The Plan of Chicago: A City in Stories

by Barry Pearce

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Book Club

258 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[Sachel Borges · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting to diversify my reads recently and this book selection was definitely a good way to start. I enjoyed the short story formatting and the overlap amongst the stories. At first I had a bit of trouble keeping up since the stories changed pretty often but I found that after the first two I reached flow state. I also thought that the short stories were all very touching and heartfelt, it’s amazing how the author was able to captivate the audience in every short story regardless of how short it was. The author was able to create such meaningful stories in a matter of a few pages. I feel like Chicago is a setting I see often in stories whether it’s in a book of a different form of media. I never realized it before but I really enjoy the Chicago setting and all the media I’ve seen or read about it really makes me want to visit one day.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overalll, I did not like this book.

I like the concept, interwoven Chicago stories from neighborhoods across our richly diverse city. And Pearce makes some surprising, thought provoking plot twists. He’s an adept writer.

I am bothered by a white author taking the liberty to assume the perspective of a variety of ethnic groups, often portraying them in an unflattering light. There is the young Black queer woman who takes a car that doesn’t belong to her, the Mexican immigrant who entered the US the “right way” and resents Puerto Ricans and undocumented residents. Another Mexican character who disdains Black people. These stereotypes are too easy, and in my opinion, written without the nuance that a member of that community could provide.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short stories featuring real people–census takers, waiters, painters, cabbies–whose unvarnished lives are described lyrically and tenderly. Several of the stories read like compressed novels, which I love. Pearce has a unique voice, an eye for detail, and a craftspersonlike ability to structure stories along points of tension. “Chez Whatever” is brilliant, among other things a story about storytelling that is not self-conscious or cute. But my favorites are “Creatures of a Day” and “Chief O’Neill’s” which both build to a quieter climax. I’ve never been to Chicago, but this collection really brings the city to life.

[Greg Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of loosely linked stories that attempts to traverse a wide swath of the people and neighborhoods that make up the best city in the world.

South Side barflies and construction workers, Polish immigrants, North Side yuppies in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods, and many more.

A few misses here (“Out of Egypt” and “Lost and Found”) but some big wins, too (“Chief O’Neill’s).

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little collection of short stories, each set in a different neighborhood of Chicago. Beautifully written and you can tell the author knows and loves the city - all parts of it. 3.5 stars rounded up as I just always have a tougher time with short stories compared to a novel.

[Jocelyn Esparza]

Unfortunately had to stop reading more than halfway through. Life is too short to keep reading books you’re not vibing with and I need to remind myself that!!