Illustration by Golden Cosmos

As Aaron Sorkin began writing his theatrical adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” he found a “white savior” dynamic that he felt he had to challenge; the result was a lawsuit from the literary executor of Harper Lee. And the recent Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith decided not to enjoy her well-appointed office at the Library of Congress very much. Instead, she travelled the country, hoping poetry would heal it during one of the most divisive political moments in our history. “It was probably the best thing I could have done as an American,” she told Kevin Young.

Aaron Sorkin Rewrites “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Adapting a classic novel for the stage, the writer had a few bones to pick with the heroic figure of Atticus Finch.

As Poet Laureate, Tracy K. Smith Hit the Road

Serving as Poet Laureate, Smith took literature to community centers, senior centers, prisons—anywhere people needed it.

Ocean Vuong at the Food Court

The author of the best-selling autobiographical novel “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” visits a food court at a largely Asian mall in Queens that reminds him of home.