Book Club Run of Summerdale and Summerdale II with David Jay Collins

Four gay men, four addictions, one landlord from hell, and one house that only they can see: what could go wrong? David Jay Collins, the author of Lakeview-based LGBTQ novel Gaybash, brings us this horror series set in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Whether you're a horror bookworm, Chicago fanatic, or just looking for a spooky adventure on foot, this is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow runners and talk about Summerdale and Summerdale II directly with the author!

During this exciting gathering, we'll run easy-paced (11:00 min/mile) 3-mile book club run through the Andersonville streets where Collins uses the stories of characters, Steve, Eric, David, and Aaron to expose difficult, problematic aspects within the gay community. Runners will get an insider scoop about the story and the writing process, along with lesser-known Chicago history.

Following the run, we will hang at The Lost Hours for a group discussion with David from around 7:15-8pm.

One drink from The Lost Hours are included in the cost of the ticket and BONUS!—all runners will go home with a sample of Candyality’s spooky* caramel corn blend, Summerdale Crunch!

*A mix of two caramel corns, mini Kit Kat and Oreo, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate drizzle, and ghastly candy eyes.

H ere's what else you need to know:

PREPARE: Before the event, please read David Jay Collins’s novels Summerdale and Summerdale II. 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, Summerdale and Summerdale II are available in the following formats from David Jay Collins’s site here: ebook or paperback. Bonus? Grab a Summerdale T-shirt and wear it on the run.

MEET: Meet at 6pm on Wednesday, October 23 in front of The Lost Hours, 5256 N Broadway (Google Maps here). Runners are able to drop personal items at the venue at this time.

ROUTE: We will run an easy-paced, 3-mile route inspired by the book, stopping briefly at locations featured in the book.

END: The post-run Q&A with David Jay Collins will be held at The Lost Hours, 5256 N Broadway (Google Maps here).

If you loved the book but prefer to join only for the author chat, meet runner at The Lost Hours around 7:15pm! Please note that the exact starting time for the Q&A is heavily dependent on route conditions, and those arriving for this portion only are expected to be patient.

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

About David Jay Collins: Collins works for Northwestern University and lives in Lakeview. He is currently writing the third novel in the Summerdale horror trilogy.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: If it becomes unsafe to run outside, we will have a book club discussion at an indoor space nearby starting at 6:00pm. You will be notified via email no later than 5pm on Wednesday, October 23 if there are any changes to the event.

BIKING THE ROUTE: If you loved these novels but prefer to bike this route, you are welcome so long as you manage your own safety. We’d still love to have you!

All registered runners will receive reminder details two days and four hours prior to the event.

Read & Run Chicago is a chapter of Read & Run Tours, LLC, 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.

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