A People’s History of Chicago
Kevin Coval

The Truth – After reading this book, I found myself provoked by many of Kevin Coval’s powerful poems. “Lefties are at their happiest when they’re criticizing other lefties’ purity,” I scribbled in my journal. While that’s true, the incomplete, off-handed comment does a disservice to Coval’s work. After re-reading the book, I found myself still feeling provoked, still feeling pushed – but, also paying closer attention. Entertainment confirms what we know and comforts us. Art challenges our beliefs and confuses us. What will a third reading bring?