"A Visit from the Goon Squad" is an interconnected collection of stories about a group of characters whose lives intersect in the music industry. The narrative spans several decades, tracing the characters' journey from their youth to middle age. It explores themes of time, change, and the impact of technology on human relationships and the music industry. The novel is known for its experimental structure, including a chapter written as a PowerPoint presentation.

In an unnamed South American country, a lavish birthday party is thrown for a powerful businessman, with a famous opera singer as the guest of honor. The party is interrupted by a group of terrorists who take everyone hostage, demanding the release of their imprisoned comrades. As weeks turn into months, the hostages and their captors form unexpected bonds. The story explores the relationships that develop under these extraordinary circumstances, and the transformative power of music and love.

Set in the Harlem of the 1920s, this novel follows the lives of a middle-aged couple, Joe and Violet, and their complicated relationship with a young woman named Dorcas. After Joe starts an affair with Dorcas and later kills her out of jealousy, Violet attempts to disfigure Dorcas's corpse at her funeral out of anger and resentment. The narrative explores themes of love, passion, betrayal, and the transformative power of music, particularly jazz, in a rapidly changing society.

"Finishing The Hat" is a collection of Stephen Sondheim's lyrics from his illustrious career in musical theater, along with his personal commentary and insights on the creative process. Sondheim shares his principles, heresies, grudges, whines, and anecdotes, providing a unique look into the mind of one of the most celebrated composers and lyricists of our time. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of musical theater and the creative process behind it.

"Black and Blur" is an exploration of black studies, performance, aesthetics, and politics. It delves into the intersections of critical theory, social science, and philosophy, challenging traditional definitions and understandings of blackness. The book uses an array of topics such as contemporary art, music, and literature to deconstruct and critique the conventional frameworks of authority, identity, and culture. It presents a new perspective on the complexities of blackness and the potential for social and political change.

In a future where public gatherings are illegal due to terrorist attacks and a pandemic, society has adapted to isolation, with virtual reality concerts replacing live events. The story follows a musician who once thrived on the energy of live performances and a talent scout for a corporate entertainment company, as they navigate this new world. The musician, longing for the connection that once came with her art, becomes involved in an underground music scene, defying the law to perform for small, secret gatherings. Meanwhile, the talent scout, whose job is to find musicians for virtual performances, begins to question the sterile world she's helping to perpetuate. Their paths intersect, leading to a powerful exploration of the importance of community and the transformative power of music in a world where the very essence of human connection has been fundamentally altered.