Ralph Waldo Emerson
Christine Richman
Why Pascal pour Elle?
“ WALKING INTO PASCAL POUR ELLE IS LIKE ENTERING A FRIEND’S HOME. WE ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED WITH PROFESSIONAL GREETINGS AND WARM SMILES. AND THEN WE ARE TREATED TO THE BEST STYLISTS THE CHICAGO AREA OFFERS. WE WILL ALWAYS BE CLIENTS TO THIS WONDERFUL SALON.”
It’s like entering a friend’s home.
JUST BOUGHT & SOLD WITH CORY ALBIANI
“I couldn’t have chosen a better REALTOR® than Cory. Cory is the kind of REALTOR® you feel ‘lucky’ to have. You just know you’re in good hands. I, unexpectedly, had to buy and sell within two months. Cory got the job(s) done! I am now living in my dream home. I had never bought or sold a home, and he made the process so manageable. It was an extremely stressful time in my life and Cory guided me along the entire way. He kept in constant communication with me, and I was always well informed. My mom and dad are now using Cory to buy their next place to live. His calm and patient manner, along with his great business sense, is well worth it. His experience speaks volumes. We’re glad to keep him in the family!”
—Aimee Farkas, Highland Park
HIGHLAND
Loyola
LIFESTYLE & ARTS
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
NORTH SHORE DOINGS
EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
OCTOBER 8 TO 26
NIGHT OF 1,000 JACK O’LANTERNS
Experience Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual autumn event, held October 8 to 12; 15 to 19; and 22 to 26. This ticketed display of Jack o’Lanterns includes food and drink items available for sale, themed Jack o’Lantern carvings, and demonstrations by artists. chicagobotanic.org
OCTOBER 11
STEWS AND BREWS
Stews and Brews returns for its fourth year at Port Clinton Square. Held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., this free event is for all ages and includes a chili cookoff, beer fest, pot pies, stews, a variety of soups, and more. enjoyhighlandpark.com
OCTOBER 11 TO 23
101ST ANNUAL ART SHOW
The North Shore Art League’s 101st annual art show will have art on display at the Community House in Winnetka. Featured pieces will be from member artists and faculty. northshoreartleague.org
OCTOBER 11 TO 31
DEBRA DELBECQ'S GALLERY
Stop into Vivid Art Gallery to see Indiana artist Debra Delbecq's work through the end of the month. Her paintings are threaded with the changing rhythms of each season and daily weather patterns over the fields of her farm. vividartgallery.net
OCTOBER 12
KENILWORTH WALKING TOUR
Kenilworth Historical Society presents its annual walking tours to explore the wide range of architec-
tural styles throughout the village. The two-hour tour begins at 1:30 p.m. and meets at the Kenilworth Train Station. Tickets may be purchased online. kenilworthhistory.org
OCTOBER 15
JOSSELYN’S COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE
Josselyn invites you to an evening of celebration and impact at its signature fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting Josselyn programming. This event will be held at the Glen View Club in Golf. josselyn.org
OCTOBER 16 & 30
SIT AND KNIT
Spend an afternoon with fellow knitters from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Northfield Public Library. All levels of experience are welcome. Basic supplies will be available and a library staff member will be present to help beginners. Registration is required. wnpld.org
OCTOBER 17
TRUNK OR TREAT
From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the community is invited to join the Lake Bluff Park District and Lake Bluff Library for the village’s annual Trunk or Treat event at Blair Park. Children are invited to dress up, trick or treat, and explore creatively decorated trunks in a safe, festive setting. Individuals may also register their trunk for free and join the fun. lakeblufflibrary.org
OCTOBER 17
DAMIEN
Come see a one-man show starring radio personality Wayne Messmer as Father (St.) Damien. The performance is at 7 p.m. at Church of St. Mary in Lake Forest. Tickets are available online. churchofstmary.org
OCTOBER 18
GORTON’S OKTOBERFEST
The Gorton Center hosts its annual Oktoberfest fundraiser with an evening of food, drink, and entertainment. All fundraising proceeds will benefit Gorton’s cultural and educational programs. gortoncenter.org
OCTOBER 22
PAPER CRAFT JACK O’LANTERN
Learn how to make paper craft Jack o’Lanterns with the Silhouette cutter at Wilmette Public Library. All ages are welcome to this program and it runs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Computer skills are required. wilmettelibrary.info
OCTOBER 23
SAVOR AND SHARE COOKBOOK CLUB
From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., join the Savor and Share Cookbook Club at Northfield Library to create a dish from one of the featured cookbooks listed on the event page and share it with fellow chefs. Registration is required. wnpld.org
OCTOBER 23
TEEN COOKING CLUB
From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., teens can enjoy an afternoon at Cooking Club at Highwood Library & Community Center. This month’s recipe will be for edible spiderwebs made out of pretzels and chocolate. Ideal ages for this program are 11 to 18. highwoodlibrary.org
OCTOBER 24
TRICK OR TREAT TREK
From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., travel through Highwood for a trick or treat. Visit participating businesses and take part in Halloweethemed experiences around town. cityofhighwood.com
OCTOBER 24
CANDY STROLL
The annual Halloween Candy Stroll returns to the Ravinia District of Highland Park from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. This free family event includes festive fall decor, pumpkin photo ops, Halloween music, vendors, and more. Trick or Treat bags are available and kids can visit participating shops for candy. enjoyhp.com
OCTOBER 25
ST. JUDE DREAM CHICAGO
At 5 p.m., St. Jude will be taking over The Old Post Office, featuring food booths, bars, and activities for guests to visit, enjoying unique experiences and tastings from Chicago’s best restaurants. This fundraising event will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. stjude.org
OCTOBER 26
ARTEMIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA FREE CONCERT
Enjoy a free concert at Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park at 3 p.m. Reserve seats online. artemischamberorchestra.org
OCTOBER 27
TRICK OR TREAT AT THE LIBRARY
Children, teens, and adults can come to Lake Bluff Library during the week before Halloween for trick-or-treat. Check in with staff at the first floor circulation desk for treats. Costumes are optional but encouraged. lakeblufflibrary.org
OCTOBER 30
HALLOWEEK IN THE STUDIO
Stop in the Wilmette Public Library from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to work on your Halloween costume. Costume construction supplies will be available. Ideas and works in progress are welcome. wilmettelibrary.info
NOVEMBER 2
FALL CONCERT
The Music Institute of Chicago is hosting its Fall Fundraiser Concert at 3 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall. Donations are encouraged and there will be a photo booth, meet and greet, and sweet treats following the concert. musicinst.org
NOVEMBER 5
REVEL HOLIDAY
BOUTIQUE
Club of Hearts Presents Revel 2025, its fourth annual holiday shopping boutique at North Shore Country Club from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Gather your friends for a day of festive holiday shopping featuring more than 25 specially curated vendors, raffle, and a fun-filled community atmosphere. All proceeds benefit Charles H. Walsh Sr. Academy & Career Tech High School. clubofheartsil.com
NOVEMBER 8
MATTHEW HAGLE: JESTERS AND GARGOYLES
At 7:30 p.m., Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Concert Hall will host pianist Matthew Hagle for a night of humor and harmony. Tickets are $35 for general admission. musicinst.org
NOVEMBER 14 TO JANUARY 4
LIGHTSCAPE
The enchanting afterdark illuminated trail created just for the Chicago Botanic Garden dazzles with brand new installations from around the world and vistas transformed with light, art, and music. On November 19, December 4, and January 2, enjoy a festive, adults-only evening where you can let your merry side shine, complete with specialty cocktails and mocktails. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape
NOVEMBER 16
KENILWORTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY FALL OPEN HOUSE
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., join Kenilworth Historical Society for an open house. Visitors can tour exhibit space, and request information about their Kenilworth homes. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required. kenilworthhistory.org
NOVEMBER 20
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital hosts its annual Holiday Boutique at the Forester Hotel with an opening night on Thursday, November 20, followed by two full days of shopping on Friday, November 2, and Saturday, November 22. lfhwomensboard.nm.org.
To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.
Stews and Brews
BY BILL MCLEAN THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PFOERTNER
RAMBLERS ON
Loyola Academy’s young spikers stun top-ranked Mother McAuley High School in a Girls Catholic Athletic Conference match.
Come state-playoff seeding time next month, the Loyola Academy (LA) girls’ volleyball match result on September 18 will stick out like a sore thumb.
But nothing about it from the Ramblers’ standpoint was painful. And that figurative thumb? It’ll still be pointing straight up.
LA shocked visiting Mother McAuley High School (MMHS) 25-20, 25-16 in a Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) match in Wilmette on that date. The Might Macs—Illinois’ Class 4A state champions in 2022 and 2023—had entered the contest undefeated and ranked No. 1 in Illinois and in the top 10 nationally.
“The girls started to believe in themselves, in the process, and in the system after the win,” recalls LA coach Lionel Ebeling, whose young, 15-member varsity squad features only four seniors. “Volleyball is a sport of momentum; we had the going for us. Plus, we played a clean match.”
LA junior outside hitter Audrina Harvey paced the Ramblers’ attack with seven kills, followed by senior setter/hitter Brea Payne’s six and junior outside hitter Lauren A’Hearn’s five. The Southeastern Louisiana University-bound Payne also had six assists and three blocks.
Ramblers senior defensive specialist Alexa Campbell finished with a team-high 12 digs, and junior setter Grace Mikal lofted 11 assists. Other LA contributors: junior middle Karol Mordasiewicz (two kills, three blocks); junior middle Makenzie Nash (three blocks); and junior outside hitter Kaelyn Pasma (two kills).
“A big win like that, it showed our potential,” Ebeling says.
But LA struggled in another home GCAC match on October 2, falling to St. Ignatius College Prep 25-17, 25-13. The hosts smacked one ace and committed five service errors.
“The good thing that came out of that match was, it kept us humble,” says the ever-positive Ebeling. “We can beat any team in the state. We also can lose to any team in the state if we don’t play clean volleyball.”
Payne, one of Ebeling’s four captains, excels as a facilitator and as an attacker.
“She’s a big-time setter, with an aggressive mental ity,” says Ebeling, whose crew had an overall record of 15-9 and a GCAC mark of 3-1 through October 6. “Teammates feed off Brea’s energy.”
Harvey, who has visited Emory University in Geor
gia, serves as the Ramblers’ “most efficient hitter,” says Ebeling.
“An offensive force,” the coach adds. “Her hits are scary because she hits the ball so hard.”
The 6-foot-1 Mordasiewicz stymies attacks upfront and, like Payne and Harvey, has what it takes to compete at the next level.
Ebeling moved co-captain Campbell, listed as a defensive specialist, to libero a few weeks ago, and she’s thriving at the position.
“What I like so much about Alexa is how well she reads plays,” Ebeling says. “She sometimes comes out of nowhere to scoop a kill attempt for a big save.”
LA’s lone sophomore on varsity, defensive and jump float serve specialist Hannah Kreutz, has emerged as one of the team’s most reliable serv -
Trevor Martay
Brea Payne
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#HASHTAG
EDITED BY REDDING WORTH ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL
#ON MY NIGHTSTAND
The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy. I love reading classic novels. The stories are so deep, meaningful, and worthwhile.
Raising her four children in six different states provided LISA WALSH with the opportunity to learn that while we may often be too busy or lack the network to make large-scale changes to the world, we can still add value to it in meaningful ways through the little things we do. For Walsh, her areas of impact were focused on how she cared for her family and the contributions she made to the communities in which she lived. Having established roots in Lake Forest over the past eight years, one of her community endeavors has been with the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest, where she has served as president for the past two years. Gardening has evolved into a passion for Walsh as she enjoys cooking with the freshest ingredients and has witnessed over the years how crucial it is for her children's wellbeing to spend time outdoors. With mounting evidence linking diets to overall health, she aimed to instill in her children from an early age an appreciation for the origins of their food and a love for vegetables and fresh, healthy meals. Being part of a garden club enables Walsh to expand her knowledge of gardening and engage with like-minded gardeners. In her role as president, she is overseeing projects of restoring Belvedere Garden at Lake Forest Beach, documenting Mettawa Manor for the Garden Club of America’s (GCA) Smithsonian Archives, building a community garden for seniors at Dickinson Hall, and supporting the Lake Forest public school gardens in collaboration with a program called Gardening 2 Grow. During her presidency, the garden club took a major step and was inducted into the GCA as its 200th member. This was an important move for the club as the GCA is a prestigious organization providing leadership in horticulture, conservation, creative arts, historic preservation, and environmental protection. Over the years thinking locally has become a motto Walsh believes can apply to all aspects of our lives—whether it’s in sourcing our foods or where you choose to make your mark on the world. Here is how this gardening enthusiast stays current in a busy world.
#ON MY MOBILE
Deliciously Ella by Ella Mills, an award-winning author and entrepreneur who promotes plant-based eating. I am not vegan, but her recipes are healthy and delicious, and I love her story.
#IN MY EARBUDS
My music is activity dependent. When I’m cooking my go-to is French ambiance music. If I am running by myself, I listen to my daughter’s eclectic running playlist that includes everything from Bon Jovi to M.I.A. to The Sugarhill Gang and Billy Ray Cyrus.
BY THOMAS CONNORS
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
Growing up in Arlington Heights, artist Christine Richman was the “odd bird” in a house of four kids.
“My mom loves to tell the story of finding me at age 3, surrounded by ‘textures’ I’d collected from around the house—carpet scraps, curtain tassels, bits of my hair, even the cat’s fur. I’ve never known a time when I wasn’t making something.”
That penchant was no passing phase. Richman went on to earn a BFA in Painting from Indiana University, where she spent three mornings a week drawing a figure for hours at a time.
“Those sessions felt like meditation, rare stillness for someone who’s never been naturally still,” she recalls. “But while I valued the discipline of life drawing, I often wanted to push beyond realism, pulling narratives from imagination and instinct. At the time, I was hesitant to go abstract—that came later, in my 40s, when I began embracing layered materiality and letting my process feel more cyclical, intuitive, and, at times, a little feral.”
After graduating, Richman took a job at a newly launched ad agency, Element79. The idea was to work for a year or two before going for another degree.
“Within a year, I became an art director, traveling the world for TV ad shoots and collaborating with writers to solve creative problems,” says Richman. “I worked there until I had my first son, then freelanced for many Chicago agencies on brands like PepsiCo, Gatorade, Aquafina, Quaker Oats, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. It was a period of
fast thinking, high energy, and learning how to bring a vision from concept to reality.”
After 15 creative years in the business world, Richman returned to the studio and encountered the personal challenges that come with facing a canvas, rather than the demands of building a brand.
“When I returned to the studio, I had to unlearn the urge to think like a client-pleaser and remember how to create for myself,” she says. “Once I shook off that mindset, my work became more personal, rooted in the hidden threads and unruly poetics I’ve always been drawn to.”
In her college days, Richman spent a year studying in Florence, Italy, a
period she describes as transformative.
“Standing before a Caravaggio and feeling the pull of his chiaroscuro was electrifying. It confirmed what I now understand as a core truth in my work—light and shadow are not just compositional tools, they are metaphors for perception, transformation, and the thresholds we move through—the seen and unseen.”
Danielle, acrylic/watercolor/charcoal/ink.
Figure study 11.6, charcoal on paper.
Some of Richman’s most compelling pieces are images that combine abstraction and the figure, works that intimate a sense of narrative yet stand powerfully as purely visual experiences.
“My sketchbooks have long been filled with abstractions of space, of energy, of thought. One day, looking at a life drawing I wasn’t satisfied with, I realized I wanted more than anatomy,” she says. “I wanted to reveal the
Largest at the Guggenheim Museum was like being hit by a wave of joy and clarity—pure color, pure vision.”
Represented by Highland Park’s Laughlin Gallery, UNREPD in Los Angeles, and Cloth & Kind Gallery in Athens (where she’ll be debuting a collection of painted lamp shades), Richman lives with her husband and two sons in Wilmette.
“One of the best parts of moving here was
vibrance, resilience, and mystery of the female form, to let it read as pure form and energy, a parallel to the natural world. It was the first real collision of my abstract impulses with my traditional training, and it opened a whole new visual language for me.”
Color—bright, forceful color—plays a key role in her work, as well.
“I’m drawn to bold, unapologetic color,” says Richman, who cites the “fearless palette” of German artist Tina Berning and the “visionary spirit” of the once obscure, now celebrated Swedish artist and mystic Hilma af Klint as inspirations. “Standing before Klint’s The Ten
finding our house, a 1920s gem that feels like it was built by wonderfully eccentric people. It’s bold, quirky, and a little bit locked in time,” she says. “My favorite part is the coach house above the garage. That’s my studio, the space that coaxed me back into painting and sculpting after years away. Every day I walk out there, surrounded by light and history, and it feels like I’m stepping into a world entirely my own.”
For more information, visit christinerichman.com or follow @christinerichman.
Greenwood, oil on canvas.
Nicola, acrylic/ink/charcoal on paper.
Adara, acrylic/charcoal/ink on paper.
EDITED BY ALLISON MELONE THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
These fashion and beauty looks are fresh off the runway.
Experience exceptional living in this beautifully designed home by Thomas Eddy Tallmadge, with renovations by Paul Konstant. Located just steps from shops, restaurants, and the Metra train, this residence offers four levels of exquisite living spaces perfect for both grand entertaining and relaxed daily life. The main floor features a gracious living room, elegant dining room, a stunning chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, large island and high-end appliances and a sun-filled breakfast area overlooking the patio and yard. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining with the family room opening to the grilling terrace. The second floor boasts a luxurious primary suite and three additional bedrooms, while the third floor provides a light-filled retreat with two bedrooms and a spacious bonus room. The fully renovated lower level includes a media room, playroom, bar, sauna, and bath. A three car attached garage with walk-up storage loft above adds to the convenience of this incredible home. Set in a park-like property ideal for alfresco dining and summer gatherings, this home combines charm with true functionality in a prime location.
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joanne.hudson@compass.com
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Local fabricator brings quality, efficiency, and trust to every window installation
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHICAGO WINDOW GUYS
Windows do more than frame the view. They define curb appeal, protect against Chicago’s harsh climate, and play a central role in energy efficiency. Replacing outdated or leaky windows can improve a home’s efficiency by up to 30 percent, cutting drafts and preventing mold.
That’s where Chicago Window Guys (CWG) comes in.
Founded by Russell Armstrong, the company operates its own manufacturing plant in Chicago and brings decades of experience to every project. Having installed thousands of windows across the city and suburbs, Armstrong and his team know how to match the right product to each home’s needs.
“We offer the best product, with the best installation at the best price — guaranteed,” Armstrong says. “Because we manufacture here, we control costs and timelines, ensuring jobs are done on schedule and at a much lower cost than our competition, without sacrificing quality.”
CWG backs those promises with a price-match guarantee
and a lifetime warranty on all parts and labor, including glass breakage — rare in this industry. Armstrong adds: “We don’t play the ‘Buy one, get one free’ sales game. Our prices are straightforward and consistently lower for a better product and installation.”
CWG windows feature Argon/Krypton gas fills, multiple low-E coatings, foam-filled frames, and non-metal spacers to prevent seal failure. Every window is measured and made to order — from bow and bay to garden and projection styles. Installations are handled exclusively by CWG crews, never subcontractors.
Armstrong also makes every sales call himself, eliminating long presentations, commissions, and high-pressure tactics. “Over the years, we’ve built our reputation on happy customers who refer friends and family,” he says.
For more information, call Russ directly at 847-302-9171, or visit chicagowindowguys.com.
SKINNY SOUP (VEGETARIAN PHO)
BY MONICA KASS ROGERS FOOD EDITOR
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
I call this delightful bowl “skinny soup” because, full of fresh vegetables, fragrant broth, and rice noodles, it is filling without being high in calories.
Free of gluten, wheat, dairy, and fat, the soup cooks up in less than half an hour. To make it, you’ll use a good quality glutenfree vegetable stock with aromatics and spices (ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise, and clove) added to deepen the flavor and scent. As the broth simmers, add fresh prepared veggies and a handful of rice noodles. Simmer until softened, and finish with an herb, bean sprout, red pepper, and lime garnish.
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
For the broth:
• 6 cups gluten-free vegetable stock
• 2 garlic cloves, peels discarded, thinly sliced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peel discarded, thinly sliced
• 2 small cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 2 cloves
• 1 tablespoon wheat-and gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
• 1 kaffir lime leaf OR 1 bay leaf
• 1 small white onion, halved and slivered
• Fresh dill, for garnish
For veg and noodles:
• 3 small carrots, peels and tops discarded, cut into thin julienne strips
• 1, 150-gram package of white shimeji mushrooms, broken into small pieces
• 4 scallions, ends trimmed, sliced thin
• 1 handful of rice noodles (about 6 ounces)
For garnish:
• 1 cup very fresh mung bean sprouts
• ½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• Small bunch fresh mint
• Small bunch cilantro
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• 1 sweet or spicy red pepper, seeded and cored, diced
Serves 4
METHOD
Make stock:
In a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat, add vegetable stock, garlic, ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, onion, and soy. Heat to boiling. Immediately reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 20 minutes. Pluck out and discard the cinnamon sticks, ginger, star anise, and cloves, leaving the onion and garlic.
Add veggies and noodles:
Add carrots and simmer for 4 minutes until tender. Add mushrooms, scallions, and rice noodles. Simmer another minute or two until noodles are soft.
Serve:
Ladle soup into serving bowls, dividing noodles, onion, mushrooms, and carrots equally. Add bean sprouts, basil, mint, and cilantro to each bowl. Serve with chopped red pepper and wedges of lime at the table.
EDITED BY ALLISON MELONE
764 Boal Parkway, Winnetka
Nestled between the serene Skokie Lagoons and the lush Winnetka Golf Club, this exceptional three-bedroom, 3.1-bath home spans over 3,000 square feet of elegant living space. Located at the end of a peaceful lane, it features open interiors with hardwood floors, a striking fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that seamlessly connect to a year-round sunroom. With a prime location near schools, parks, dining, and transportation, it offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility.
MASTERFUL MAKKAI
Lake Bluff’s very own Rebecca Makkai has earned reams of writing awards over the decades, from her childhood’s local library as a budding scribe to The New York Times as a bestselling author.
BY BILL MCLEAN
ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT
Since 2012, Lake Bluff native and awardwinning novelist Rebecca Makkai has completed eight residencies at Ragdale in Lake Forest
Maybe more.
“I’ve lost count,” she says on the eve of heading to France to lead a mid-September writers’ retreat.
But the clever, bright Makkai, 47, has found that using numbers is the best way to capture the value of each stay at the historic artist residency and community for writers, visual artists, composers, and others.
“You’re there for 18 straight days, working 12 hours each day, without any interruptions,” says Makkai, a board member of the Ragdale Foundation. “For me, that’s the equivalent of working on a book for a year.”
It typically takes Makkai five years to write a novel. Her fourth, the mystery novel I Have Some Questions for You (Penguin Books), was published in 2023, debuted at No. 3 on The New York Times bestseller list, and spent six weeks on the list.
“Makkai’s powerhouse novel has all the draw and momentum of the wildly entertaining mystery that it is, but lurking behind the plot is a series of escalating existential questions about trauma, memory, and the evershifting terrain of the past,” a CrimeReads review reveals.
Her next novel will likely be published next year.
“It’s historical fiction—my first such book,” says Makkai, a Lake Forest Academy (LFA) graduate who lives on the campus with her husband, LFA English teacher Jon Freeman, and their two creative daughters (an LFA senior and freshman). “All I can tell you is, the novel is set in the U.S. in 1938.”
Between 1986 and 1991, when Makkai was in grade school and middle school, she submitted entries for the annual Lake Bluff Public Library writing contest and won it twice, finished runner-up once, and earned an
Honorable Mention once.
“I heard all of the winners’ entries are still there at the library, in the children’s books section,” she says. “That was encouraging, being recog nized like that for the first time as a writer. I knew, before my first year at Lake Forest Academy, that I’d pursue writing for career and no longer consider it a hobby.”
Makkai took five
“Every English teacher I had at LFA was fantastic,” she says. “Each was encouraging and inspiring, and each was open to creative writing—that’s not always the case with English
She earned her BA in English at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, and her master’s degree at Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English in Ripton, Vermont. In addition to writing novels and short stories, Makkai teaches creative writing and other classes—
Rebecca Makkai
“Every English teacher I had at Lake Forest Academy was fantastic. Each was encouraging and inspiring, and each was open to creative writing—that’s not always the case with English teachers.”
English courses at LFA, including two in her senior year.
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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
John Conatser
Michelle Crowe, Erin Donaldson, Cheyanne Lencioni, Dustin O'Regan, Kemmie Ryan, Megan Weisberg
FOOD EDITOR
Monica Kass Rogers
remotely and on campus—at several U.S. colleges, including Bennington College (Ver-
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Thomas Connors, Bill McLean, Redding Worth DESIGN
Natalie Phillips PRODUCTION MANAGER/ADVERTISING
COORDINATOR
Mimi Lee GRAPHIC DESIGNER
mont) and Northwestern University. She also serves as the artistic director at StoryStudio Chicago, a nonprofit literary arts organization focused on building a writing community.
“Writing,” Makkai says, “is 25 percent drafting and 75 percent revising. I certainly enjoy, and dread, parts of each stage. The early stage is fun, because you get to play and brainstorm. I spend a lot of time researching, too; I want to get things right.
“While researching,” she continues, “I learn all kinds of things, things that help me see avenues for the plot and character development.”
Her debut novel, The Borrower, was published in 2011. It’s about a young librarian who wants to help an avid reader, a 10-yearold boy, discover a world beyond his strict upbringing.
Makkai’s third novel, The Great Believers (2018), follows two storylines: One is set in Chicago during the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s/1990s, and the other is in Paris, 2015. The book won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and the LA Times Book Prize, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.
In 2024, The New York Times ranked The Great Believers one of The 100 Best Books of the 21st century.
Makkai rates the North Shore highly, too—for its beauty, for its architecture, and especially for its commitment to the arts.
“There were Lake Bluff connections with Poetry magazine,” she says. “The North Shore is home to wonderful bookstores, galleries, and concert venues. The art scene in Highland Park has always been strong, with incredible programming. I’ve always appreciated the abundance of arts that the North Shore has to offer. I feel fortunate.”
For more information about the author and her works, visit rebeccamakkai.com.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART
George Pfoertner, Katrina Wittkamp
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tom Bachtell, Barry Blitt ILLUSTRATION
ALL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO EDITORIAL@NSWEEKEND.COM
