Behind the scenes of our latest issue

we have an exclusive sneak peak for you. [View this email in your browser]( Our year-end issue highlights the best of Chicago: its people. Have you picked up our latest issue? It’s a work of art that features 21 profiles of Chicagoans. Our team of journalists and photographers went into the cultural crevices of the city to share stories from humans that remind us of our shared connectedness. In support of our end of the year fundraiser, you get a behind-the-scenes peek into the months of work it took to bring together one of our most anticipated issues. We sat down with Sheba White, Reader Managing Editor, to learn her experience. [Donate]( Shariba Rivers, The Reinventor “It’s really quite simple as to the why of doing a People Issue: The people are the culture, Chicago is its people, and the Reader reflects Chicago.” Q: What was the inspiration behind the People Issue? It was fueled by vague aspirations to feature interesting people. And not by any specific measurement of success or identity, but just based on what the kids today would probably call “vibes.” This year marks the eighth People Issue (2011-2016, 2022). In keeping with its original intent to focus on people who looked like they had a fascinating story to tell, we just asked for two parameters: they had to be Chicago people and they should be people who could provide a dynamic conversation. So, still vibes. Q: What story are you trying to convey through the People Issue? For this issue, we largely picked folks with the aim of having a good cross section of conversations, ideas, ages, and cultural backgrounds. But after we had collected all of the stories, our associate editor realized that there was an underlying theme of people banding together and working to navigate systems, be they institutional, or celestial, or philosophical. You can read more about that uncovered thread in the issue. Try it, go sit down with someone and just ask them about what they love to do. My hope is that every People Issue inspires more people to do just that. Bree Sorensen, The Practical, Magical Social Worker What seemed to be a profoundly joyful part for most of the writers and photographers was that it gave them a chance to sit down and just talk with incredible Chicago people. And generally, people love to be asked about what makes them tick. [Support the Reader]( We hope this issue helps you appreciate your city neighbors. Consider becoming a member of the Reader Membership Community so we can continue to tell stories that bring us closer together.  [Become a Member]( [Facebook icon] [Instagram icon] [Twitter icon] [Logo] Copyright (C) 2023 Chicago Reader. All rights reserved. You were subscribed to receive emails from Chicago Reader Our mailing address is: Chicago Reader 2930 S. Michigan Ave. Suite 102 Chicago, IL 60616 USA Want fewer emails from us? [Click here]( to choose what you want us to send you. Or, [unsubscribe]( from all Reader emails. We’ll miss you!