Author Barry Pearce celebrated the launch of his new book, The Plan of Chicago: A City in Stories, on December 2, 2023, at a gathering at Martyr’s in Chicago. This collection features his award-winning short story “Chez Whatever” along with eight additional narratives that depict the complexities of urban life.
In 2019, Pearce gained recognition when “Chez Whatever” was selected from over 3,000 submissions to receive the prestigious Nelson Algren Award for short fiction. The accolade came with a monetary prize of $3,500 and a feature story in the Chicago Tribune. Reflecting on the moment, Pearce stated, “My friends, fellow writers many of them, were even more excited than I was.” Despite the promise of opportunities that never materialized, he found validation in the award, which motivated him to complete his book.
Crafting a Unique Narrative of Chicago
Pearce’s work has garnered significant praise. According to Publishers Weekly, “Pearce’s prose exudes a solid sense of place,” while also capturing the emotional nuances of his characters’ decisions. His narratives are marked by a willingness to explore the voices of diverse individuals, reflecting the vibrancy and challenges of contemporary Chicago.
The book’s release has opened new avenues for Pearce, including a featured essay in the upcoming December issue of Chicago magazine as part of its annual Chicagoans of the Year package. In this piece, he humorously explores the fictional character of Pope Leo XIV, crafted as a leader with a deep understanding of the city’s complexities. Pearce’s portrayal captures the essence of a leader who is both relatable and knowledgeable about the struggles and triumphs of Chicago’s residents.
In his essay, Pearce writes, “A dash of machine savvy will come in handy as Leo rules over the world’s largest church,” referencing the multifaceted challenges faced by leaders in a modern urban context.
A Journey Rooted in Community
Barry Pearce’s background is deeply intertwined with the fabric of Chicago. The son of a carpenter who emigrated from Ireland, Pearce grew up in the South Shore neighborhood. He is the middle child in a family of seven, which shaped his perspective on community and resilience. After excelling at St. Laurence High School, he became the first in his family to attend college, graduating with a degree in journalism from Northwestern University.
His career began in real estate writing, which allowed him to explore various neighborhoods within the city. Inspired by a creative writing class taught by professor Robert Boswell, Pearce pursued further education in the field, earning a master’s degree in 1997 and an MFA in 2015 from New Mexico State University. During this time, he developed friendships with notable writers, including Rus Bradburd, and began teaching as an adjunct professor.
Pearce has also made a name for himself in ghostwriting, contributing to nearly 20 books, primarily focused on business topics. He currently resides in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, where he continues to draw inspiration from his surroundings. His latest project, which he describes as a potential novel, centers on an Irish family with seven children, mirroring his own upbringing. He expresses optimism about the future, stating, “For all the divisions that exist here, violence, race … I still see possibilities for connection, glimmers of hope.”
The launch of The Plan of Chicago marks a significant milestone in Pearce’s literary journey, showcasing his ability to weave relatable stories that resonate with the essence of Chicago. As he embarks on this new chapter, the community looks forward to more stories that reflect both the challenges and the dreams inherent in urban life.