The people are the news : Grant Pick's Chicago stories /
Grant Pick ; edited and with an introduction by John Pick ; foreword by Alex Kotlowitz.
- xiii, 277 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm
Drifters -- The rag man of Lincoln Park -- Brother Bill -- Like a rolling stone -- The power of the keys -- Off the beaten path -- A scholar treks the wasteland -- Bigot for hire -- Morning mouth -- Bosom buddies -- Business -- Cab sleuth -- Speed wash -- Dinner is served -- Stayin' alive -- Crime -- Growing old in prison -- It's insanity! -- Still doing time -- Death -- The queen is dead -- As I lay dying -- Life after death -- Death of a newsman.
"This distinctive collection features writings from Grant Pick’s long, distinguished career in literary journalism. Pick had a uniquely open eye and ear for people who were in difficult situations, doing extraordinary things, or both. Most of his stories focus on interesting but overlooked Chicagoans, like the struggling owner of a laundrymat on the west side or the successful doctor who, as he faced his own death from cancer, strove to enlighten his colleagues in the field of medecine. As only a lifetime Chicagoan could, he described in tender detail the worlds in which people lived or worked, providing a look not just at one city’s citizens but at humanity as a whole. Pick’s widow and son curate this showcase of some of his most well-remembered work, such as “The Rag Man of Lincoln Park” and “Brother Bill.” In these and all of his other works, Pick wrote from the front lines, speaking to people whom others might encounter everyday but never really see. He faithfully characterized his subjects, never denying them dignity or value and never judging them. In the mirror he held up to his city, Chicago could see the shared humanity of all its citizens."--Publisher description.
0810124459 9780810124455
2007035881
Chicago (Ill.)--Biography--Anecdotes Chicago (Ill.)--Social conditions--20th century--Anecdotes.