BRINGING YOUR BOOK TO REALITY is a dream that many have. But no matter how good of an idea, or how great the desire to create, writers often need a good, hard shove in the right direction. Susan Brauer, author of the disarmingly candid memoir JUST KEEP DANCING, joins us at Barbara’s to discuss the writing process, from concept, to editing, to sending your work out into the world. Call 312.413.2665 for details.

“IT’S MY TURN! One husband, seven children, four grandchildren and that makes me number thirteen,” is Oak Parker Julie Felicelli’s battlecry—and raising a children can be a battle. The love of family and friends, and their crazy adventures, are the starting point for this hilarious chronicle of motherhood, womanhood and humanhood. Remember, what laughter can’t fix a really, really good slice of pizza probably can.

At 59 Harold Snow, WWII naval veteran, has seen his share of hell. Now, serving as on a decrepit tanker whose papers are as suspect as its seaworthiness, he senses death creeping closer than ever before. As crewmates become enemies, and the ship is forced on more and more dangerous journeys, carrying volatile chemicals through rough seas, Snow will face a choice between life and death, damnation and redemption, at THE WESTERN LIMIT OF THE WORLD.

BITTER IS THE NEW BLACK: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-centered, Smart-ass, or Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office by Jen Lancaster is a laugh-out-loud, cautionary tale that explains what happens when a person who has defined herself by a semblance of success, and by designer goods, finds herself without status, a job, or store credit. This is brutally honest, yet oddly comforting, look at the life of an out of work overachiever.