“Two Kinds” was published in 1989 as part of Amy Tan’s book The Joy Luck Club. 

The story is narrated by a Chinese-American woman, named Jing-mei, who is looking back on her upbringing in the United States.  

American poet, memoirist, and actress Maya Angelou wrote several volumes of autobiography that explore the themes of economic, racial, and sexual oppression. She is perhaps best known for her autobiographical work "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" (1969). The book garnered critical acclaim and a National Book Award nomination. It is the first of Angelou’s six autobiographies and is widely taught in schools. But because of its themes, it has faced controversy. 

Langston Hughes was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American cultural expressions. His work spanned various genres, including poetry, plays, novels, and newspaper columns, focusing on the African American experience. The episode includes a reading of his short story, “Thank You, Ma'am.”

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Although often labeled a science fiction writer, Ray Bradbury himself noted that much of his work was fantasy, horror, or mystery, with "Fahrenheit 451" being his only true science fiction book. 

His work remains highly relevant in today's world due to its exploration of themes such as censorship, the suppression of dissenting ideas, and the impact of technology on society.

The term "Jazz Age" was made popular by F. Scott Fitzgerald himself. It refers to the 1920s, a period marked by significant cultural and social changes, particularly in the United States. Jazz music became the dominant sound of the era defining the cultural aspect. In Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, Jazz music and "booze" was prevalent in the extravagant parties Jay Gatsby threw for his guests.

Check out the following YouTube site for examples of the music and the "flappers" who danced to it.

Richard Connell began his career as a journalist at a young age, contributing to his father's newspaper, the Poughkeepsie News-Press. His story “The  Most Dangerous Game” remains his most enduring work. 

The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell.pdf

H. H. Munro, British author and humorist, was a writer of the Edwardian era, a time of great social and economic change. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and growing social unrest were changes that influenced Munro’s writings. His short story “The Open Window” is an anthology classic.

https://americanliterature.com/author/hh-munro-saki/short-story/the-open-window/

Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre is semi autobiographical. What does it tell us as readers of this author’s complex world? The orphan Jane Eyre experiences first hand the expectations of a society that is unsympathetic to females of her class. She finds love only to lose it abruptly. She achieves personal growth through her strong will and sense of independence. Jane Eyre goes beyond the gothic elements defining a woman's role during the late 18th century.

A Math and logic professor by day and an author by night. Who would have guessed that Charles Lutwidge Dodgson and Lewis Carroll were one and the same? Could these two personalities be more incompatible? Very shy and often bullied at school, this writer of the wonderful children’s book Alice in Wonderland also endured several illnesses, one of which left him deaf in one ear. 

J.R.R. Tolkien, the English writer and scholar achieved fame with his creative epic stories: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He created detailed languages and rich mythology for Middle-earth, making it a believable and immersive world for readers. His works continue to inspire and influence writers, scholars, and readers around the world.