That same year, his monograph about his father's hometown of Galesburg, Illinois, and about his mother's family in Georgia and Florida, Chris Verene, was published by Twin Palms Press.
The New York Times reviewed his self-titled book in 2000: "Chris Verene is this year's most appealing newcomer, a diamond in the rough whose square color pictures record his family and friends in candid, unvarnished fashion.
The tacky interiors, worn clothes and forlorn expressions in the pictures suggest that all is not well in Galesburg, but Verene adds a commentary that tries its best to be upbeat and compassionate.
At age 16, Verene began work with a medium format camera and started taking pictures of his family and friends within the small town of Galesburg.
While having many diverse interests in music, film, and escape magic, the subject of his photographic career eventually became centered on the town of Galesburg and various events that take place within it.