This week, comedian and author Jenny Gorelick discusses her recent dating guide, The Book of Red Flags: Dating Signs They Aren't It, with fellow comedian Ton Johnson. For singles striving to mingle, The Book of Red Flags is a beacon on the modern dating darkness, detailing all the hilarious signs they aren't it.
Content warning: this episode contains language and themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences, listener discretion is advised.
This program was part of the 2026 American Writers Festival. Co-hosted by the American Writers Museum and Chicago Public Library, the American Writers Festival is a free literary event featuring in-depth conversations with diverse writers from across genres and backgrounds. This conversation took place June 7, 2026 and was recorded live at the Harold Washington Library Center.
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More about The Book of Red Flags:
Whether they have a butt tattoo, own too many novelty T-shirts, or still Venmo their ex, this laugh-out-loud list of cautionary signs will affirm the reader in saying, "Thank you, next." Gorelick details absurd anecdotes and all-too-real jokes about the messy dating trends everyone seems to experience in The Book of Red Flags. This comedic and cathartic list is perfect for anyone who ignored their gut feeling or best friend’s warnings. Swipe left on red flags with confidence, and laugh so hard that it clears a path to "the one."
Peppered with brutal honesty, real situations, and the author's trademark humorous touch, The Book of Red Flags will resonate with anyone who has played the dating game with frustrating results. Perfect gift for Galentine's Day with its beautiful packaging and quirkily appealing illustrations by Margalit Cutler.
About the speakers:
JENNY GORELICK is a comedian, actor, writer, two-time Emmy-nominated producer, and former Jersey girl based in New York. She's been called an "ever-charming host" and "crush-worthy comedian" by Time Out New York. Her essays have been featured in The New York Times's "Modern Love" column, Cosmopolitan, McSweeney's, and The New Yorker's "Shouts & Murmurs." Her Substack series, "Night Out," about partying and dating in NYC, boasts over 10,000 subscribers and a "2024 Featured Publication" designation.
ANTON "TON" JOHNSON uses his comedy as a platform for the questions people won't ask and the things they won't say. Based in the Milwaukee area, Ton is quickly making a name for himself throughout the Midwest after winning several comedy competitions, participating in festivals, and opening for touring headliners such as Kool Bubba Ice, Chastity Washington, Dennis Banks, Rondell Sheridan, Kevin "Damn Fool" Simpson and many more!
