George Saunders

stories

Tenth of December

Faves: Escape from Spiderhead, The SG Diaries, and Tenth of December

Jessica Biwang

Kyle Curry

Humor didn't quite click for me in this dark collection. While I pushed myself to engage with themes beyond my usual comfort zone, the majority of the stories felt bleak and struggled to land comedically. Despite this, I acknowledge the author's artistry. The concept and execution, though not my cup of tea, deserve recognition.

Liana

Arturo Hernández

This is a collection of short stories (10). There were 3 which I really liked and others I couldn’t quite connect with. Futuristic tales talking about crazy characters breaking the status quo.

Amy Thibodeau

Strange little stories about quirky human moments and empathy.

Chiyeung lau

Saunders’ voice and style is so unique and unexpected that it blew away my traditional views on what a good short story should be. 

Every wannabe writer must read this collection.

However, not every story spoke to me and I wasn’t always a fan of his experimental style, but Saunders is no doubt a master of the short story form and the story, Semplica Girl Diaries, is proof of that. Its bizarre writing style, commentary on class and its haunting parallels to our world was eye opening and very scary. 

The fragility and selfishness of the human ego is on full display in each story and Saunders captures our imperfections in a deeply disturbing yet honest way.

4.5/5

Anna Brunner

This was genuinely incredible- the last story moved me so deeply now I’m laying in bed crying 10/10 recommend!

Wouter ter Keurs

Niet voor mij. Al kan ik zijn schrijfoefeningen uitermate waarderen.
Tip: check voor elk verhaal even een korte samenvatting. Dat helpt je op weg en zo kun je beter meekomen.

Trever

I was expecting this to be more humorous than it was, but since starting it I've learned that this is the least satirical of Saunders's collections. It was good, and had quite a few standouts, but overall it was just not what I expected. I will read more of his work at some point, though.

Standouts:
+ "Victory Lap"
+ "Escape from Spiderhead"
+ "The Semplica Girl Diaries"
+ "Tenth of December"

Pretty Good:
+ "Sticks"
+ "Home"

Meh:
+ "Puppy"
+ "Exhortation"
+ "Al Roosten"
+ "My Chivalric Fiasco"

Brittney Wilson

Mark Stenberg 

Loved this! Very DFW-esque, looking forward to reading "Lincoln in the Bardo" or whatever it's called.

WINNER OF THE 2014 FOLIO PRIZE AND SHORTLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD 2013 George Saunders's most wryly hilarious and disturbing collection yet, Tenth of December illuminates human experience and explores figures lost in a labyrinth of troubling preoccupations. A family member recollects a backyard pole dressed for all occasions; Jeff faces horrifying ultimatums and the prospect of DarkenfloxxTM in some unusual drug trials; and Al Roosten hides his own internal monologue behind a winning smile that he hopes will make him popular. With dark visions of the future riffing against ghosts of the past and the ever-settling present, this collection sings with astonishing charm and intensity.

Kaitee Tredway

This is short story writing at its best. Think a cross between Flannery O’Connor at her most exquisite, Denis Johnson in his ruthless reality, and Jonathan Frazen. 

I HIGHLY recommend this collection.

Jade Flynn

Highly recommend. Even for people who are normally uncertain about reading short stories. Very well-written and poignant pieces of literary fiction. (Favourites - Victory Lap, Escape from Spiderhead, The Semplica Girl Diaries & Tenth of December).

Michael Chen

Daryl Houston

I read this quickly because I know I'm going to revisit it (and all of Saunders's collections) in a few months. Some of it's pretty typical fare for Saunders (not a bad thing) and some -- e.g. the title story, which is really excellent -- has more in the way of redemption in it that I'm accustomed to from Saunders. I'd love to see more from him in that vein.

Kyle Sawatsky

Tenth of December is the most honest, moving, and critically acclaimed collection yet from George Saunders, one of the most important writers of his generation. These stories take on the big questions and explore the fault lines of our own morality, the characters vividly and lovingly infused with Saunders's signature blend of exuberant prose, deep humanity, and stylistic innovation.
(back cover)

Tenth of December stories

Reviews