MARVEL STARS: Angela Bassett on ‘Zero Day’ and Honoring Chadwick Boseman

Published in 1937, 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a novella that tells the story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant ranch workers in California during the Great Depression. The narrative revolves around their dream of owning a small farm, a symbol of the American Dream. However, their plans are continually thwarted by circumstances, including Lennie's accidental killing of the ranch owner's daughter-in-law, which leads to a tragic conclusion. The book is known for its vivid portrayal of farm life, its exploration of themes such as loneliness, friendship, and the harsh realities of the labor system, and its objective narrative style. It has been widely adapted into stage and film versions and remains a significant work in American literature.

Set in 1911, the play tells the story of Herald Loomis, a man searching for his wife after being unjustly imprisoned for twelve years. Loomis's journey takes him to a boarding house in Pittsburgh, where he encounters a diverse group of characters, each grappling with their own histories and identities. The play explores themes of identity, displacement, and the search for spiritual and cultural roots in the aftermath of slavery. Wilson masterfully weaves together elements of realism, symbolism, and African American folklore to create a powerful and moving theatrical experience. Through the stories of its characters, 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone' examines the enduring legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-determination.

How Stella Got Her Groove Back is more than a love story; it's a novel about how a woman saves her own life and what she must risk to do it. Stella Payne, a successful but unfulfilled stockbroker, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love when she meets a younger man in Jamaica. The book explores themes of identity, relationships, and personal growth.

Waiting to Exhale follows the lives of four professional African American women—Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria—as they support each other through various personal and professional challenges. The novel explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the importance of female friendships. Through their experiences, the characters learn to prioritize their own needs and find fulfillment beyond their relationships with men.

The play revolves around the Younger family, who are about to receive a $10,000 insurance check following the death of the family's patriarch. The family members have different ideas on how to use the money, leading to conflicts and revelations about their dreams and aspirations. The story delves into themes of racial discrimination, housing segregation, and the importance of family unity. Despite facing numerous challenges, the family ultimately decides to move forward with their plans to improve their lives, symbolizing their resilience and determination.