One of the best things about growing older is the unexpected wave of wistfulness, coming from the music of one’s youth. Even before I read Doug E. Jones’ “Take Me Back to Chicago” I was enchanted – thanks to the title of his book which is also the title of a favorite song, courtesy of the band Chicago and singer Peter Cetera. So many of the musical references in Doug’s book made me smile…and sing along. Ear worms planted in my head as I read. If you missed last week’s podcast chat with Doug, check it out here. So good!
I haven’t lived in Chicago all my life, but I’ve been in these parts long enough to appreciate what the city and surrounding suburbs have to offer. Many times, when I read a book written by an Eckhartz Press author I soak up snippets of Chicago legend, lore and/or trivia – and I smile.
I loved Robert Conlon’s “Celtic Knot” and Rick Kaempfer’s “The Loop Files”, for example, for wildly different reasons. Bob’s book tells the story of his Irish family making their way in Chicago through storytelling about his grandfather. And “The Loop Files”? Publisher and author Rick Kaempfer brought vintage pop culture alive, giving readers and longtime fans of the beloved radio station – “The Loop” – WLUP – an inside peek into the glory days of Chicago rock and the legends who gave the era plenty of spice.
I can’t neglect one of my favorite books of the year, “The Kiss of Night” from author Mark Wukas. A thrill ride set in Chicago…a story you’ll love with characters who sink into your head and heart, lingering long after the last page.
If you’re a diehard Cubs fan – whether you hail from Chicago or not – Rick’s “Every Cub Ever” should be in your library. Since its publication last spring, we’ve kept our copy nearby – a great “coffee table book” – while the hubby Paul and I enjoyed Cubs games on TV.
Coming up after the holidays, Wynne Leon and I will share a fresh podcast episode when we drop our chat with Gloria Golec (yep, another wonderful Eckhartz author) who wrote a love letter of a book about her Polish family in “South Side Memories”. Whether your immigrant family hailed from Poland or another distant land, you’ll love the connection you’ll feel with Gloria’s story and anecdotes galore about her hard-working parents and extended family. So very good.
Wynne and I love talking with writers. We’ve grateful, not only to the Eckhartz authors featured in this post, but to our fabulous WordPress family, too. The creative and talented podcast guests who allowed us to highlight their books, stories, poetry, projects and perspectives. An honor and a privilege.
Wondering what to gift that certain someone who has everything and needs nothing? Consider tuning into our author podcasts for details on how to purchase books we’ve loved. Links and info are part of every podcast on Sharing the Heart of the Matter and on How to Share (see below) and for Eckhartz Press authors, go direct to the website to purchase. Supporting independent, hometown publishers = feel good vibes this holiday season.
Happy Holidays!
-Vicki 💝
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Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue”.
Victoria Ponders 
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