“I consider journalism to be a literary genre . . . Without being fiction, it is a form, an instrument, for expressing reality. The timing maybe different, but the experience is the same in literature and journalism.”
–Gabriel Garcia Marquez

In a scant few sentences, Garcia Marquez captures the essence of what Thrulines aspires to: using the power of fiction techniques to render true tales that capture a sense of real life.

These five stories–-written by graduate students in Columbia College’s magazine program–mark the beginning of what we hope will become a rich tradition of literary journalism at Columbia College.

Sixth City Heartbreak

Jeffrey King lived for his orange and white weekends, but five minutes of football shook his faith in the team he loved.

For the Birds

How Annette Prince and her “army” of volunteers made Chicago skies safer for their avian friends.

Nature by Numbers

To the untrained eye, the zoo is simply a place where animals live. Meet the woman who sees what you don’t. by

Boy Wonder

Michael McCarthy is a highrise climber, martial arts champion, sled hockey star and pal of the governator. Not bad for a ten-year-old double amputee.

Slow Burn

Detective Mike McCann’s arson case was as good as solved until events put the case, his future and his health in doubt. Then along came the Popovich case.