This book encapsulated the feeling of the El in Chicago. It is fast paced with multiple p.o.v. s and is reminiscent of the cult classic the Warriors. It's semi-biographical, which took a moment for me to get used to when there was little nods to the future.

This read made me nostalgic for the city that I love.

4.5/5 rounded up to a 5 because Netgalley does solid numbers.

The El by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr is described as a semi-autobiographical novel, set in 1970's Chicago. It follows a variety of young gang members from different backgrounds as they make their way to attend a gathering of various gangs, a summit to unite. Unsurprisingly things go wrong.
This book was definitely outside my usual reading comfort zone and at first I struggled to connect to any of the characters, something that was not helped by the rapidly shifting perspectives between the various characters, but once I settled in and found my bearing I found myself surprisingly invested in the fates of these young men, and the circumstances that led them to become involved in the gangs in the first place. Teddy, the only indigenous member of his branch of the Simon City Rivals, is the main focus of the story and he is a fascinating character, determined to do his best to keep his friends safe, street smart but also book smart and with a back story that really had me rooting for him. The book moves very quickly, the entire thing takes place over the course of one day, and as you might have guessed from the title a lot of it takes place either on the EL or in one of the stations and I have to admire the author's ability to evoke that setting exceptionally well. I am glad that I persisted with the book, and I think that if readers are patient and willing to give it a chance they may be pleasantly surprised.
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

I grew up near an El station, and rode it a lot in the summer, so this book connected with me in a way it may not for others. Author Theodore C. Van Alst's "The El" follows a group on gang members as they make their way through Chicago on a hot summer day in 1979. The book has a number of homage's to the film "The Warriors", but it's telling a different story. Val Alst nails Chicago culture, the diversity of the city, and the ethnic enclaves that form the invisible lines that the gang must cross to get through the day.

The book moves quickly, and Van Alt's Native American heritage is woven into Teddy's perspective, and done is a way that gives the book a terrific perspective. While Teddy, who is based on Van Alst, is the nominal lead of the story, the narrative is told in first person through multiple members of the gang, and others. Van Alst is very interested in who these guys are, what got them to the gang, and what might be waiting for them in the future. Even the tertiary members of the gang get their voices heard here, and the narration is sometimes coming from the future, as some members are remembering these moments. It's an interesting concept,

It may be a bit too long, but it's a solid read. Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and for this ARC.

The pacing of the book felt like a ride on The El itself. Maybe only those who have lived stop to stop, with trains ingrained in the fabric of their city, here Chicago or me, Philly, will truly appreciate the way the author encapsulates the visceral feel of a day moving through a hometown. It’s the characters you meet, the ones you love, the ones you tolerate and the ones you’d fight in a breath. Really looking forward to paging through a hard copy of this later this summer.

Those who believe leaders are born did not mature into adulthood in an urban setting.

Because cities require orderly movement of inhabitants, they are often compared to the human circulatory system; roads and rail are the arteries and veins needed to move people, the lifeblood, to and from.

Set in 1979 among Chicago’s infamous train cars, The El is a semi-autobiographical account of life in America’s most segregated city. It features Teddy, the spiritually superstitious de facto leader of a street gang sect, and it moves as quickly as an engine whipping around concave curves.

Short in stature, an avid reader, and a weed smoker, Teddy is the product of a broken home. Although he lives with a father who is responsible enough to meet Maslow’s minimum, defining the same man as accountable to anyone not featured on a liquor label is a stretch.

The eldest of three, he is a bit of a looker, but his mother’s cold nature has Teddy convinced that women are not yet worth the effort. Studious enough to willingly return to school after dropping out, he is often mistaken for an immigrant despite being an Indigenous American and native to the city.

A deep thinker struggling with being placed in the seat of authority, he is further troubled by being tasked with safely escorting the mixed-race group into and through rival gang territory to a mandatory city-wide unification summit.

Filled with vivid descriptions of Chicago’s collection of neighborhoods, its commentary on the paradox of being one of the most diverse, yet racially segregated, is spot on. Gritty, immersive, and accurate, astute readers will not miss the symbolic representations of how minorities are affected by the rate, rhythm, and modulation of seemingly disconnected urban journeys.

Authentic in its representation of how everyone, especially those with starched collars, is, by default, gang-affiliated, this work challenges readers to reconsider the constraints and systemic factors that influence choice and identity. Because of its realistic portrayal of urbanized Indigenous Americans, readers should not expect a narrative filled with historical context or syllogisms about life on the plains.

This work explores the need to form conventional sub-communities to navigate invisible and visible threats. It blends dialogue and action with introspective snatches into opposing views on institutionalized challenges resulting from socialized neglect to provide glimpses into discriminatory poverty.

Written by Theodore C. Van Alst, Jr., an enrolled member of the Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians, it’s a refreshingly overdue portrayal of strength in diversity. If the reality of culture shock is allegedly limited to immigrants, readers are cautioned to consider that Indigenous Americans were present when Columbus landed.

Infused with references to a non-race-based hand-to-mouth existence, readers with a strong appreciation for immersive experiences prevalent in cities will appreciate the accurate representations of humanized hardship. Others may reconsider the additional factors that make it easy to label one behavior criminal, yet when exhibited by those less “othered,” it's labeled resilience.

[2.5 stars] I really wanted to like this book, but it fell short for me, but not in terms of length because if it was any longer I maybe would have given up.

Set over the course of a single day, we follow Teddy and his gang through the streets of Chicago mostly via their stops on the El. Told primarily Teddy’s point of view with other narrators sprinkled in, I really enjoyed that Teddy’s perspective was told in the past tense with a reflective style versus the other narrators speaking in present tense.

Unfortunately, the story being told over a single day, there is so much detail within each conversation and scene, and I found myself increasingly bored. Additionally, with the amount of detail through group names, nicknames, handshake descriptions, etc. I found myself a little lost trying to keep track of everyone.

A very niche read that will struggle to find an audience, interesting but found it skimmable for the last half

I loved the premise and I love the author, however the writing style is not for me. I won't be finishing it.

ARC Read: Yes, thank you to @aaknopf, @knopfcooks, @pantheonbooks & @ireadvintage for the ARC copy!
Format: Digital ARC
Genre: Urban Fiction, Indigenous Voices
Pages: 192
Content Warnings: gang violence, drug and alcohol use, smoking
Rating: 🐆🐆🐆 / 🐆🐆🐆🐆🐆

Synopsis: Told through the lens of multiple narrators, a group of Chicago gang members in the 80s traverse through multiple-enemies’ territories to attend a massive meetup promising inter-gang cooperation. When the meeting is broken up by gunfire, they must make a mad dash back across town to return safely to their territory.

Thoughts (assume minor spoilers):
When I first heard of this novel, there were obvious nods to The Warriors, which is one of my favorite films. There are a few times within the story where a character would actually reference the film, which I felt was a little too on the nose for my taste.

Unlike The Warriors though, not a ton of stuff happens, other than a few minor scraps. Still, I enjoyed the bouncing narrators, and the bit of Coyote trickster lore sprinkled in made things fun.

I requested this one when I saw the author was the same dude who'd edited 'The Faster Redder Road,' and right out the gates, I have to say, this was probably the best novel I've read this year. Yeah, maybe it has some roots in 'The Warriors' or even 'The Outsiders,' but really, it's its own thing, written in a way that captures a time and place I don't know much about, but the characters, though, no matter where you're from, you know them right off the bat. It's so great to see dialogue written this way, the way most people speak, to feel like someone else has a use for those gold cigarette pack twists (I use them to floss my teeth), and digs RC cola, has Tom and Jerry on the tube, got called Speedy for ass scooching so fast as a child, leaves that light above the stove on for comfort, eats Hungry-Man dinners, and knows the best way to make a bus show is to light one up. Not only are the characters universally relatable, in my opinion, at least, but the trains and the sun, they're characters here, too, and the story is so grounded that they could've walked and talked and I'd believe it. 'Our society can't handle truth tellers, not the ones who can bring folks together, anyway,' and I think that says it all, Folks. I'll be checking out whatever else this author puts out, because this was a total blast.

Had cool vibes and some raw moments, but it kinda lost me in parts. Still, solid for the city kids and storytelling heads. But ultimately this was not my type of book, it was much different than what I had anticipated from reading the blurb. Drawing inspiration from The Warriors, the book reflects on themes of loyalty, survival, and camaraderie.​ Might work for other readers, but it just didn't work for me. Rounded up to 3 stars.

This book was not my cup of tea, the concept was strong. Definitely piqued my interest when I saw it was similar to The Warriors. Once I started reading though, I could tell early on that I wasn't going to enjoy it. It just wasn't my vibe. But it maybe someone elses.

Review of The El by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

The El is a raw, immersive journey through 1979 Chicago, following Teddy, a teenage Indigenous gang member, as he navigates a single, high-stakes day in the city. Van Alst’s writing is vivid and fast-paced, pulling readers into the streets, onto the train, and into the mind of a boy balancing loyalty, survival, and identity.

One of the novel’s biggest strengths is its authenticity—Van Alst’s depiction of Chicago’s neighborhoods, gang culture, and the racial and social dynamics of the time feels real and lived-in. The blend of gritty realism with elements of Indigenous storytelling, particularly Coyote’s presence, adds a unique and compelling layer to the narrative.

That said, the nonlinear storytelling and stream-of-consciousness style might not be for everyone. At times, the shifts in perspective and tone made it a little challenging to follow. However, once I got into the rhythm of the writing, I found it hard to put down.

Overall, The El is an intense, thought-provoking read that blends coming-of-age themes with a powerful sense of place. While not a light read, it’s a memorable one, offering a perspective rarely seen in fiction. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy literary fiction with a strong voice and a deep sense of atmosphere.

Fans of The Warriors will be a little disappointed by this book, although I still enjoyed the concept. My rating is a round up from 3.5 stars.

One thing that annoyed me a little bit is this book explicitly references The Warriors which was a little too self referential. The plot is effectively the same as the film except this takes place in Chicago. Rival gangs are traveling via public transportation to attend a summit of some sort and the book follows their journey. Unlike The Warriors, this book follows a gang that exists in real life, the Simon City Royals.

The plot is told primarily from the viewpoint of the gang leader Teddy who from his perspective is narrating from the vantage point of years later as an adult, and it alternates between the perspective of different members speaking from the present (1979) and then brief sections from CTA operators and a cop. This book does not engage in any stereotypes about gang leaders by portraying them as complex people with interests, thoughts, and desires (like everyone!) and by showing that only a small subset of them are interested in actual violence.

Aside from the dynamics of the gang members, it was really interesting how this book covered the topic of both how segregated the city of Chicago is (although this took place in 1979 this is still relevant today) in addition to the large Native population that Chicago has. Racial tensions were described as occurring both within gangs and between rival gangs.

The disappointing aspect of this book was not a whole lot happened plot wise. The bulk of the Simon City Royals' travel actually went very smoothly and focused on conversations between the various members and a brief interlude where they peacefully travel through a rival gang's territory. This was more of a meditation on the city of Chicago than an action driven plot. I actually kept anticipating something bad would happen at various points and it never did.

The summit was also very anticlimactic. It is interrupted by violence similar to The Warriors although I was a little unclear about what was happening and the rest of the plot does not follow The Warriors at all. There is one battle scene between gangs which comes near the very end and like the summit, is somewhat anticlimactic.

I appreciated this book for what it ended up being, but it did not entirely live up to what I thought it would be. I rounded up my rating as this book is well written, engaging, and provides a perspective that is not often encountered in literature.

Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion.

Unique and entertaining, a day in the life of a young indigenous gang member in Chicago, in the days before everyone shot everyone else. It's a page turner and a fun read.

"The El" is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, weaving together threads of psychological terror, supernatural mystery, and visceral body horror. Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.'s prose is evocative and unsettling, conjuring images that will linger long after you finish reading.

I DNFed at 62%. I was really trying but I found myself just not wanting to pick it up and even when I did, I couldn't read more than 5 pages in a sitting. I just don't think this one is for me.

Thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and NetGalley for this ARC of 'The El' by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.

This book is a wonderful conundrum. Desperately and viciously violent in places and dealing with racial and societal divides that loomed large in 1970s America (and remain today) it sits cheek by jowl with a warm and nostalgic love letter to Chicago, its teenage gangs and, the star of this show, the famous Chicago El.

I've never been to Chicago and wasn't in American in 1979 but Van Alst describes everyone and everywhere so eloquently and evocatively I can place myself there with no effort.

Honestly, it took me a good chunk of this book to make me realize I was loving it. It can be repetitive and almost mundane (if the everyday lives of young gang members can ever be mundane) but it suddenly dawned on me that I was entranced by the characters - especially Teddy - and his descriptions of the people and places.

These are no thoughtless thugs - they're readers, they know and appreciate their history and heritage (native American heritage and storytelling plays a key role in the novel), they know people, they know culture, and they're deeply and impulsively violent at the same time.

There's a real sense throughout that not only is this the end of a decade, the 1970s, but the end of an era for the city, the El, and the gangs. Guns are coming into the scene and they will change everyone and everything for good. Several of the gang members' thoughts turn to escape and we learn (or think we do) some of their fates.

My advice, give this one time and you'll fall in love with it.

Raw, gripping, and vividly immersive, this novel plunges readers into the heart of 1979 Chicago, where gang lines, racial tension, and survival instincts collide. At its center is Teddy — a smart, tough, and fiercely loyal teenager who has found belonging in the Simon City Royals after being cast out by his mother for his gang affiliation. But Teddy is more than just a street kid — as the only Indigenous member of his branch, he carries a deep sense of otherness. As the novel unfolds, it becomes clear that his identity, survival, and future are all intertwined.

The story kicks off with an electric premise: a gathering of Chicago gangs, dubbed the Nation, is being formed with the audacious goal of uniting rival groups across racial lines. For Teddy, it represents more than just gang business — it’s a chance to be part of something bigger, a movement that could change the violent landscape of the city. But when the meeting ends in chaos — gunfire, sirens, and shattered hopes — Teddy and his crew find themselves stranded deep in hostile territory, tasked with navigating their way back home while staying one step ahead of rival gangs and betrayal from within their own ranks.

The pacing of this novel is nothing short of relentless. The tension never lets up from the moment Teddy leads his crew onto the El train. Every stop, every alley, and every encounter feels like life or death, and the author captures the raw, volatile energy of 1970s Chicago with haunting precision. The city itself becomes a character — sweaty, dangerous, and unforgiving — and readers will feel the pulse of the streets with every page turn.

What sets this book apart is the deeply layered portrayal of Teddy. He’s a boy caught between worlds — Indigenous but disconnected from his roots, a gang member but still clutching to his humanity, a leader among his peers but quietly questioning if this life will consume him. The presence of Coyote, the trickster spirit who grants him glimpses of a possible future, adds an unexpected and brilliant layer of mysticism to the narrative. It’s subtle, haunting, and powerfully symbolic — a reminder that Teddy’s struggle is about physical survival and choosing his own path, even when fate seems stacked against him.

The writing is razor-sharp, immersive, and unflinching. The violence feels authentic without being gratuitous, and the undercurrent of tension — from both the physical threat of rival gangs and the psychological threat of betrayal — keeps readers on edge. Yet beneath all the blood and bravado is a powerful story about brotherhood, identity, and the impossible choices young men like Teddy are often forced to make.

This novel is more than just a gang story — it’s a searing exploration of race, belonging, and the invisible forces that shape young lives in marginalized communities.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who’s had a lifelong love affair with the city of Chicago, this book easily transported me to 1970s Chicagoland and all the citywide issues it faced. Thank you Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC of The El.