Your evening includes:

• A signed hardcover copy of The Island Club purchased from our partner bookstore, Three Avenues Bookshop

• A welcome cocktail from The Alston

• A lively, intimate conversation with Nicola Harrison on female identity, the cost of living a lie, motherhood and sacrifice, and the radical act of choosing oneself in the 1950s

• Thoughtfully designed conversation prompts to spark reflection and connection—no prior reading required

• Custom poems from Poems While You Wait. The process of Poems While You Wait is simple: give us your name, give us the two-or-three-word topic that you would like us to write a poem about (funny or sad, sexy or serious, big or small), and go enjoy the cocktail hour. Upon your return you will have a custom-made, one-of-a-kind original poem to keep for yourself or to give as a gift. Each poem is $10, all of which goes to support the literary nonprofit Rose Metal Press.

Whether you’re drawn to mid-century glamour, stories of female friendship, or novels that peel back the polished veneer of perfection, join us for an evening where tennis whites meet buried truths—and where women discover who they are when the rules of the game begin to change.

About The Island Club:

Milly Kinkaid has uprooted her life in hopes of saving her marriage—only to find herself lonelier than ever. Sylvia Johnson, society matriarch and co-founder of The Island Club, watches her carefully curated world begin to crumble under the weight of her husband’s dangerous secrets. And Adele Lambert, a guarded outsider with a hidden past, risks exposure to reclaim the game of tennis that once defined—and nearly destroyed—her.

As their lives collide on and off the court, an unexpected friendship forms—one that may prove more powerful than the men, secrets, and expectations that threaten to undo them.

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 The Alston. Dishes may be served individually plated or family-style.

  • 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.