Learn about Chicago authors at Books Between Bites
Batavia's monthly noontime book program, Books Between Bites, welcomes back frequent guest Rick Kogan Thursday, April 17. The free book discussion series is from noon to 1 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave.
Kogan, entertainment writer for the Chicago Tribune and host of WGN Radio's Sunday evening program "After Hours with Rick Kogan," has previously made 15 visits to Books Between Bites, first coming out to Batavia in 1994. Due to his hosting duties of the "Chicago LIVE" program, he has been unable to participate for the past three years.
For his first program in 1994, he discussed Chicago legend Nelson Algren. This year he will discuss two other great Chicago writers who are often overlooked: Willard Motley and John Bartlow Martin. In addition, he wants to talk about Chicago film critic Roger Ebert.
Motley (1909-1965) was born in Chicago and published a column in the Chicago Defender under the pen name Bud Billiken. His first and best known novel was "Knock on Any Door." He also wrote "Let No Man Write My Epitaph." Both of these novels were turned into movies.
Martin (1915-1987) wrote for Saturday Evening Post, Colliers, Life, Atlantic Monthly and Harper's. In 1952 he became a speechwriter for Adlai Stevenson and wrote his biography, "Adlai Stevenson and the World." He later worked for John and Robert Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Hubert Humphrey. He lived in Highland Park for more than 40 years and wrote many other books of nonfiction.
The public is invited to attend this free program and reservations are not required. It is held in the large community room on the main level of the Batavia Public Library. Parking is available in the lot just south and adjacent to the library.
People are invited to bring their lunch and eat as they enjoy the program and discussion. Lunch items, beverages and baked goods can be purchased at Chapters Coffeehouse & Café, just inside the library.
For more information about Books Between Bites, visit booksbetweenbites.com or call (630) 482-9157. The complete schedule can be found on the website and printed season schedules are available at Batavia Public Library in the entry hall kiosk.