“What’s death like?
You’re briefly unlimited.”

Wow, wow, wow. I’ve had this collection on my list for a while, and I’ll with some embarrassment admit… I was pushed by the NYT list coming out. I had no idea I would like it this much.

I’ve never been pulled to read short story collections, because I’m more drawn to books with overarching themes and well-developed characters, but George Saunders is able to create such vivid characters with their own unique perspectives in such a short amount of time, and the themes of each of these stories are beautifully intertwined. What I appreciate the most is that the reader is not treated as if they are stupid- Saunders throws you into a plot, lets you be a bit confused at first, then slowly each bit of context winds together into such a deep, coherent story. It’s a book that actually feels rewarding to read, which is something I feel is rarer and rarer these days. It’s definitely my cup of tea, because the stories and themes are dark, but are always sprinkled in a little optimism and dark humor. It’s a collection about societal issues, social norms, trauma, the interconnectedness of all humans, and most of all, love in all its forms.

“We left home, married, had children of our own, found the seeds of meanness blooming also within us.”

My favorite stories are probably Escape From Spiderhead and The Semplica Girl Diaries. I could write so much about these two in particular, and perhaps one day I will, but just… man. So tragic but so full of love and empathy.

I don’t have many critiques as it currently stands. Perhaps the narratives are a bit too difficult at points, and the abrupt perspective changes interrupt the reading “flow” sometimes, but overall… a fantastic read. I’ll remember this one for a while.

READ. IT. NOW.

“Empty rack out in yard, looking strange in moonlight.
Note to self: call Greenway, have them take ugly thing away.”