"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.

"May We Be Forgiven" is a darkly comedic and deeply introspective novel that follows the life of Harry Silver, a middle-aged Nixon scholar whose life unravels after a tragic event. As Harry navigates through a series of unexpected and bizarre situations, he grapples with themes of family, identity, and redemption. With sharp wit and poignant observations, the book explores the complexities of human relationships and the possibility of finding forgiveness and second chances in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.

Set in 1960s Brighton, the play is a hilarious farce that follows the bumbling and perpetually hungry Francis Henshall, who becomes separately employed by two men – Roscoe Crabbe, a local gangster, and Stanley Stubbers, an upper-class criminal. Unbeknownst to Francis, Roscoe is actually Roscoe's sister Rachel in disguise, her twin brother having been killed by her boyfriend, who is none other than Stanley Stubbers. As Francis tries to keep each of his guvnors unaware of the other, he becomes entangled in a web of deception, love triangles, and mistaken identities, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and slapstick humor as he struggles to satisfy his insatiable appetite and keep his dual employment a secret.

"Lovecraft Country" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly blends elements of horror, science fiction, and historical fiction. Set in the 1950s, the story follows a young African American man named Atticus Turner as he embarks on a dangerous journey through the racially segregated United States. Along the way, Atticus and his friends encounter supernatural forces, face institutional racism, and confront the horrors of Lovecraftian mythology. With its richly drawn characters and exploration of racial tensions, the book offers a unique and compelling perspective on both the genre of horror and the complexities of American society.

The book is a poignant and humorous collection of interconnected stories that revolve around the staff of an English-language international newspaper based in Rome. It delves into the personal and professional lives of the reporters, editors, and executives who are struggling to keep the paper—and their own lives—afloat amidst the changing landscape of journalism. Each chapter focuses on a different character, painting a vivid portrait of the quirky and flawed individuals behind the headlines, while subtly weaving in themes of love, ambition, and the relentless march of technological change. The narrative captures the bittersweet reality of the imperfections that define us all, set against the backdrop of the declining newspaper industry.

The play centers around three cousins who gather in a cramped Manhattan apartment after their grandfather's funeral. As they mourn, a fierce battle ensues over a cherished family heirloom, a Chai necklace that symbolizes their grandfather's faith and survival during the Holocaust. The dispute quickly escalates into a broader conflict over religious identity, privilege, and what it means to be a "good" Jew in contemporary America. The narrative explores themes of family, faith, and the legacy of history, all while delivering sharp-witted dialogue and dark humor.