Getting Into the Toni Morrison Mindset at Grand Cru Chicago

Tuesday, August 18th.

I was in the suburbs that day and excitedly getting prepared for Hot Literati's Chicago Chapter's first event... well, technically the second Hot Literati event in Chicago. The first event was in summer 2025, the Black Swan vs. Fight Club discussion. But I'll tell you all about that event another time.

I cleared my schedule that Tuesday because I really wanted the event to go right. I wanted to make a good first impression. I switched my Tuesday ballet class that I teach weekly to Thursday and then mentally prepared for the night ahead.

I woke up early that morning and went over the event outline Hailey sent over a few days before. I made sure to ask Hailey any questions I had. I was nervous, but at the same time, I wasn't. I've hosted events before, at least once a month through my creative agency, Oma Influence. I knew how to plan a fun event and talk to people, but I was still nervous. The imaginary pressure I was putting on myself was getting to be too much.

I like reading, but I fear I'm not as consistent with it as I would like to be. I LOVE writing, but in a self-care type of way. You know, waking up first thing in the morning to word-vomit your thoughts out so that you're not holding on to them throughout the day (advice from The Artist's Way). On top of that, I also have only read two Toni Morrison books, so I really wouldn't call myself an expert on her. The source of my nerves.

Five hours before the event, 2 p.m. to be exact, after finishing some admin work of my own, as well as asking all the questions I had for Hailey about the event, I started to get ready. The aesthetic I was going for was an elevated early-2000s summer uniform: a satin jewel-toned cami paired with a black, flowy mini skirt and black peep-toe kitten heels. I chose this outfit because I imagined that it was something Sula would have worn in the early 2000s, stepping off the train coming from the city back to her hometown.

Before I headed off to the city, I decided to drive since I don't take the train much these days. I really do enjoy the freedom of leaving on my own schedule. Before making my way to the highway, still at home, I partook in my morning self-care routine: meditate, red light, EFT tapping, in that order. My hope was to leave feeling like a more relaxed, confident version of myself.

It helped until I realized I was behind on my schedule.

I hurriedly grabbed my bags, got in my car, and made my way to the city, completely forgetting the conversation cards I wanted to pass out at the event.

In preparation for the event, I picked back up "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston after putting it down for "The BAP Handbook" by Kalyn Johnson, Tracey Lewis, Karla Lightfoot, and Ginger Wilson. At the time, I needed a fun, easy read. Life was getting a little too dramatic.

The two Toni Morrison books I had in my possession were already read ( Sula & Beloved) , and it was cutting it a little too close to pick up another one, so I went back to a book I had already started. I figured Hurston's book was in the same category as Morrison, so it wouldn't hurt to read.

I got halfway through the book and listened to a couple of Morrison's interviews while driving to the city to really get into a Toni Morrison mindset. Hot Literati now has a Toni Morrison course that you can take in the Academy. I just started, and I am liking it so far.

I ended up missing my exit and parked a 15-minute walk from the wine bar, Grand Cru Chicago, ultimately making myself 15 minutes late to the event. I walked in frazzled and disoriented, but pleasantly surprised that all the attendees were making conversation on their own. The wine bar was beautiful, with racks of wine carefully organized throughout the chic, cozy space.

I took attendance and pulled up the event outline on my phone.

Part 1: Intros "What Toni Morrison books have you read?" "What did you know about Toni Morrison before coming to this event?" "How did you find Hot Literati?" These were some of the questions that were asked.

Song of Solomon and Beloved were the most-read Toni Morrison books within the group. All the attendees had their own journey of discovering Toni Morrison that they shared. One attendee even took a class on her, and they all found Hot Literati through social media, TikTok mostly.

The glasses of wine were served just in time for Part 2: The Small Groups. I took Matt's (Owner) recommendation on an Italian red wine called IOPPA Nebbiolo. It was amazing. Unfortunately, I'm not an expert at describing wine, but it was really good.

Part 2: The Small Groups The two groups we broke into were based on the most-read books in the group: Song of Solomon and Beloved. There were three people in each group for an open discussion on symbolism in the books, connections to other media, and just general topics for about 30 minutes. I jumped from group to group, listening in on the discussions.

We met together again as one big group to share our discussions and move on to Part 3 of the event: Play/Performance.

Part 3: Play/Performance Both groups were now set to act out a modern-day scene around each book. I jumped into the Beloved group, and we acted out a scene revolving around anti-vaxxers and pro-vaxxers. It was a modern-day look at the relationship between Sethe, Beloved, and Denver and how Sethe treated each child.

The Song of Solomon scene took place in a modern-day trial. And the drama was there. I haven't read the book, but the characters who were present: Ruth, Pilate, and Hagar. The acting was phenomenal in this group.

The night continued with more general discussion, like what everyone was currently reading, and ended with a group photo.

A fun, unique night ended with me accidentally breaking a glass vase, but this was only because my hair got caught.

I promise it was not the IOPPA Nebbiolo.

What's Next for Hot Literati Chicago

Hot Literati's next event is Tuessday, September 22nd at the same place, Grand Cru Chicago, and the same time, 7 p.m.

This time, we are discussing Eve Babitz, the ultimate 60's LA party girl, which I think is the perfect farewell to summer.

Hot Literati is in touch with the Eve Babitz estate, so if you have any questions about her legacy, please let us know so we can ask and discuss them with you all. Become a member and grab your ticket on the Hot Literati website under Events. Make sure to use the code HL-6HREXJ when you purchase your ticket.

I'll see you all there! I'll be in a '60s-inspired outfit and, this time, with conversation cards in hand.