The Coast of Chicago: Stories

A collection of short stories and vignettes that vividly capture the essence of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. The stories are set in various parts of the city, from the gritty industrial areas to the shores of Lake Michigan.
The collection is divided into two parts: "Bridgeport: True Blue" and "The Coast of Chicago". The first part focuses on the working-class neighborhood of Bridgeport, while the second part explores the characters' experiences along the lakefront.
Through these interconnected stories, Dybek delves into themes of love, loss, and the struggle to find meaning in a complex world. The characters, often young and coming of age, navigate their lives amidst the backdrop of Chicago's vibrant and sometimes harsh urban landscape.
Some notable stories in the collection include "Blight," where a young boy named Buzzy explores an abandoned factory with his friends, and "Nighthawks," which follows Buzzy and his friends on a nocturnal adventure through the city streets.