Jason Mantzoukas on ‘Shoresy’ Season 4 and ‘SAS: Rogue Heroes.’ Plus, Richard Price on Writing ‘Lazarus Man.’

Set in the fictional city of Dempsey, New Jersey, 'Clockers' follows the intertwining storylines of Ronald 'Strike' Dunham, a low-level cocaine dealer, and Rocco Klein, a homicide detective nearing the end of his career. The novel delves into the harsh world of drug dealing and law enforcement, highlighting the complex relationships and moral ambiguities of both sides. It explores themes of identity crisis, loyalty, and the cyclical nature of violence and power. The book is praised for its operational detail, authentic characters, and cleareyed compassion in portraying a bleak and despairing urban environment.

Set in Harlem in 2008, 'Lazarus Man' follows the aftermath of a five-story tenement collapse that kills several people. The story centers around Anthony Carter, a 42-year-old unemployed biracial schoolteacher and recovering cocaine addict, who is miraculously pulled from the rubble 36 hours after the collapse. Carter's survival sets off a media frenzy and transforms him into an unlikely motivational speaker. The novel weaves together the lives of several characters, including police detective Mary Roe, young freelance photographer Felix Pearl, and others, as they navigate the community's response to the tragedy and Carter's newfound role as a symbol of hope.

Lush Life is a novel by Richard Price that delves into the intricate social dynamics of New York City's Lower East Side. The story begins with a crime that unravels into a complex exploration of gentrification, race, and class. It weaves together the lives of diverse characters, from hipsters to police detectives, highlighting the contrasts between the area's gentrified and gritty realities.