The Braindead Megaphone
Ratings6
Average rating4.3
15
Ratings6
Average rating4.3
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Man Booker Prize-winning novel Lincoln in the Bardo and the story collection Tenth of December, a 2013 National Book Award Finalist for Fiction. The breakout book from "the funniest writer in America"--not to mention an official "Genius"--his first nonfiction collection ever. George Saunders's first foray into nonfiction is comprised of essays on literature, travel, and politics. At the core of this unique collection are Saunders's travel essays based on his trips to seek out the mysteries of the "Buddha Boy" of Nepal; to attempt to indulge in the extravagant pleasures of Dubai; and to join the exploits of the minutemen at the Mexican border. Saunders expertly navigates the works of Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, and Esther Forbes, and leads the reader across the rocky political landscape of modern America. Emblazoned with his trademark wit and singular vision, Saunders's endeavor into the art of the essay is testament to his exceptional range and ability as a writer and thinker.
Reviews with the most likes.
Very refreshing and enlightening and entertaining set of essays. Saunders has the ability to vary his tone widely, from angry masked by humour ( in an essay on the decline of American culture) to fanboy enthusiasm (in a delightful “introduction” to Huckleberry Finn). He does occasionally go on for too long, but this is a small price to pay for the humour, the opening up of the mind, the compassion and humanity infused into each essay. Highly recommended.
Love this. Rather than diffuse his opinions into his trademark absurdist fiction, here Saunders collects a series of straight-up essays critiquing today's society in the U.S. and around the world. Seriously, seriously recommended!
While George Saunders can kill it with the short story, this collection from 2007 pulls together some of his non-fiction works. And no surprise here, Saunders occasionally nails it with pieces that make the whole worth reading. Other stories fade as quickly as they're read. Nothing terrible, just weak.
Naturally, what exactly is strong or weak differs for everyone. Not much of a polarizing review here I know. Saunders has a likeable, inclusionary style. He's not the delicious wonk that David Foster Wallace is, more an affable uncle with a winking delivery.
