Meet the Authors March 12th 4pm
Renowned journalists Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride will discuss their new book,
For and Against a United Ireland,which provides an accessible and measured approach to the polarized debate about Irish unification. Each author argues the case for and against unity, questioning received wisdom and bringingfresh thinking to one of Ireland’s most intractable questions.For and Against a United Ireland was commissioned by
ARINS (Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South), a joint partnership of the University of Notre Dame and the Royal Irish Academy. The book was published to widespread praise in Ireland and in the UK by the Royal Irish Academy in late 2025. This event is the first stop on a book tour celebrating its U.S. publication by the University of Notre Dame Press.
Co-hosted by Devon and Yvonne Bruce and the
Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies.Cocktail Hour from 4:30 - 5:30, followed by the conversation.
Event capacity is limited. Please register
here by Monday, March 9.Join us in our event space
March 26th at 6 pm to hear the
Chicago Writers Association’s first public Live Lit reading event!
Young Chicago Writers Panel
April 2nd 6-7:30 pm
after-words is proud to present its first young authors panel with local writers. Meet these new voices in fiction.
Aiden Branss:
Aiden Branss is a 22-year-old author and the founder of Aiden Branss Books, a Chicago-based publishing company dedicated to providing a platform for young and diverse writers. He gained recognition for writing his first book, 2020! From A Teenagers POV, at age 16 during the COVID-19 lockdown. After facing numerous rejections from traditional publishers, he self-published and subsequently established his own company to help his friends and other Gen Z writers share their stories and experiences.
Jahkel Madison:
Jahkel Madison is an American author and a prominent voice within the Aiden Branss Books (ABB) publishing collective. He is the creator of the The PyroManiac series, a gritty young adult saga that follows the journey of an orphan gaining supernatural abilities amidst a quest for justice. Madison’s work is a cornerstone of the ABB mission to empower young writers and bring authentic, high-energy storytelling to a global audience.
Ureed Zaidi:
Ureed Zaidi is an author who has written 3 books under Aiden Branss Books. From sharing his personal story about moving from Pakistan to America in “The Short Kid From Pakistan,” to a convicted felon who is trying to get his life together in “Apollo Darwin,” and a story about a crazy treasure hunt with 2 young adults going all over the world in “Damaris and The Short Kid: The Hunt for the Golden Keys,” co written by author Daniel Castro. Ureed Zaidi is someone puts his heart and soul into every word he writes.
Deep Dish Reading April 9th 6-8:30 pm
Watch this space for the authors that will be doing featured and rapid-fire readings.
One Day. Fifty States. 1,600+ Bookstores.
JOIN US FOR THE 13TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY!
The last Saturday in April is Independent Bookstore day!
This national one-day party held the last Saturday in April
celebrates independent bookstores across the country online and in-store.
Through exclusive books and literary items, contests, cupcakes, and everything in between, it’s a party you don’t want to miss! We'll be updating this website as exclusive and ticketed events become available. Can't wait to see you!
Banned Books Club June 9th 6:30
From acclaimed author Malinda Lo comes a gripping, tender coming-of-age novel exploring identity, queerness, and historical upheaval set in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1950s.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club was the fourth most
banned book in schools during the 2024-25 school year.