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1.51k reviews for:
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life
George Saunders
4.52 AVERAGE
1.51k reviews for:
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life
George Saunders
4.52 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Read and used this book in teaching my 4/500 level Craft of Fiction class and it was a rousing success. While the last essay strays more into literary analysis, most of the essays provide a deep dive into the craft of these 7 Russian short stories. Both read the book and listened to the audiobook to refresh my memory and recommend both experiences.
Such a lovely read. Not only did it introduce me to authors I had foolishly avoided in the past but it also made me re-examine the way I read. It’s impossible not to succumb to Saunders’ enthusiasm and love for his subject. It left me envious of those who had attended his classes. Saunders is a superb teacher and I hope I remember the lessons contained in this book.
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
This is a lovely book for someone who wants to understand how stories (might) work: Saunders offers his own thoughts but is never prescriptive. And you will discover some stories which will delight you and, hopefully, you will appreciate why.
And don't skip the Appendices: they're brilliant.
And don't skip the Appendices: they're brilliant.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
There are books you read once and books you return to again and again. This is one I’ll hold onto for a long time. As both a reader and a writer, I found it to be exactly what I needed—something that helped me begin to see, with more clarity, why certain stories resonate, why I love a book, and what makes a piece of writing truly work.
Before reading this, I hadn’t encountered any of the stories included, yet following along with George Saunders’ insights—his way of walking through a text, showing what the writer was doing—felt like an essential lesson in both reading and writing. It’s not a how-to book, but it deepens the connection between the two arts. Even midway through, when I picked up another novel, I found myself engaging with it differently, questioning choices, noticing patterns, thinking more deeply about the craft behind the story.
And for anyone worried that a book about Russian literature might feel dry or overly academic, it’s the opposite—it’s incredibly engaging. Saunders is such a talented writer that even when he’s analyzing a text, the reading experience remains a pleasure. I learned a lot, but more than that, I enjoyed every moment. This is the kind of book that changes the way you read.
Before reading this, I hadn’t encountered any of the stories included, yet following along with George Saunders’ insights—his way of walking through a text, showing what the writer was doing—felt like an essential lesson in both reading and writing. It’s not a how-to book, but it deepens the connection between the two arts. Even midway through, when I picked up another novel, I found myself engaging with it differently, questioning choices, noticing patterns, thinking more deeply about the craft behind the story.
And for anyone worried that a book about Russian literature might feel dry or overly academic, it’s the opposite—it’s incredibly engaging. Saunders is such a talented writer that even when he’s analyzing a text, the reading experience remains a pleasure. I learned a lot, but more than that, I enjoyed every moment. This is the kind of book that changes the way you read.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Amazing detailed booked. This book got me interested in reading other short stories.