Year in Review 2016 Archives

Stuff we read—and liked!—in 2016

A list of the books that surprised, enlightened, and delighted Reader reviewers

During the past year, the city’s biggest institutions exhibited more overtly political work.

Film

The Reader’s J.R. Jones picks his favorite movies of the year.

Amazon is coming, but the indies have built a true community for the city’s readers

How Mike Sula spent the year eating the pain away

From Theater on the Lake to spaceship on the park, 2016 was a weird time in the city.

More than ever it’s important to recognize the women who stand out among bland stand-ups.

Controversies over abuse, alleged druggings, and “whitewashing” roiled even as Shakespeare 400 Chicago soared.