Inside a real genius club: the Santa Fe Institute

A Particle of Dread is a play written by Sam Shepard. The play reimagines the Oedipus myth. It explores themes of family secrets, guilt, and the destructive power of the past. Shepard's characteristic blend of realism and surrealism creates a haunting and unsettling atmosphere. The play examines the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of trauma.

The novel follows the interweaving paths of three central characters: Llewelyn Moss, who stumbles upon a large sum of money at a drug deal gone wrong; Anton Chigurh, a ruthless and principled hitman hired to retrieve the money; and Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, who reflects on the changing world and the moral decay he witnesses. The story is a harrowing exploration of greed, violence, and the consequences of one's actions, set in the harsh landscape of West Texas in 1980. It delves into themes of fate vs. free will, good vs. evil, and the ties of love, blood, and duty that shape destinies.

The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth. The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets. The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders. Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope. Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future.