"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.

"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 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.