Book Club Run of Becoming

Join Read & Run Chicago Programs Manager Fernanda Wetzel for a ~4-mile guided route through Hyde Park, stopping at various locations that shaped Michelle Obama’s trajectory from a South Shore student to a lawyer in the Loop and eventually, FLOTUS! After the run, join us for a book club discussion, snacks and drinks.

Here's what else you need to know:

PREPARE: For the best experience, we strongly recommend reading prior to attending this event. We encourage you to borrow a copy from your local branch of the Chicago Public Library (here's how to get a card if you don't have one). If you prefer to purchase the book, please visit your favorite indie bookstore or order online at our bookshop.org store.

MEET: Doors open at 1:45pm on Sunday, February 9. You'll check-in, write a name tag, and mingle with other readers & runners. Our program will begin promptly at 2:00pm and the route will take off by 2:10pm. Any late arrivals after 2:10pm should wait at the library until the group returns.

TRANSPORTATION:

• Paid street parking is available around the library branch.
• The Metra stops nearby at both 47th Street and 51st Street.
• Various CTA bus routes pass near this library branch.
• The nearest Divvy station is at Kenwood Community Park.

ROUTE: We will run an easy-paced (11:00 min/mile), ~4-mile route with several stops. Not planning to run? Cyclists, rollers, rollerblades, scooters, and more welcome (take care of your own safety, please!).

END: After the 4-mile guided run, we'll end at the library for a book club discussion with snacks and drinks.

NOTE: If you are planning to join only for the discussion portion, please plan to arrive at the library by 3pm.

All registered readers & runners will receive reminder emails and details 2 days and 4 hours prior to the event.

About your : Fernanda is an educator, baker, and runner who loves to read, cook, get crafty, and explore new places with her family and friends. She’s originally from Ecuador and has lived in Chicago for 22 years.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: If it becomes unsafe to run outside, we will hold an alternative version of the event indoors beginning at 2pm. You will be notified via email no later than 1pm on Sunday, February 9 if there are any changes to the event as listed here.

Read & Run Chicago is a chapter of Read & Run Tours, the country’s first and only organization that hosts running events inspired by books. Founded in 2021 by queer educator, freelance writer, and runner Allison Yates, the mission of Read & Run Tours, LLC and the city chapters is to use movement and stories to explore locations. Our community-focused run programming includes running tours, book club runs, author talks, and other literary-themed fun runs all inspired by books set in the cities where chapters are located, written by local authors. While connecting runners to the city’s stories, we also actively support literacy programs, public libraries, independent bookstores, and local authors.

In Chicago, we have hosted more than 60 events (in English and Spanish) for over 300 Chicagoans, featuring over 30 authors or local experts, and we have been featured in various media outlets including CNN, Runner’s World, Midwest Living, NBC’s Chicago Today, Fox32 Good Day Chicago, WGN Radio, Block Chicago, and more.

More information at readandrunchicago.com, Instagram, and Facebook.

Stay in touch: Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://www.readandrunchicago.com/contact-us

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Blackstone Branch, Chicago Public Library, 4904 South Lake Park Avenue, Chicago, United States