On a balmy night in early July, Pallas Studio opened its doors to welcome in literary enthusiasts of Chicago and beyond to celebrate and discuss the debut novel by Jessical Goldstein, Retro. The book is a fictional tale about a failed actress who gets a job at an elite time travel agency. Time Travel guided the themes of the night where we asked guests to consider the past and how it pertains to our present and future.
As attendees from as far as Japan filtered in and sipped forgotten cocktails featured in the book like the Whiz Bang and Bees Knees they transcribed an answer to “What makes right now a wonderful time to live in?” and placed it in the time capsule to be read at the end of the evening. We had lively discussions where friends old and new got to explore topics around escapism, memory, romanticising the past, and being present in the life you have.
When we sat down for the Q&A the room was eager to hear from Jess who dazzled us with her wit, deep cultural references, and sparkling energy. We did our best to avoid spoilers but we discussed the characters, themes, and basic plotlines that were just too enticing to avoid. The book provides so much fodder for discussion (great book club read) and is incredibly relatable. We came away from the evening with our minds swarming with ideas and two fun facts in our back pocket: 1. Jess’s family owned the farm where the original Woodstock was hosted and 2. The rights to the book have been bought by a streamer!
Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Pallas Studio, 833 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
What if the past wasn't something you remembered—but somewhere you could visit?
Join us for a wildly imaginative evening with journalist and debut novelist Jessica M. Goldstein as we step through the doors of Retro, a dazzling speculative novel that blends time travel, workplace satire, romance, nostalgia, and sharp cultural commentary into one unforgettable adventure.
When aspiring actress Ash stumbles across a job posting for Retro, an ultra-luxury time travel company catering to the wealthy, she sees an opportunity to escape a present that feels increasingly disappointing. Soon she's guiding clients through carefully curated journeys into America's past: chaperoning bachelorette parties in the Wild West, celebrating birthdays in Prohibition-era speakeasies, and escorting ambitious tourists through the Gold Rush.
For the first time in years, Ash feels like she's living the life she always imagined. But as she becomes immersed in Retro's glamorous world—and entangled in a complicated romance that spans decades—small cracks begin to appear. Memories shift. Relationships change. And the line between past and present becomes increasingly difficult to trust.
Funny, thought-provoking, and delightfully original, Retro asks irresistible questions about nostalgia, ambition, identity, and our desire to escape the realities of modern life.
Your evening includes:
A signed hardcover copy of Retro
A welcome cocktail and snacks
A lively conversation with Jessica M. Goldstein exploring nostalgia, time travel, reinvention, memory, romance, and the seductive appeal of looking backward when the present feels uncertain
Thoughtfully designed conversation prompts to spark reflection and connection—no prior reading required
The opportunity to gather inside Pallas Studio, a neighborhood creative studio, gallery, and community space dedicated to exploring new ways of being through art and experimentation, while experiencing and shopping their current exhibition, Land & Sea
Part speculative adventure, part romantic comedy, and part meditation on the stories we tell ourselves about "the good old days," Retro invites us to consider whether we would really choose to relive the past—or whether our most important journey is learning how to fully inhabit the present.
Join us for an evening of cocktails, cuisine, conversation, and a little time travel.
Seating is extremely limited. Reserve your place today.
About Jessica M. Goldstein:
Jessica M. Goldstein is a journalist and humorist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vulture, Marie Claire, McSweeney’s, and more. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she was born and raised in New Jersey and currently lives in Washington, D.C. Retro is her first novel.
About Meryl Hunter:
Meryl is the owner of Pallas Studio, a creative studio in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. After a long career focused on scaling digital communities Meryl shifted her focus toward the physical. Now a practicing pastel artist and community builder, Meryl also supports founders and professionals interested in building a life that they can enjoy today.
About Pallas:
Pallas is a neighborhood creative studio located in Lincoln Park. Pallas operates on a seasonal chapter format which guides the artwork featured on the walls, the programming within our doors, and the partnerships we create. Pallas seeks to bring people together to expand what we view to be possible through art, creativity, and community. Come hang.