Podcasts about civilwarland

Before he was a MacArthur Genius or a Booker Prize-winner, George Saunders was a songwriter, an oil-field worker, and a slaughterhouse “knuckle-puller,” not to mention an MA student at what was then West Texas State University. In this in-depth interview, Amarillo College's Chris Hudson joins me, Ryan Brooks, as we speak with the author of Lincoln in the Bardo, Tenth of December, CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, and many other books. We chat with Saunders about his roots in the Texas Panhandle and how his fascination with Custer has stretched from his first published story (written in Amarillo) to his latest novella, “Liberation Day.” We also discuss his attitudes about work, capitalism, and ghosts; whether the Panhandle is best understood as Steinbeckian or Trumpian; his time as a young musician in the Amarillo Songwriters Association; which of his writing students we should be paying attention to next; Flannery O'Connor; Lucky Hank; and much more. At the end of the interview, Saunders describes the impact three WT English profs – Richard Moseley, Charmazel Dudt, and Sue Park – had on life and his career, including teaching him to have faith in his own responses to literature.  Cover Image: Michael Tomlinson, George Saunders, Pat Pacino, mid-1970s. Photos courtesy of Buddy Squyres.

The multi-talented writer, comedian, and professor joins Joshua to talk about how authors like Joan Didion and Lorrie Moore helped open her eyes to the life experiences she could one day write about as a renowned short story author herself and soon to be published novelist. Books talked about include but are not limited to "Birds of America" by Lorrie Moore, "Play It As It Lays" by Joan Didion, "Sing To It" by Amy Hempel, "Why Did I Ever?" by Mary Robison "Willful Creatures" by Aimee Bender and "A Swim in a Pond in the Rain" and "CivilWarLand in Bad Decline" by George Saunders because Turek Books will begin and won't ever stop with Saunders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Saunders is one of literary fiction's most acclaimed living writers. Along with his many collections of short stories, he also published the Booker Prize-winning novel Lincoln in the Bardo. In this episode, from Schwartz Media's podcast Read This, Michael chats with him about his life and career, and George reveals the three words that made him a writer. (This episode was first published in September 2023) Reading list: CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, George Saunders,1996 Pastoralia, George Saunders, 2000 In Persuasion Nation, George Saunders, 2006 Tenth of December: Stories, George Saunders, 2013 Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders, 2017 A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life, George Saunders, 2021 Liberation Day: Stories, George Saunders, 2022 A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, James Joyce, 1916 To Have and Have Not, Ernest Hemingway, 1937 The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway, 1952 The Little Disturbances of Man, Grace Paley, 1959 Ordinary Gods and Monsters, Chris Womersley, 2023 You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store. Or if you want to listen to them as audiobooks, you can head to the Read This reading room on Apple Books. Socials: Stay in touch with Read This on Instagram and Twitter Guest: George Saunders

George Saunders is one of literary fiction's most acclaimed living writers. Along with his many collections of short stories, he also published the Booker Prize-winning novel Lincoln in the Bardo. This week, Michael chats with him about his life and career, and George reveals the three words that made him a writer.Reading list:CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, George Saunders,1996Pastoralia, George Saunders, 2000In Persuasion Nation, George Saunders, 2006Tenth of December: Stories, George Saunders, 2013Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders, 2017A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life, George Saunders, 2021Liberation Day: Stories, George Saunders, 2022A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, James Joyce, 1916To Have and Have Not, Ernest Hemingway, 1937The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway, 1952The Little Disturbances of Man, Grace Paley, 1959Ordinary Gods and Monsters, Chris Womersley, 2023You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store. Or if you want to listen to them as audiobooks, you can head to the Read This reading room on Apple Books.Socials: Stay in touch with Read This on Instagram and TwitterGuest: George SaundersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Saunders is one of literary fiction's most acclaimed living writers. Along with his many collections of short stories, he also published the Booker Prize-winning novel Lincoln in the Bardo. This week, Michael chats with him about his life and career, and George reveals the three words that made him a writer. Reading list: CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, George Saunders,1996 Pastoralia, George Saunders, 2000 In Persuasion Nation, George Saunders, 2006 Tenth of December: Stories, George Saunders, 2013 Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders, 2017 A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life, George Saunders, 2021 Liberation Day: Stories, George Saunders, 2022 A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, James Joyce, 1916 To Have and Have Not, Ernest Hemingway, 1937 The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway, 1952 The Little Disturbances of Man, Grace Paley, 1959 Ordinary Gods and Monsters, Chris Womersley, 2023 You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store. Or if you want to listen to them as audiobooks, you can head to the Read This reading room on Apple Books. Socials: Stay in touch with Read This on Instagram and Twitter Guest: George Saunders

Becky, Austin, and Heather M. talk about the life and work of Kurt Vonnegut Jr.! Including: "Slaughterhouse-Five" (1969);  "Player Piano" (1952);  "A Man Without a Country" (2005);  "Breakfast of Champions" (1973) "Welcome to the Monkey House" (1968) "Hocus Pocus"(1990) "Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time" documentary (2021);  Salman Rushdie's essay "What Kurt Vonnegut's 'Slaughterhouse-Five' Tells Us Now": https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/what-kurt-vonneguts-slaughterhouse-five-tells-us-now "Landscape with Invisible Hand" by M.T. Anderson;  "Civilwarland in Bad Decline" by George Saunders; and more!

Bookwaves/Artwaves is produced and hosted by Richard Wolinsky. Links to assorted local theater & book venues   Bookwaves George Saunders, author of the short story collection, Liberation Day, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. George Saunders is the highly acclaimed author of several short story collections, including “Tenth of December,”  and “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline,” and others, along with political commentary that has appeared in The New Yorker and other magazines. He won the 2017 Booker Prize for his only novel to date, “Lincoln in the Bardo.” This latest collection, “Liberation Day,” contains nine stories, some of which, including the title story, are science fiction. Others delve into the minds of people coping with their lives. There are subtle political implications in several of them, but all of them are stunning works of fiction. The interview was recorded on October 10, 2022 and was edited by Richard Wolinsky October 26-28, 2022. Complete 45-minute interview.   Artwaves Lisa Ramirez, playwright, “The Book of Sand” at the Oakland Theater Project, November 11 – December 4th, and Associate Artistic Director of the Oakland Theater Project, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Lisa Ramirez is a bi-coastal actor and playwright. She recently appeared in “Water by the Spoonful” at San Francisco Playhouse. Among the plays she has written are “Exit Cuckoo,” a one-person play about nannies, and “To the Bone.” During the pandemic shutdown, she presented a solo version of T.S. Eliot's “The Wasteland,” in a parking lot in Oakland, using radios. She also works with the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles Oakland Theater Project website.   Book Interview/Events and Theatre Links Note: Most in-person events still require proof of full vaccination for all audience members over 12 and masks. Many venues will require proof of boosters. Shows may unexpectedly close early or be postponed due to actors' positive COVID tests. Check the venue for closures, ticket refunds, and vaccination status requirements before arrival. Dates are in-theater performances unless otherwise noted. All times Pacific Standard Time. Book Stores Bay Area Book Festival  Highlights from this year's Festival, May 7-8, 2022 and upcoming calendar. Book Passage.  Monthly Calendar. Mix of on-line and in-store events. Books Inc.  Mix of on-line and in-store events. The Booksmith.   Monthly Calendar. On-line events only. Center for Literary Arts, San Jose. See website for Book Club guests in upcoming months. Kepler's Books  On-line Refresh the Page program listings. Live Theater Companies Actor's Reading Collective (ARC).  See website for past streams. Alter Theatre. Upcoming: Snag by Tara Moses, Pueblo Revolt by Dillon Chitto American Conservatory Theatre  A Christmas Carol, November 30 – December 24, Toni Rembe Theater. Aurora Theatre Colonialism is Terrible, but Pho is Delicious by Dustin Chinn, November 4 – December 2, in theatre. Streaming: December 3-4. Awesome Theatre Company. Check website for upcoming live shows and streaming. Berkeley Rep Jerrod Charmichael: Ari Told Me I Lack Focus, November 8-13, Peets Theatre. Wuthering Heights, adapted and directed by Emma Rice, November 18 – January 1, Roda Theatre. Boxcar Theatre. See website for event. Brava Theatre Center: See website for events. BroadwaySF: Moulin Rouge! The Musical,  through November 6, 2022, Orpheum. Jagged Little Pill, through November 6, Golden Gate Theatre. Ain't Too Proud November 9 – December 6, 2022, Golden Gate. Hadestown returns September 12-17, 2023 at the Orpheum. Broadway San Jose: The Book of Mormon, Nov. 22-27, 2022 California Shakespeare Theatre (Cal Shakes). 2023 Season to be announced. Center Rep: Clue based on the screenplay, Lesher Center, Walnut Creek, October 29 – November 20, 2022. Central Works The Museum Annex by Mildred Inez Lewis, now through Nov. 13, 2022. Cinnabar Theatre. Daddy Long Legs,  January 6 – 22, 2023. Contra Costa Civic Theatre To Master the Art by William Brown and Doug Frew, April 21 – May 21, 2023. Curran Theater: An Evening with Nigella Lawson, November 14, 2022. Custom Made Theatre. Shoshana in December. November 18 – December 18, Phoenix Theatrre, 414 Mason St., San Francisco. 42nd Street Moon. Gypsy In Concert, November 3-4, Heritage Theatre; November 12-13, Alcazar Theatre. Golden Thread  The Language of Wild Berries by Nagmeh Samini, now through November 6, 2022. Potrero Stage. Landmark Musical Theater. The Addams Family, now through November 20, 2022. Lorraine Hansberry Theatre. Halie! The Mahalia Jackson Musical, world premiere. December 2 – 24, at the Magic. Magic Theatre. The Travelers by Luis Alfaro, February 15 – March 5, 2023. See website for other theatre events at the Magic. Marin Theatre Company Two Trains Running by August Wilson, November 25 – December 18, 2022. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts Upcoming Events Page. New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC) A Picture of Two Boys by Nick Malakhow now through November 27, 2022. Oy Vey in a Manger, by the Kinsey Sicks, December 7 – 31, 2022. Oakland Theater Project. Book of Sand: A Fairy Tale by Lisa Ramirez, November 11 – December 4, livestream/on demand November 26. The Oakland Theatre at FLAX. Pear Theater. Frankie and Johnny at the Claire de Lune by Terrence McNally, December 1- 18, 2022. PianoFight. Calendar of shows. PlayGround. See website for upcoming shows. Presidio Theatre. Sleeping Beauty: Panto at the Presidio, December 1 – 30, 2022. Ray of Light: See website for upcoming productions. San Francisco Playhouse.  Indecent by Paula Vogel, now through – November 5, 2022. SFBATCO See website for upcoming streaming and in- theater shows. San Jose Stage Company: Sex with Strangers by Laura Eason, now through October 30, 2022. Shotgun Players. Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 by Dave Malloy. November 5 – December 30, Streaming November 17, December 1. South Bay Musical Theatre: The Spitfire Grill, January 28-February 18, 2023. The Breath Project. Streaming archive. The Marsh: Calendar listings for Berkeley, San Francisco and Marshstream. Theatre Rhino  A Slice of Life, world premiere by John Fisher, November 5-27. At Theatre Rhino (formerly Spark Arts). Streaming: Essential Services Project, conceived and performed by John Fisher, all weekly performances now available on demand. TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. Little Shop of Horrors, November 30 – December 24, Lucie Stern Theater, Palo Alto. Word for Word. See schedule for live and streaming works. Misc. Listings: BAM/PFA: On View calendar for BAM/PFA. Berkeley Symphony: See website for listings. Chamber Music San Francisco: Calendar, 2023 Season, starting February. Dance Mission Theatre. On stage events calendar. Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Calendar listings and upcoming shows. San Francisco Opera. Calendar listings. San Francisco Symphony. Calendar listings. Playbill List of Streaming Theatre: Updated weekly, this is probably the best list you'll find of national and international streaming plays and musicals. Each week has its own webpage, so scroll down. National Theatrical Streaming: Upcoming plays from around the country. Filmed Live Musicals: Searchable database of all filmed live musicals, podcast, blog. If you'd like to add your bookstore or theater venue to this list, please write Richard@kpfa.org       The post Bookwaves/Artwaves – November 3, 2022: George Saunders – Lisa Ramirez (part one) appeared first on KPFA.

George Saunders, author of the short story collection, Liberation Day, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. George Saunders is the highly acclaimed author of several short story collections, including “Tenth of December,”  and “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline,” and others, along with political commentary that has appeared in The New Yorker and other magazines. He won the 2017 Booker Prize for his only novel to date, “Lincoln in the Bardo.” This latest collection, “Liberation Day,” contains nine stories, some of which, including the title story, are science fiction. Others delve into the minds of people coping with their lives. There are subtle political implications in several of them, but all of them are stunning works of fiction. The interview was recorded on October 10, 2022 and was edited by Richard Wolinsky October 26-28, 2022. The post George Saunders, “Liberation Day,” 2022 appeared first on KPFA.

George Saunders is the author of the story collection Liberation Day, available from Random House. Saunders is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eleven books, including A Swim in a Pond in the Rain; Lincoln in the Bardo, which won the Booker Prize; Congratulations, by the Way; Tenth of December, a finalist for the National Book Award and winner of the inaugural Folio Award; The Braindead Megaphone; and the critically acclaimed collections CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, Pastoralia, and In Persuasion Nation. He teaches in the creative writing program at Syracuse University. *** Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly literary podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. Launched in 2011. Books. Literature. Writing. Publishing. Authors. Screenwriters. Etc. Available where podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, etc. Subscribe to Brad Listi's email newsletter. Support the show on Patreon Merch @otherppl Instagram  YouTube Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talkin' Fanfic  Episode No. - 209 Episode Title - Interview with elsi   Sara sits down to talk with elsi, aka Prince_of_Elsinore, an incredibly talented author who has spent many thousands of words exploring the heart of the relationship between the characters of Dean and Sam Winchester from Supernatural. Sara and elsi cover the show itself (that finale!) and discuss three of elsi's works centered around Sam and Dean over the course of their lives together. elsi speaks in depth about the differences between gencest and Wincest, and the thin and not-so-thin lines that form the fascinating gradient between. elsi explains their love for this “ultimate ship” and why the heart of a good Wincest fic treats “problematic” aspects of the ship directly, in a way that feels honest, unafraid, and faithful to Sam and Dean themselves as characters.  Other topics include: writing style, “Id fic”, letting subtext tell the story and do the heavy lifting, and how elsi's experience in fanfiction has informed and differed from their professional, original writing experiences, and why fanfiction isn't just “the minor leagues” of the publishing writing world, but an artistic pursuit entirely of its own. Bulletin Items!  Talkin' Fanfic will be LIVE with The Fanfic Maverick Podcast at PLANET COMICCON in Kansas City! Saturday April 23rd at 1pm. See website for tickets, schedule, etc. Let us know if you're coming! Episode References Work - “Baton Rouge” by elsi Work - “Understand the Undernetting” by elsi Work - “December, Sutter County” by elsi elsi's ‘deserted island' book - Poetry by Wisława Szymborska elsi is reading - "CivilWarLand in Bad Decline" by George Saunders elsi is reading - "Nonrequired Reading" by Wisława Szymborska  Ao3 Collection - “Wanted Man” Challenge  elsi rec - author: nigeltde elsi rec - author: deadlybride  elsi rec -author:  damnablebell  elsi rec -author: flesh, aka fleshflutter elsi rec -author: Edwardina   elsi rec - "Carry Me Over the Sky" by killabeez (SPN Wincest) elsi rec - "Splinters" by Morgan (SPN horror western)   elsi rec - "Squint into the Sunset | Glare into the Gloaming" by Dyed_Red  elsi rec - “I've Got A Hand For You” by Edwardina  Contact and Credits: Music: Kyle Laurin "In the Air Tonight" (Twitter: @cobrakylemusic) Tumblr: talkinfanfic.tumblr.com  Instagram: @talkinfanfic Email: talkinfanfic@gmail.com  Reading excerpt music: “Pensive Mood Guitar and Cello” by Musictown (pixabay)

This podcast was first posted on February 26, 2017. George Saunders, author of the novel Lincoln in the Bardo, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. George Saunders is the highly acclaimed author of several short story collections, including “Tenth of December,” “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline,” “In Persuasion Nation” and others, along with political commentary that recently appeared in The New Yorker and other magazines. His latest novel takes place in the form of a fictional oral history from the perspective of several ghosts who survive after death in a Washington DC graveyard in 1862. Willie Lincoln, the favored son of Abraham Lincoln, has gotten sick and died, and during the course of the book, the President visits his son's tomb. The book deals with the Civil War, with the relationship of blacks and whites in America, with beliefs about life and death, and with the relationship of history and memory. Lincoln in the Bardo won the 2017 Man Booker Prize. His latest book is a collection of essays, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading and Life, published in January, 2021.     The post George Saunders, “Lincoln in the Bardo,” 2017 appeared first on KPFA.

George Saunders reads his story “The Mom of Bold Action,” from the August 30, 2021, issue of the magazine. Saunders won the Man Booker Prize in 2017 for his novel, “Lincoln in the Bardo.” He is the author of four story collections, including “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline” and “Tenth of December.” 

Ben & Bob discuss two short stories: “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline” and “The Tenth of December”. Both come from short story collections of the same name by Ben's artistic spirit animal, the great George Saunders. Will Bob feel rewarded for his efforts, having returned to fiction for the first time quite in a while? Check out the pod's first literature episode to find out!

In conversation with Daniel Torday, Director of Creative Writing at Bryn Mawr College, author of The Last Flight of Poxl West, Boomer1, and The Sensualist, and two-time winner of the National Jewish Book Award. ''One of the most gifted, wickedly entertaining story writers around'' (New York Times Book Review), George Saunders won the Man Booker Prize for Lincoln in the Bardo, a kaleidoscopic tale of the 16th President's son's death and purgatorial afterlife. His surreal short story collections include the New York Times notable books Pastoralia and CivilWarLand in Bad Decline; and Tenth of December, a National Book Award finalist. A professor of creating writing at Syracuse University, Saunders is the recipient of Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellowships and has been honored by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Pairing iconic short stories by Chekhov, Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Gogol with seven corresponding essays, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain is a meditative master class on what makes great fiction click.  A signed book is included with the price of your ticket. Books will be mailed after the event. Please allow 2 - 3 weeks for delivery. (recorded 1/18/2021)

George Saunders reads his story from the November 9, 2020, issue of the magazine. Saunders won the Man Booker Prize in 2017, for his novel “Lincoln in the Bardo.” He is the author of four story collections, including “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline” and “Tenth of December.”

George Saunders discusses the importance of humor, the myth of bad story ideas, trusting the subconscious, and the “great relief” of his writing life in this final episode of season one. George Saunders is a Syracuse University graduate and professor of creative writing, the author of the short story collections CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, Pastoralia, In Persuasion Nation, Tenth of December, and the novel Lincoln in the Bardo. He has been a finalist for the National Book Award, received both the Guggenheim and MacArthur fellowships, and his novel won the 2017 Man Booker Prize.

This week's book is Civilwarland in Bad Decline by George Saunders. It is one of the most darkly funny books you'll ever read, and puts into words a sort of vague alienation that we all feel but don't want to examine. Feel free to share your opinion on this book and many others at:@briefbookpod on twitterwww.reddit.com/r/BriefBookReview

Watch the video here. Having garnered wide readership and critical praise for his surreal, darkly funny fiction, ''it's no exaggeration to say that short story master George Saunders helped change the trajectory of American fiction'' (The Wall Street Journal). He is the author of the New York Times notable books Pastoralia and CivilWarLand in Bad Decline; Story Prize finalist In Persuasion Nation; and Tenth of December, a National Book Award finalist. One of Time magazine's 100 most influential people, Saunders is the recipient of Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellowships and has been honored by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Lincoln in the Bardo spins a kaleidoscopic tale of the 16th President's son's death and his bizarre purgatorial afterlife.  (recorded 2/14/2017)

George Saunders, author of the novel Lincoln in the Bardo, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. George Saunders is the highly acclaimed author of several short story collections, including “Tenth of December,” “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline,” “In Persuasion Nation” and others, along with political commentary that recently appeared in The New Yorker and other magazines. His latest novel takes place in the form of a fictional oral history from the perspective of several ghosts who survive after death in a Washington DC graveyard in 1862. Willie Lincoln, the favored son of Abraham Lincoln, has gotten sick and died, and during the course of the book, the President visits his son's tomb. The book deals with the Civil War, with the relationship of blacks and whites in America, with beliefs about life and death, and with the relationship of history and memory. Lincoln in the Bardo won the 2017 Man Booker Prize. The post Encore Podcast: George Saunders appeared first on KPFA.

George Saunders, author of the novel Lincoln in the Bardo, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. George Saunders is the highly acclaimed author of several short story collections, including “Tenth of December,” “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline,” “In Persuasion Nation” and others, along with political commentary that recently appeared in The New Yorker and other magazines. His latest novel takes place in the form of a fictional oral history from the perspective of several ghosts who survive after death in a Washington DC graveyard in 1862. Willie Lincoln, the favored son of Abraham Lincoln, has gotten sick and died, and during the course of the book, the President visits his son's tomb. The book deals with the Civil War, with the relationship of blacks and whites in America, with beliefs about life and death, and with the relationship of history and memory. It has gotten rave reviews since publication. The post George Saunders: Lincoln in the Bardo appeared first on KPFA.

In this episode with talk with Academy-Award winning screenwriter and DFW fan Nicolás Giacobone. Nico is best known as the co-writer of Iñarritu's Birdman and Biutiful, but he's also a writer of fiction and a serious reader. If you have not seen the movie Birdman, it is strongly advised that you do so. In this episode we discuss his grandfather's filmography, literary influences, Manu Ginobli, and many other things.   Books and writers mentioned include Alberto Laiseca, John Updike, Don DeLillo, George Saunders, and Michael Ondaatje's Coming Through Slaughter among others.  Contact us: concavityshow@gmail.com Show notes:  00:042 - background and introductions 02:16 - writing for television is painful 03:41 - Like Ed Wood, he was his own extra 09:08 - Homer and Dostoevsky and Cervantes 22:22 - movie writing is collaborative by nature 28:19 - San Antonio Spurs and ego 32:20 - In Latin America, everything is sold with a handshake 33:40 - Treating writing like work 35:08 - Ruth Reichl and DFW 43:40 - Never wrote another novel 49:00 - Six minute takes 53:01 - Tortured artist whose biggest obstacle is himself 54:00 - Free time and they write bullshit 57:07 - Aaron Swartz's theory of IJ 1:04:26 - We can't do math 1:08:11 - Plenty of good books are forgotten 1:12:01 - The 160-page version of CivilWarLand in Bad Decline 1:15:19 - Sergio de la Pava 1:22:06 - The Internet as a tool 1:28:00 - Mario Bellatin 1:32:32 - Moving past Bolaño's influence 1:36:46 - Make fun of Shakespeare 1:37:59 - Comparing Birdman and Infinite Jest 1:39:56 - IJ is impossible to film 1:45:55 - Easter egg: technical difficulties  

George Saunders has written for The New Yorker and GQ. His latest collection of short stories is Tenth of December. "Maybe you would understand your artistry to be: put me anywhere. I'll find human beings, I'll find human interest, I'll find literature. And I guess you could argue the weirder, or maybe the less explored the place, the better." Thanks to TinyLetter and Audible for sponsoring this episode.  Show notes: georgesaundersbooks.com Saunders on Longform [5:00] Tenth of December (Random House • 2013) [8:45] "George Saunders Has Written the Best Book You'll Read This Year" (Joel Lovell • New York Times Magazine • Jan 2013) [22:45] CivilWarLand in Bad Decline (Random House • 1996) [29:30] "The Great Divider" (GQ • Dec 2006) [30:45] "The New Mecca" (GQ • Nov 2005) [33:00] "The Incredible Buddha Boy" (GQ • Jun 2006) [38:45] George Saunders's Advice to Graduates (May 2013) [47:00] "Tent City, U.S.A." (GQ • Sep 2009)

George Saunders has written for The New Yorker and GQ. His latest collection of short stories is Tenth of December. "Maybe you would understand your artistry to be: put me anywhere. I'll find human beings, I'll find human interest, I'll find literature. And I guess you could argue the weirder, or maybe the less explored the place, the better." Thanks to TinyLetter and Audible for sponsoring this week's episode.  Show notes: georgesaundersbooks.com Saunders on Longform [5:00] Tenth of December (Random House • 2013) [8:45] "George Saunders Has Written the Best Book You'll Read This Year" (Joel Lovell • New York Times Magazine • Jan 2013) [22:45] CivilWarLand in Bad Decline (Random House • 1996) [29:30] "The Great Divider" (GQ • Dec 2006) [30:45] "The New Mecca" (GQ • Nov 2005) [33:00] "The Incredible Buddha Boy" (GQ • Jun 2006) [38:45] George Saunders's Advice to Graduates (May 2013) [47:00] "Tent City, U.S.A." (GQ • Sep 2009)

On the latest Granta podcast we hear from George Saunders. One of the finest, funniest writers of his generation, he writes stories that pulse with outsized heart, crackle with the ad-speak and eek out the human story from the lives of theme-park workers and the subjects of strange drug tests that enhance libido and eloquence. His books include CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, In Persuasion Nation, Pastoralia and most recently Tenth of December. He has also published a book of essays, The Braindead Megaphone. Here he spoke to online editor Ted Hodgkinson about allowing his characters access to goodness, why he wants to avoid ‘auto-dark’ in his stories, how the death of David Foster Wallace affected his writing and closing the gap between art and life.

George Saunders is today's guest.  He's the bestselling author of several books, including CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, Pastoralia, and The Braindead Megaphone, and his brand new story collection, Tenth of December, is due out from Random House in January 2013. ... Continue reading → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Saunders is the author of the story collections In Persuasion Nation, Pastoralia, and CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, the short novel The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil, and a children’s book, The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip. He lives in Syracuse, New York, where he teaches in the Syracuse Creative Writing program; last year he was awarded both a Guggenheim Fellowship and a MacArthur Fellowship for his work.Saunders appeared in the Hollis Auditorium of Goldwin Smith Hall on March 8, 2007. This interview took place earlier the same day.