Alexander McCall Smith, best-selling Scottish author of more than 60 books, is as charming and well mannered as his main characters. He’s exactly the type of person you would want to sit down with over a cup of Red Bush tea, especially since his accent induces swooning. Make It Better spoke with “Sandy” about his […]
Nili Yelin has had a colorful career. The Wilmette resident was an MTV writer and performer for 5 years, a background player on Saturday Night Live for 10, a successful stand-up comic, an off-Broadway performer, an extra in dozens of music videos, a voice-over performer and a commercial actress before she settled into her biggest […]
There’s nothing quite like reading a few good books. Books are portable, low cost and easily accessible. And the best part? It comes at the end, when you can share your thoughts with friends. There’s a reason book clubs are popular, and it isn’t just the chance to get out of the house and share […]
Did you know that Glenview recently opened its new, greener public library? The eco-friendly space is an 85,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility that “meets patron’s informational needs and expands its level of programming in a comfortable, efficient environment,” says Library Director Vickie L. Novak. Glenview Public Library 1930 Glenview Rd. 847-729-7500 glenviewpl.org Photo courtesy of […]
When Susan Tillett, executive director of Ragdale, the artists’ colony in Lake Forest, was challenged at a leadership institute to consider her legacy, she immediately envisioned a book. Three years later, on her tenth anniversary at the helm of the fourth largest artists’ colony in the United States, “The Ragdale House Speaks” is a reality. […]
Angels were on my mind when I attended Jane Seymour’s book signing event at Barnes & Noble Oakbrook Center on December 5th. I had just returned home from my brother’s funeral. Over 200 people were lined up to greet Jane Seymour and to purchase an autographed copy of her latest book, “Among Angels” (Guideposts, 2010). […]
When Blair Kamin’s not busy being the Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic for the Chicago Tribune, he’s just a regular Wilmette dad. He drops off his two sons at school, rides the “L” to work and takes walks along the lake with his wife, Tribune writer Barbara Mahany. And in between raising kids, writing his articles […]
Dylan Lauren, daughter of Ralph Lauren, isn’t just fashion royalty—she’s also a successful businesswoman, nicknamed “the modern-day Willy Wonka.” A candy freak ever since her parents showed the movie “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” at her 5th birthday party, Dylan followed her sweet tooth, and it led her to start Dylan’s Candy Bar, […]
About five years ago, my good friend Joe introduced me to his good friend, the writer Joy Nicholson. I had never met anyone like Joy; never met anyone close. I was immediately smitten and Joe, after noticing how smitten I was, pulled me aside to follow his introduction with a strong warning. “Great writer,” he […]
Marlo Thomas’ book, “Growing Up Laughing – My Story and the Story of Funny,” is more than a memoir. Her story about growing up the daughter of famed comedian Danny Thomas, in a household that was constantly filled with showbiz greats, is mixed with hilarious jokes and interviews with today’s biggest comedians. Last week the […]
