Caleb Carr
is the critically acclaimed author of The Alienist, The Angel of Darkness, The Lessons of Terror, Killing Time, The Devil Soldier, The Italian Secretary, The Legend of Broken, and Surrender, New York. He has taught military history at Bard College, and worked extensively in film, television, and the theater. His military and political writings have appeared in numerous magazines and periodicals, among them The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He lives in upstate New York. (Penguin/Random House)
The Alienist – Season 2 now streaming
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Tom Perrotta
Tom Perrotta is often hailed as the “American Chekhov” of the suburbs, a writer who has spent over three decades dissecting the quiet desperation, suburban ennui, and darkly comic absurdities of middle-class life. Born in 1961 in Newark, New Jersey, Perrotta’s perspective was shaped by his upbringing as the son of a postal worker. This background instilled in him a “down-to-earth, egalitarian” literary voice that treats everyday struggles with the gravity typically reserved for epic drama.
Perrotta’s ascent into the literary mainstream was fueled by his uncanny ability to turn local settings into universal metaphors. His breakout novel, Election (1998), utilized a high school student council race to satirize the broader American political landscape. The introduction of Tracy Flick—a character defined by relentless, terrifying ambition—created a permanent cultural archetype, further cemented by Alexander Payne’s iconic film adaptation. He followed this success with Little Children (2004), a novel that transformed the mundane world of playgrounds and neighborhood pools into a psychological battlefield. By exploring the secret lives and unfulfilled desires of stay-at-home parents, Perrotta exposed the “Dante’s Inferno” hiding behind manicured lawns. The book solidified his reputation for writing with a “crisp and light” style that never shies away from moral complexity.While realism was his initial forte, Perrotta took a daring thematic turn with The Leftovers (2011). Using a “pseudo-Rapture” as a catalyst, he shifted his focus toward communal grief and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. The novel’s adaptation into a celebrated HBO series, which Perrotta co-created, marked a major evolution in his career. He became a rare “writer’s writer” who successfully navigated the worlds of prestige television and literary fiction, a trend he continued with the 2019 adaptation of his novel Mrs. Fletcher.Perrotta’s prose is characterized by its lack of judgment. Whether his characters are struggling with sexual identity, religious zealotry, or professional failure, he presents them with a compassionate clarity. He draws heavy inspiration from his former teacher, Tobias Wolff, and the disciplined storytelling of Raymond Chandler. Like his father’s commitment to his mail route, Perrotta maintains a rigorous work ethic, viewing his writing as a way to process subconscious material that holds deep personal and social significance.In his most recent works, Perrotta has explored the complexities of aging and the weight of the past. Tracy Flick Can’t Win (2022) revisited his most famous character in middle age, finding her still fighting for a seat at the table. His 2026 novel, Ghost Town, marks another shift toward a “pared down” and essential style, focusing on abandonment and the lingering presence of those we have lost. Living in Belmont, Massachusetts, Perrotta remains a vital voice in American letters, consistently proving that there is nothing “small” about suburban life. His legacy is defined by a body of work that finds original and beautiful truths in the most ordinary of places. -
George Pelecanos
George Pelecanos is a powerhouse of contemporary noir, celebrated for his gritty, empathetic portrayals of the urban underworld. Born in 1957 in Washington, D.C., his early years working as a line cook and shoe salesman deeply informed his focus on the daily grind of working-class life.He has authored over 20 novels, most famously his D.C. Quartet, which explores the “invisible” city beyond the monuments. Unlike typical political thrillers, his stories—such as Hard Revolution and The Night Gardener—delve into racial tension, social divides, and the lives of those on the margins. His prose is noted for its authentic dialogue, rich period detail, and a deep-seated love for soul music and pop culture.Beyond his books, Pelecanos is a legendary television writer and producer. He was a primary architect of HBO’s The Wire, bringing his expertise in urban realism to the screen. His television credits also include Treme, The Deuce, and We Own This City. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including the Hammett Prize, cementing his legacy as one of America’s premier chroniclers of crime and the human condition. -
Steve Forbert
Steve Forbert
Samuel Stephen “Steve” Forbert is an American pop music singer-songwriter. Bob Harris of BBC Radio 2 said Forbert has “One of the most distinctive voices anywhere.” His 1979 song “Romeo’s Tune” reached No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 13 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart. Wikipedia
2020 release – Early Morning Rain — In Steve’s own words:
“For the past few years things have been extremely hectic–nonstop issues and distractions. Now we’re trying to cope with a full-on pandemic – the very kind of contagious thing we studied back in history class! My new record is my idea of rather a “breather”. I’ve released 20 studio albums of original material by now and I’m taking my time writing more songs…but this EARLY MORNING RAIN “cover” album is a what you might call an “easy assignment” for Americana/folk music fans. You don’t have to study new chapters here, just enjoy these renditions of songs you already know and probably love!”
Still prolific Steve has a 2022 and 2023 release. Check out Moving Through America and Streets of this Town – Revisited
For more video variety vist Steve Forbert on social media.
And check out his book:
Big City Cat: My Life in Folk Rock
