Simon is author of Zora and Me: The Cursed Ground, the second in a three-book series. It is a powerful, fictionalized account of author Zora Neale Hurston’s childhood adventures. It explores the idea of collective memory and the lingering effects of slavery. Next we visit with award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance who stars on the big screen with Oscar winner Julia Roberts in Ben is Back the story of a teen with substance abuse problems home for one night at Christmas.