George Saunders was one of those names that everybody liked to drop in my writing classes at USC. “Oh, you haven’t read him? He’s brilliant.” Most of these comments were made condescendingly, which made me want to read him even less, just because that’s how stubborn I am. Well, I’m glad I sucked up my ego because this collection of short stories was hilarious, pointed, semi-insane, and incredibly enjoyable to read. Most of the stories didn’t have an introduction – instead, they often began with dialogue that put you in the middle of a world that was already existing and running at full speed. Once I got past the initial confusion, I soon realized that anything could be possible in Tenth of December. From prisoners with IV drips that make them fuck and fall in love with women within minutes, to a society where SGs aka women slaves from third world countries are proudly displayed on family lawns, each portion of this book kept me on my toes and more than often laughing out loud. Despite the surface humor, the stories also succesfully touched on deeper societal pangs, class, inequality, and the like. And upon finishing, I was pleasantly surprised by an interview between George Saunders and David Sedaris, which provided some honest and well-spoken truths about being a writer. I can’t wait to read him more.
sarah sophia yanni 