Broadcaster to discuss book on Cubs' triumph

When the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in November after a 108-year drought, it was a moment Cubs fans like journalist and broadcaster Scott Simon had dreamed of but never thought they'd see.

Now the award-winning host of NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday has written "My Cubs," a love letter to that triumph that will be released the week his team returns to play in Wrigley Field for the first time this season.

Fans can meet the author at a book-signing event at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Simon will speak about his book, answer questions, and sign copies of "My Cubs." The event is free; to join the book-signing line, purchase "My Cubs" at Anderson's Bookshop.

The book is Simon's personal, heartfelt reflections on his beloved Chicago Cubs, replete with club lore, memorable anecdotes, frenetic fandom, and wise and adoring intimacy that have made the world champion Cubbies baseball's most tortured - and now triumphant - franchise.

"My Cubs" chronicles Simon's adolescence in Chicago as a die-hard fan to tell the story of the relationship between the team and the neighborhood and city, and how the condition of Cubness has both charmed and haunted the lives of so many fans.

From theories and curses to jinxes and myths, Simon chronicles how a team of lovable losers inspired such fervor and dedication from their fans, and how their 2016 win transcended sports to become an underdog narrative for the nation.

Simon has reported from all over the world and from many wars. He is now the award-winning host of Weekend Edition Saturday. With more than 4 million listeners, it is the most-listened-to news program on NPR.

Simon has won a Peabody and an Emmy for his reporting and has more than 1.2 million followers on Twitter. He has been a contributor to NPR for more than 30 years.