In Chicago: Natasha Trethewey, Luis Alberto Urrea and Rebecca Makkai in conversation

Pulitzer on the Road was in Chicago for a literary conversation with Pulitzer Board member and 2007 Poetry winner Natasha Trethewey, 2005 General Nonfiction finalist Luis Alberto Urrea and 2019 Fiction finalist Rebecca Makkai on Wednesday March 5, 2025.

In this powerful and intimate discussion, the authors discussed writing on life's "big impossible things." Across their award-winning works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and memoir, each of these authors have delved into stories about memory, trauma and the ripple effects of grief. Their conversation covered craft and the creative process; the transformative power of literature; and how writing into a wound can lead to the light.  

Thank you to our event collaborators, StoryStudio Chicago and the Chopin Theater. Books were sold through our bookseller partner, Roscoe Books.

Thank you to Jaryd Jensen for his recording of the event, which you can watch by clicking above or on the Pulitzer Prizes' YouTube channel.