South Siders

by David McGrath

South Siders, a collection of favorite columns that individually appeared in papers all across the country, is a guided tour of McGrath’s Midwest, where 16 inch softball played barehanded by men past their prime, is more popular than the Superbowl; where funeral luncheons are indistinguishable from wedding receptions; where marriage is still till death do us part (with Illinois boasting the country’s lowest divorce rate); where parents still discipline children, sometimes with the aid of a stern, hard drinking Santa Claus; where dogs are kindred spirits in the tradition of the Ojibwa; and where values and independence lead many to eschew psychotherapy, rehab, divorce, and even, sometimes, education. *********************************************************************************************************************************************** “Over the last 20 years, Chicago writer David McGrath’s personal essays about childhood, parenthood, teaching, marriage, friendship, and other topics, have appeared in dozens of papers across the U.S. Whether you first read his work in the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Washington Post or Minneapolis Star Tribune, you did not likely forget his poignant and funny reflections, nor his inviting narrative voice. From fishing on the Kankakee River, to first dates in Evergreen Park, to teaching English to Bernie Mac at Chicago Vocational High School, McGrath always entertains readers, and somehow enables them to find their story in his. Aside from this very personal angle, and the emotionally acute framed moments that drive the book, a wider historical perspective also evolves. The personal stories are deepened by the public context, by McGrath’s insights on racism and segregation, on union organizing and political corruption, and on the socio-economic disparities that have always plagued Chicago. McGrath captures not only the nuances of his own life in these stories, but the life of a city.” Tom Fate, author of BEYOND THE WHITE NOISE and CABIN FEVER

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2020

Reviews

[Bonnie Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I had a deeper level of appreciation since I know McGrath’s two daughters, but even without that connection, these essays are fun at times, serious at times, poignant at times. The life McGrath depicts is the same life that many of my relatives lived. Large working-class Catholic families, coming of age in Chicago, the strong ties to place and family all resonate. He also tells powerful stories of his teaching career, and the drive to serve the underserve in our educational system. Much to contemplate about life in these essays.

[Linda Bieze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memories of Home

Author David McGrath is about ten years older than I, but we both grew up in Evergreen Park, a near-south suburb of Chicago. He grew up on the east side of Kedzie Ave. with other Irish Catholics and I on the west side with Dutch Protestants. But he evokes many of the memories I hold dear, like hanging out at the Evergreen Plaza, hearing the drag racing on 87th St., and rooting for the White Sox. He also recalls some of the bitter memories, like the reception Martin Luther King received from white racists when he led a peaceful march through Marquette Park, only a few miles from our homes.

McGrath, a retired college writing instructor, has a gift for writing the short, nostalgic essay, and his work collected here has been published over the years in Chicago newspapers and other regional publications. It brings back warm memories for this South Sider, who's been gone for more than 30 years.

My only suggestion is that the next edition of the book be better proofread.

[Jackie Mcgrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come for the stories about family, current events, and history, stay for the poignant insights about dogs, childhood, mortality, teaching, and sports. As the writer's daughter, I am biased, and of course my favorite pieces are the essays that feature ME. But this collection is a well-curated sample of David McGrath's ideas and talents over time. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll think about your life and the people around you with a little more empathy and insight.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming tales.