I'm Natalie Moore. I fell in love with soap operas when I was just five years old, and I still

watch them. Their television's longest scripted series and have zero reruns. Now let me tell you,

soap operas aren't just some silly art form. They are significant. In this season of making,

Stories Without End from WBEZ Chicago. Join me as I share how the genre

began, their social impact, and why these stories endure. Listen, wherever you get your podcast.

What does Friday really mean, though? Did I say that last week? I can't even remember.

From WB.E.E.Z Chicago, this is Nerdette. Good morning. I'm Greta Johnson. It is Friday,

March 27th, and I am on the floor of my bedroom closet, which means this must be another

edition of the introverts guide to the good life.

So today I'm very excited to tell you that we are going to talk all about books.

We're going to hear from a whole bunch of you amazing listeners who have so many great recommendations on things to read during what Trisha Bobita likes to call The Weird Times.

But first, I thought we should check in with my friend Rebecca George.

Rebecca owns Volumes Book Cafe here in Chicago.

There are so many amazing bookstores in Chicago that I cannot say I have a favorite.

But I will say volumes is like the most walkable from my home, which means it does hold a special place in my heart.

As you know, as you must do these days, I started my chat with Rebecca by just asking her how she's doing.

As a human or as a store?

Let's start with your humanity. I'm, I mean, I'm okay. Obviously,

things could be worse in life. I'm, you know, alone. So that is problematic in a number of ways.

But at least I have books to keep me company as one does, right?

Absolutely.

I can relate to that very much, also as a person who lives alone.

...