Hello from Chicago!

During this summer of record-breaking temperatures, I hope you’re staying cool and making a dent in your “To Be Read” stack. I must confess mine has increased by a few books I couldn’t resist even though my reading time competes and frequently loses out to summer events in the city. Unfortunately, more daylight doesn’t mean more hours in the day which would come in handy this time of year. And August is shaping up to be especially busy. I’m honored to have been invited to be one of the featured authors at Irish Fest in Milwaukee. Irish Fest is a 3-day festival drawing about 130,000 people celebrating all things Irish in a beautiful setting along the shores of Lake Michigan. A week after returning home, I’ll be leaving for Bouchercon in Nashville. Last year the conference held in San Diego was outstanding and I’m sure this year in “Music City” will be too.

Shawn’s Special 17^th Strategy

June 17^th – Once the printing hub of the Midwest, Printer’s Row is now an up-and-coming neighborhood in downtown Chicago. Many buildings used by printing and publishing businesses have been converted into residential lofts. Although I wasn’t here on a Saturday to enjoy the Farmer’s Market, I was happy to revisit two places where I haven’t been since the pandemic. Sandmeyer’s Bookstore, pictured above, is everything an independent bookstore should be. And nearby is Yarnify, best described as a haven for beautiful yarn. Books and yarn . . .talk about temptation!

July 17^th – No, I didn’t sneak off on safari earlier this month. I just hopped on the #151 bus and got off at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicagoans are fortunate to be able to observe a wide variety of animals at the fourth oldest zoo in North America and one of the few with free admission. Since I was born under the sign of Leo, I had to get a photo of this awesome guy.

This book was an impulse buy. I was browsing in the “True Crime” section at a new Barnes & Noble. (Although I prefer to shop at independent bookstores, filling an empty storefront next to a Trader Joe’s does benefit the neighborhood.) I don’t consider myself a true crime addict, but I am a fan because truth is often stranger than fiction. Forensic Files is proof. I agree with the back cover blurb by New York Times best-selling author M. William Phelps – “Brutally honest, no holds-barred story telling . . . Renner brilliantly covers all the bases here.”

Sailing School lessons in Belmont Harbor on a summer’s day. Perhaps in a few years, some of these students will be participating in the annual 333-mile Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. First run in 1898, it’s the oldest freshwater distance race in the world.

Until next time—Here’s wishing you books, yarn, a trip to the zoo or whatever brings a smile to your face. Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Slainte!

Shawn