Interview with Kelly Russell, Author of A Girl's Guide to Chicago

FS: Congrats on your book! When did you know you wanted to move to the Windy City and what motivated you to make the move?

 KR: Thank you so much! I was actually born in London, but moved to the Chicago suburbs when I was seven years old. Just a few day after moving here, my family took our first trip to downtown Chicago and I immediately fell in love with the city.

FS: What is your favorite thing to do or place to go to in Chicago in Summer and what is your favorite thing to do in Winter?

 KR: Hmmm. There’s so many things I love to do in both seasons. I always make a checklist of everything I want to do every summer and every winter.

 But if I have to pick my current favorite thing to do during the summer, is going to the new Rooftop at Torali at The Ritz Carlton. Just head up to the 11th floor, walk through the lobby bar and cafè and head outside to an garden oasis. It’s truly a hidden gem with an amazing view of the John Hancock Building. I love to sit outside and relax as I enjoy a coffee or a glass of rosè.

 My favorite thing to do during the winter is probably going to see It’s a Wonderful Life at the Music Box Theatre. The theatre is almost 90 years old and I love the traditional holiday decor, the carolers before the movie, and the spiced wine. It’s a fun tradition I love to do every year and it’s really gets your excited for the holiday season.

FS: What will surprise your readers about this book without giving too much away?

KR: I think the fun thing about this book is that my book is both a novel and a guide to Chicago. As you read my story, my book will also guide you through the best things to do throughout the city. I created a checklist at the end of the book that you can use so you can also experience all the things I did during my first year in the city.

FS: Since this book is catered to the ladies of Chicago, what do you hope is the biggest take away they will get after reading your book?

 KR: Confidence. It’s really hard to move to a new city and then figure out how to get around, where to live, how to make new friends, etc. I think my story will in a way help other girls see through my experience that once you get used to the city it’s an amazing and beautiful place to live.

FS: What can we expect next from you and what are you looking forward to doing this summer in the city?

KR: Well, I’m always creating new Chicago guides and articles on my blog, GirlsGuideChicago.com. Helping other girls become more confident by discovering the city will always be a passion of mine.

There’s a few things I’m definitely looking forward to doing this summer. But the things that are highest on my to do list include listening to free live music at the Pritzker Pavillion, going to the Green Mill jazz club in Uptown (I can’t believe I’ve never been), and finding a friend with a boat to watch The Air and Water Show.

FS: Lastly, where can we purchase your book?

KR: You can go my website at girlsguidechicago.com  or amazon.com.

Stay Stylish Chicago,

Katie