Via Chicago

by J.E. Sumerau

Via Chicago explores the formation of families and the ways trauma can bond a group of people through the case of a chosen family of LGBTQ people in Chicago.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 2, 2020

About the author

JE Sumerau is a novelist, scholar, and teacher writing about culture, relationships, & the southeastern U.S. in a wide variety of ways -> Follow on Instagram & Reels @jesumerau and Facebook @jesumerau & Twitter @jsumerau for updates.

Reviews

[Nik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of LGBTQ novels over the years, but Sumerau's novel Via Chicago is my all-time favorite. I love how she talks about creating "chosen families" using the lives of Mercury, Ella, Linsk, Case, Kaisa, Reeves, Jo, Andrei, and Michelle. Most of these characters also are bi, trans, and/or polyam so it's cool to read about their experiences and perspectives, especially about trauma survivorship. Mercury is my favorite character, even though they are kind of a nervous wreck and a hot mess at times. lol Overall, Sumerau really captures what it means to create families of choice while highlighting how LGBTQ families can share their lives in a beautiful way!

[Lain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful story about love, family, and resilience when recovering from trauma. So good I very much recommend! Always great to see LGBTQ representation like what Sumerau has in her books. You should pick this one up for sure.

[Patricia Leavy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of J's books, but this one is probably my favorite. Love the changing narrators, humor, and heart. Such a lovely novel.