Celebrate 10 Years of the Chicago Review of Books!
The Chicago Review of Books turns 10 in 2026!
To celebrate this milestone, we’re planning a year of special features, resources, and events. Here’s a snapshot of what you can look forward to throughout 2026:
The New Chicago Renaissance series: In this monthly series, we’re honoring our city’s flourishing arts scene in the past 10 years that has led to a new literary renaissance in Chicago. Read literary icons like Rebecca Makkai, Sandra Cisneros, Nathan Hill, and more as they write passionately about a Chicago book that they hold dear and what it means for understanding the city in this moment.
The Chicago Writers Showcase: In this new annual event, we invite Chicago authors to read from their upcoming books to give readers an exclusive first-look at what’s coming from our literary community.
Community Resources: Looking for the best Chicago bookstores? How about an open mic where you can test out your latest work? Join us all-year-long for a series of resources writers and book lovers can lean on to better understand the literary scene in Chicago.
Contributor spotlights: For 10 years, we’ve been honored to work with an incredible group of long-time contributors who left a mark on our review and the book world overall. In our spotlight series, we’ll introduce you to them and explore their criticism in depth.
Events, events, events: From a special AWP panel to parties, meet the CHIRB team in person and help us celebrate this milestone together.
CHIRB merch: Want to wear your love for the review wherever you go? You’re in luck! We’re working on some limited edition CHIRB merch, so stay tuned for more info to come!
Share your love for the CHIRB: If you’re an author, publisher, contributor, or reader with a kind word to share, we’d love to hear from you. Email chicagorevofbooks10year@gmail.com with a few written sentences or a short video about why you love the review for a chance to be featured on our social media accounts!
Celebrate with the Chicago Review of Books all year long! Stay tuned regularly on the site and on our social media as we drop special work to honor this important milestone.
