An Evening with Jessica M. Goldstein: Retro
An Evening with Jessica M. Goldstein: Retro
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.
Event Terms & Acknowledgment
By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Tickets to the Chicago Literary Salons are non-refundable. However, reservations may be transferred to another guest.
To request a name change, please contact us at ashley.hasty@gmail.com within the designated window. We regret that we are unable to accommodate any changes within 48 hours of the event.
In the unlikely event the author has to cancel, the event will still take place and signed bookplate will be provided.
Food & Beverage Accommodations
This event features a thoughtfully curated menu in partnership with a partner restaurant or caterer. Dishes may be served individually plated, family-style, or as a self-serve buffet.
By attending, guests acknowledge that the hosts are not responsible for any allergic reactions, dietary restrictions, or adverse effects related to food or beverage consumption during the event.
If you have food allergies or dietary needs, please indicate them during registration and contact the venue directly in advance. Final accommodations are at the discretion of the venue and cannot be guaranteed without sufficient notice.
Media & Photography Consent
This event may be professionally photographed or filmed for promotional purposes, including use on social media, websites, and marketing materials associated with the host and venue.
By attending, you consent to the use of your image or likeness in these materials.
Please review these policies carefully before completing your purchase.
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.
