The latest news from Eckhartz Press, and a chance to peek into some of the great previous offerings from our humble little publishing company.
Three Chances to Meet Eckhartz Press Authors This Week!
=Your first chance is tomorrow night (Tuesday, July 21) at the VFW in Naperville for a West Suburban Irish event. Robert Conlon will be there discussing his book Celtic Knot.
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Slivers and Surviving Sue
=Thursday July 23 is the night you can meet Vicki Atkinson. She'll be appearing at the Round Lake Public Library from 6-7 PM.
=Thanks so much to Dan Dorfman at the Tribune for this great piece about Randy
Merkin and his new book, Beyond the Glass.
12 Steps and Tales of Fellowship
=Meet our latest author...
=Happy birthday to Eckhartz Press author Jeff Reiter! (July 20). Also, happy one-year anniversary to his book The Best of Words on Birds. We suspect Jeff will never forget this anniversary.
Birds raise our spirits and enrich our lives. For two decades, Jeff Reiter has been sharing that inspiring message with readers in the Chicago region, introducing them to the pleasures of birding through his entertaining and informative newspaper column, ‘Words on Birds.’ This collection of his best work is a joy to read, and I recommend it highly.”
“. . . a very special book for both those who share Jeff’s life-long love of birds, and for the newcomers who are catching up.”
“Jeff’s column in the Daily Herald has been delighting serious and occasional birders since 2008. A self-proclaimed bird nerd, he writes with charm, knowledge, and humor.”
“Each column stands on its own, but taken together they provide a great sense of how birds lead us to think about environmental and cultural issues that concern us all.”
“Jeff captures the joy, wonder, and often humor found in our birding encounters. This collection is a must-read for anyone who’s ever picked up binoculars or simply paused to listen to birdsong—a true celebration of birds, birders, and the stories that connect us.”
“Whether you enjoy watching feeder birds from a cozy armchair or travel the globe to find rare species, get ready for a lively and highly personal read that teaches, nurtures, and delights.”
“Jeff’s writing speaks to all birders and no doubt has created some new ones. He conveys the excitement of birding and reminds readers that birds need and deserve our protection.”
=Another Eckhartz Press author is celebrating a birthday this week (July 21) as well. Happy birthday to one half of the Patty & The Stump team, Spike Manton. He co-wrote (with Tim Clue) a children's book for us during 2016 that remains timely today. It's about dealing with political bullies. (Photo of Spike below with Eckhartz Press publisher Rick Kaempfer at Zanies in Chicago). Hopefully Spike's birthday this year will be better than last year's. He spent the afternoon delivering the eulogy at his good friend Harry Teinowitz's funeral.
=Another Eckhartz Press author had very close ties to Harry. Dan McNeil was the co-host of a very popular radio show with Harry called Mac, Jurko & Harry. They had a sometimes tense relationship (some of it described well in this 2004 piece in Lake Magazine), but both men considered each other a friend. This photo of Dan and Harry was taken by Eckhartz Press publisher Rick Kaempfer.
=This week (July 25) would have been Walter Payton's 73nd birthday. Dan McNeil did a deep dive in his book I Bear Witness about the greatest football player in history. He also included this memorable photo from the Bears heyday in the 1980s. It was given to him by the other Hall of Famer in the picture, Jimbo Covert.
=Considering that Walter Payton is the either the greatest or second greatest athlete in Chicago history, and our press is a Chicago press, it shouldn't surprise you to discover that three other books in our catalog also have great stories about Walter, The Loop Files (by Rick Kaempfer), Records Truly Is My Middle Name (by John Landecker) and Your Dime My Dance Floor (by Chet Coppock). We still miss Walter, but he lives on in the pages of these Eckhartz Press books.
=Got this note from Face Your Monster author Russ Fahrner this weekend. It's a good primer on his book, and an invite to his book launch party.
On June 12, 2024, I received a call from my primary care physician following a physical. The reason? A routine blood donation had been declined weeks earlier, and the explanation was now clear—my white blood cell count was dangerously elevated. Our Family Primary Care Physician did not hesitate to get a specialist to review the testing. Within days, an oncologist confirmed the life-altering diagnosis: Leukemia.
=One of the most famous news stories covered by the City News Bureau of Chicago happened this week (July 22) in 1934. Public Enemy #1, John Dillinger, attended a movie at the Biograph Theater. He was probably less than thrilled with the reception he received when he walked out the door. That story is told in the Eckhartz Press book Sirens in the Loop.
The Sun at the End of the Road
=This week in 2023 (July 26), Irish singer Sinead O'Connor passed away. Tony Fitzpatrick was quite moved by her passing and wrote an essay (Psalm for an Irish Girl) that is contained in The Sun at the End of the Road. Here is a small taste of that piece...
In the last few years of her life, there were sad reports of Sinéad’s mental health, tales of wandering the streets, going missing, the suicide of her son—a year to the day before her own passing. Fate dealt cruelty after cruelty, and people can only take so much. At no point was she given the benefit of the doubt. The press, thoughtlessly cruel; the music business, which almost immediately marginalized her; and, specifically, the American Catholic hierarchy, vindictive and petty, castigating her at every turn. The years aged her. In photos, one can sense her weariness; her luminous eyes, once like lamps in a fiery soul, had grown troubled and sad. She did her best. My friend Coley Newell, who grew up in Galway, likened her to a beautiful, dark Swan, trying to navigate a furious ocean with one leg. Godspeed, Sinéad.
=This is the accompanying piece of art...
=Richard Kind was at Wrigley Field this past week as part of John Mulaney's comedy concert. Richard posted about it on Facebook...
=This week is the anniversary of the concert that inspired a book cover. This photograph of The Flip Side was taken July 22, 1975, exactly 50 years ago. The line forming outside the original Flip Side record store on Foster Avenue was there to buy tickets to see The Rolling Stones. That whole story is told well in the pages of The Flip Side book.
=In 40 Years, 40 Films, Nick Digilio writes an essay about his favorite film of the year for every year he has been a film critic. This week in history (July 21), his favorite film of 2023 was released. I'm sure we all remember this one...
=The film based on the book Chili Dog MVP (My Father, Dick Allen) is very lucky to have an incredible narrator. Co-author (and executive producer of the film) David Fletcher explains why it's so meaningful...
=Because the book Chili Dog MVP looks back at Dick Allen's unforgettable 1972 season with the White Sox, all of Allen's teammates from that team are also featured. Here are three of them who have birthdays this week: Dick's brother Hank Allen (July 23), former Cub Moe Drabowsky (July 21), and Buddy Bradford (July 25). Only Buddy is still around. Hank died in 2023 and Moe died in 2006. (Photos from Topps)
=Yes, it's true that we did not do an updated EveryCubEver this year. Instead, we're getting free excerpts from the book coinciding with the birthdays of Cubs Hall of Famers. There are two of them this week: Johnny Evers (July 21) and Hoyt Wilhelm (July 26). Here are their entries from the book...
Johnny Evers 1881-1947 (Cubs 1902-1913, Cubs manager 1913)
Johnny Evers was the starting second baseman for the greatest Cubs team of all-time, the 1906-1910 dynasty. He got his nickname, the Crab, for the way he sidled up to grounders, but he lived up to his nickname in another way. Evers was only 120 pounds, but he was known as tough and humorless. For instance, he didn’t talk to the other half of his double play combination, shortstop Joe Tinker, for many
years. According to Evers, Tinker started the fight in 1907 by throwing a ball too hard at Evers, breaking his finger. Then he laughed…which is, of course, unforgivable. The two didn’t talk, other than what they needed to say on the field, for over thirty years. First baseman/manager Frank Chance also didn’t like to listen to Evers’ constant bitching. He once considered moving him to the outfield just so he didn’t have to hear him in his one good ear. The umpires didn’t like him either. He must have set the record for ejections after arguments with umpires. But Johnny Evers was a great fielder, a sparkplug on the offense, and despite his grumpy disposition, deserves his status as a member of baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Historical Note: The first Tinker to Evers to Chance double play occurred on September 15, 1902, at West Side Grounds. Only 260 fans were on hand for that momentous occasion.
Hoyt Wilhelm 1923–2002 (Cubs 1970)
The future Hall of Famer was 47 years old when the Cubs got him in 1970. He will be remembered for his great knuckleball, and his outstanding career as a reliever. When he retired he held the record for most games and wins in relief, and was the first relief pitcher to be named to the Hall of Fame. He won’t, however, be remembered for his days with the Cubs. He pitched in three games, amassed a very
impressive ERA of 9.82, and was traded after the season to the Braves. He is still the oldest player ever to play for the Cubs. Here’s a little bit of trivia about Hoyt: He hit a home run in his first major league at-bat, and never hit another one in 21 major league seasons.
=This week in 2019, EveryCubEver author Rick Kaempfer appeared on the Club 400 Podcast to talk about his book. The hosts of the show were blown away by the details. You can still hear it here.
In August I’m going to Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of standup split bill with a show called American Assholes: Escape to Edinburgh. It’s a homage to everything that makes us American, and also assholes, but also a reflecting mirror to Europeans, lest they feel like they try to think they’re any better than us! Edinburgh Fringe is the largest theater festival in the world, but shouldering the load with two incredibly smart and talented people - Dannielle Slaughter and Wayne Charles II - has made the process fun. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is August 20th - 29th. Tickets are here.
=Since her book came out, Lauren has become a podcast star in her own right. Her podcast on the Radio Misfits podcast network is called Misfits Makin' It.
=This is always a great way to get to know the author and the book. It's a Q&A with author Jim Slusher about his 2024 book To Nudge the World, which became our 14th book recognized by the Chicago Writer's Association.
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=Yes, that's Eckhartz Press author (Last Comiskey) Ken Smoller with the ultimate White Sox spokesperson, the one and only Ozzie Guillen. We thank Ozzie for his support of this project!
=The subtitle to Pat Colander's book is And Other True Tales of Life and Death in Chicago. One of those true tales involves the former Chicago medical examiner Dr. Robert Stein. He was born this week in history (July 20, 1911). Pat's story about him will stick in your head. This illustration of Dr. Stein by Dave Mosele is also featured in the book.
=This week in 2018, Eckhartz Press author Richard Reeder debuted his promotional video for his book 1001 Train Rides in Chicago.
=One of the biggest stars in WLUP (The Loop) history was Sky Daniels. Sky is a big contributor to The Loop Files, and this week he's also celebrating his birthday (July 24). (PHOTO: by Mike Bucek)
=This week in 2017, Bobby Skafish was making the rounds promoting his rock and roll interview book We Have Company. Among the stops, WGN Radio. He appeared on the Roe Conn show, which featured Anna Davlantes at the time. Anna's birthday is this week too (July 25).
=Isn't there a rock star birthday this week that ties into Bobby's book? Well, now that you mention it, there is one. Emily Saliers (from the Indigo Girls) is also in the book.
=WGN radio's Steve King is celebrating a birthday this week (July 26). Steve was a long-time colleague of Roger Badesch on WGN, and plays a crucial role in the most exciting story in Roger's book. He also provided this testimonial (along with co-host and wife Johnnie) for the back cover of the book...
“This book’s cover photo was taken on a night we’ll never forget. Trust us, we never had a night like that on the radio before or since and, along with our WGN radio listeners, were praying that Roger would survive. Spoiler alert: He did! In this book Roger shares the details of that night and other adventures, including his time with Chicago’s first black mayor, Harold Washington, and first woman mayor, Jane Byrne. “The Unplanned Life” of this man we’re so proud to call a friend was obviously part of a bigger plan. Thankfully, he listened to the universe and went along for the ride. Buckle up, it’s a good one!”
=Gruen Weiss Vor! is our book about the history of the prestigious local soccer club Green White.
=This week would have been the birthday (July 21) of the recently departed German soccer superstar Uwe Seeler. Uwe helped the West German team win the World Cup in 1954. He also appears in an Eckhartz Press book. In the 1970s he came to Chicago and attended a Green White soccer game. That story is told in the pages of Gruen Weiss Vor!
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