The novel revolves around the lives of the Lambert family, an old-fashioned midwestern couple and their three adult children. The parents, Alfred and Enid, are dealing with Alfred's Parkinson's disease and their own marital problems, while their children are each facing their own personal and professional crises. The narrative explores the themes of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the struggles of modern life. The story climaxes with the family's last Christmas together at their childhood home.

The book follows the lives of two Jewish cousins, one a skilled escape artist and the other a talented artist, before, during, and after World War II. They create a popular comic book superhero, which brings them fame and fortune. However, their success is complicated by personal struggles, including the escape artist's attempts to rescue his family from Nazi-occupied Prague and the artist's struggle with his sexuality. The narrative explores themes of escapism, identity, and the golden age of comic books.

This classic novella explores the life of a young writer in New York City and his relationship with his neighbor, a charismatic and eccentric woman who lives off the generosity of wealthy men. The woman, who dreams of a life of luxury and freedom, captivates the writer with her charm and mystery. The story is a poignant examination of love, friendship, identity, and the struggle for personal freedom in a society bound by conventions.

"Deacon King Kong" by James McBride is a novel set in 1969 Brooklyn, where a drunken Deacon Sportcoat shoots a drug dealer named Deems Clemens in the courtyard of the Cause Houses housing project. The shooting sets off a chain of events that brings together a cast of characters from the neighborhood, including a young drug dealer, a church-going widow, a corrupt cop, and a group of elderly church women. Through their perspectives, McBride explores themes of race, religion, and community in a vibrant and humorous tale.

This novel follows the journey of Vladimir Girshkin, a young Russian immigrant living in New York City, who struggles with his identity and the expectations of his Jewish immigrant family. Desperate to escape his mundane job at the Emma Lazarus Immigrant Absorption Society and an overbearing girlfriend, Vladimir plunges into a world of crime and adventure that takes him from the Eastern European enclave of Little Odessa in New York to the chaotic streets of Eastern Europe. Through a series of misadventures, including dealing with gangsters, corrupt politicians, and a scheme involving a pyramid scam, Vladimir embarks on a comedic and poignant quest for success, love, and a sense of belonging. This debut novel is a satirical and insightful exploration of the immigrant experience, cultural assimilation, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

The novel follows the story of a young aspiring playwright who moves to New York City with dreams of making it on Broadway. He becomes the protégé of an eccentric older gentleman, a self-styled "extra man" who escorts wealthy widows in the Upper East Side's high society. As the protagonist navigates his new life, he is drawn into a world of old-world manners, transgender escapades, and odd human connections, all while grappling with his own identity and aspirations. The narrative is a comedic and poignant exploration of loneliness, friendship, and the quest for personal authenticity in a city that often feels overwhelming and surreal.

"The Bear Comes Home" is a unique tale about a talking, saxophone-playing bear who navigates the human world while yearning for true freedom. The bear, who is also the protagonist, struggles with the complexities of human life, including love, art, and the search for self-identity. As he explores the jazz scene, he is caught between his bear nature and his human-like consciousness, leading to a profound exploration of what it means to be free and to be oneself.