Arguably Chicago's greatest writer- or at least my personal favorite- Nelson Algren, would be 100 this year. Have a look at this article that appeared in the LA Times, as well as the story in the Chicago Reader.

My favorite Algren books:
1 Somebody in Boots
2 Never Come Morning
3 Neon Wilderness
4 The Texas Stories
5 Chicago City on the Make
6 The Last Carousel
7 Nonconformity: Writing on Writing



Notice the absence of Walk on the Wild Side and Man With a Golden Arm. They're both, of course, are classics, but I have a preference for his earlier work, particularly that written during the Depression, as well as his short stories and essays. Also, if you can find a copy check out Conversations with Nelson Algren.