Authors Discussed Work at Evanston Event
Sara Levine and Rebecca Makkai met with over 200 readers at Nichols Concert Hall.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Books
Live Poll
Do you typically attend local literary or community events in your area?
Authors Sara Levine and Rebecca Makkai participated in the third annual RoundTable Reads program in Evanston. The event brought together more than 200 guests to discuss their recent literary works.
Why it matters
The gathering provided a platform for authors to connect with local readers in Evanston, highlighting the communitys ongoing engagement with contemporary literature. It showcased the creative processes behind popular new fiction.
The event hosted over 200 attendees at Nichols Concert Hall. Sara Levine noted she wrote her novel The Hitch in 90-minute increments, while also researching exorcism literature for specific scenes.
The players
Sara Levine
She is the author of the novel The Hitch which is set in Evanston.
Rebecca Makkai
She is the author of I Have Some Questions for You.
Booked
This is a local independent bookstore that sold books by both authors at the event.
The details
Sara Levine discussed her January 2026 release, The Hitch, which is set in Evanston and features a corgi selected for its cultural popularity. Rebecca Makkai, author of I Have Some Questions for You, joined Levine as local bookstore Booked provided copies of their latest works.
Timeline
The Hitch was published in January 2026.
The RoundTable Reads event occurred on the evening of Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The event reflects the growing importance of local bookstore-hosted author salons in fostering community engagement. This trend highlights a broader industry shift toward hyper-local marketing to reach dedicated readers.
Readers gained direct access to the authors and were able to purchase signed copies of their latest books on-site. This provided a rare opportunity for local residents to engage with the creative processes behind the novels.
The takeaway
Engaging directly with authors offers readers unique insights into the inspirations behind the books they enjoy. Attendees at such events often leave with a deeper appreciation for the technical discipline required in the writing process.
Further reading
Explore more local literary happenings in Evanston Books.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Evanston RoundTable.
Live Poll
Do you typically attend local literary or community events in your area?
