CivilWarLand in Bad Decline

A fun and funny collection of dark short stories.

So funny I wanted to wrap my lips around a tail pipe.

I can't even remember what list led me to this book, but I have seen the name George Saunders for years. Now, having read this collection, I'm hooked and totally understand readers who worship at the alter of Saunders. Good grief. I couldn't put this down, it was almost perfect. There isn't one dud in this collection. I am not, usually, a fan of short stories but each of these felt like little glimpses into a world I sure as hell don't want to live in.
My only negative comment is that the voice of the main characters in the stories are very, very similar. It is almost as if we are with the same guy in different settings over and over again.
Now, could I pick a favorite? Impossible. I predict all of these stories will stick with me a long time. Offloading for Mrs. Schwartz was incredible. Downtrodden Mary's Failed Campaign of Terror (best title, ever btw) is just a pleasing little punch in the gut and I really enjoyed Bounty, an epic little novella.

Good stuff.

The first of Saunders' short story collections. Just great.