressful month. Here at the Chicago Review of Books, we hope your month is marked by two things: action and care. For our American readers, that means getting out to vote and showing your love to yourself and your community. Now to the topic of books: We hope that the books below will bring you hours of escape and delight. Lose yourself in these captivating stories and studies of our Earth’s marvels.

Oct 1, 2024 | chireviewofbooks.com | Michael Welch

October is finally here, which can only mean one thing…it’s time for some spooky reads! This month is awash with both seasonally appropriate and yearlong delights, from a surprise new novel from Jeff VanderMeer to plenty of debuts and long-awaited returns! There are plenty of ways to celebrate the start of fall, so why not start with these 12 must-read books?