The story begins on Twitter, on September 27, 2010, and goes on to explore the world of @MayorEmanuel. If nothing else, when finished reading this book, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for coffee, Twitter, and five o’clocks on motherf***ing Fridays.

Jay-Z had written a song for the city he loved; I had a city that I loved, too.

It came to me, as it does every year, slowly at first, and then it jumps into my lap with more force than my sixty pound pit bull mix: summer isn’t going to last forever.

We, the people of Chicago, are its the backbone, and we fight for our city. We have to deal with the luring shadow of New York and the sunshine of LA. But these cities lack our biggest asset, our hearts and pride.

We all love this city, so why hide it? Send us your best Chicago love letters and we’ll post them right here on UPchicago!

A love letter to Chicago.

There’s nothing like turning a corner in Chicago to find the John Hancock and Sears Tower waving at you from afar.