Our beloved Naperville is a place full of creativity and its literary scene is no different. The city has produced a wonderful array of authors who have written everything from beloved children’s books to thought-provoking novels for both teens and adults.
Below we’re featuring several books written by authors who either grew up in Naperville or call it home today. Whether you’re looking for a great story for young readers, a tale of self-discovery for teens or a page-turning novel for adults, these local voices are sure to delight readers of all ages.
“Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors” by Sonali Dev
Dr. Trisha Raje, San Francisco’s top neurosurgeon, is the black sheep of her powerful Indian American family, who demand loyalty above all else. She’s broken their rules — never trust outsiders, never undermine her brother’s politics, and never defy them. Now, she has a chance to redeem herself if she doesn’t repeat past mistakes. Chef DJ Caine, seeking a job with the Rajes family, resents her elitism but discovers she’s the only one who can save his sister. As they clash, their assumptions fall apart, but first, they must confront their pasts before a future together can begin.
“Something Borrowed” by Emily Giffin
On her 30th birthday, Rachel’s perfect life unravels after a drunken fling with her best friend Darcy’s fiancé. Though determined to move on, Rachel finds herself developing real feelings for him. With the wedding approaching, she must decide what to do, realizing that right and wrong aren’t always clear, and sometimes you must take risks to find true happiness.
“Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty
Even the kids can join in the fun with local author Andrea Beaty’s Questioneers picture books. By day, Rosie is quiet, but by night she’s a brilliant inventor with dreams of becoming an engineer. When her great-great-aunt Rose visits and shares her dream of flying, Rosie builds a contraption to make it happen. Though it crashes, Aunt Rose calls it a success, teaching Rosie that you can only fail if you quit.
“Other Words for Home” by Jasmine Warga
This gorgeously written middle grade novel about a young girl who must leave Syria is a powerful story about losing and finding your home, and most importantly, finding yourself. Jude never imagined leaving her brother and father in Syria, but when things get dangerous, she and her mother move to Cincinnati. Adjusting to America’s fast pace and her new identity as “Middle Eastern” is tough, but Jude finds unexpected joys — new friends, a supportive family and even a chance to audition for the school musical. Maybe America can be a place where she is truly seen.
“It Had to Be You” by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
What if a woman who knows nothing about sports inherits a professional football team? The Windy City definitely isn’t ready for Phoebe Somerville, the outrageous New York knockout who’s taking over their home town team. And Phoebe is definitely not prepared for the Stars’ head coach Dan Calebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. This is the book that began it all. The Chicago Stars are about to take the field … and they’re not the only ones playing for keeps.
Bob Odenkirk, a Naperville native and actor, writer and comedian, wrote an autobiography entitled, “Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama.” (AP)
“Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama” by Bob Odenkirk
Bob Odenkirk’s career is a bizarre journey, and he’s here to explain it. From the comedy clubs of Chicago to writing for “Saturday Night Live,” creating iconic sketches like “Motivational Speaker,” and shaping “Mr. Show,” he faced countless setbacks in Hollywood before landing the role of Saul Goodman on “Breaking Bad.” That led to collaborations with several famous directors, and an unexpected turn as an action star. With humor, behind-the-scenes stories and personal insights, “Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama” is a fun, honest look at reinvention in showbiz.
“A Mark in the Road” by Angelique Burrell
Mason dreads the skid marks left by braking tires. Every near miss, dead animal, injured person they all play like a soundless documentary in the 18-year-old’s head. When his on-again-off-again crush Addie begs him to drive cross-country to help her move, he must face what he thought was his greatest fear — the open road. But a tire mark left on a desolate road near a missing woman’s car changes everything. As he searches for clues, he and Addie drive closer to trouble and risk losing everything.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.
