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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
There's a genre of writing where the author plunks you down into a creepy dystopian society and then is really coy about what exactly is making everyone behave so strangely. I guess it's supposed to pique your curiosity and keep you reading. It makes me feel gross. But if that's your vibe, you'll probably like this book.
Maybe my expectations were too high, but I was pretty disappointed by this collection. I wasn't into the first story and pushed through it, looking forward to giving the next a fair shot - but as I continued, I started thinking that this may be my least favorite Saunders collection. A nyt review helped me put my response in perspective ("Judging by the stories in “Liberation Day,” it seems that nearly a decade later, Saunders is no longer so sure about the possibility of transformative heroism or resistance, or what that might even mean." - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/13/books/review/george-saunders-liberation-day.html), and when I thought back to some of his earlier work, I guess there was still a lot to appreciate here. Some of it felt like the Saunders was turned up to 11, and as I see his influence more in other writers, I may find myself turning less to him - although, of course, I'll look forward to what he has next, too.
Each story was heartbreaking and frustrating. I loved this book but sometimes it was so hard to read. Have you lost your faith in humanity? This will affirm your sentiment. It’s impressive how quickly and easily I became invested in each story. I would definitely recommend Liberation Day, but don’t read it if you’re already depressed.
Though I have truly enjoyed Saunders’s short stories in the past, I struggled to get through this thin volume. Very depressing and often just too out there for me. I loved the last story but the rest I didn’t care for.
4.5 stars
I read and listened to the audiobook at the same time. The audiobook is SO good. Enhanced my experience immensely. I highly recommend listening it, either if you already read the book or as a first time contact with the title.
That being said, I wasn’t familiar with Saunders’ work before and I am very glad to have found it. I am looking forward to reading more of his books.
I read and listened to the audiobook at the same time. The audiobook is SO good. Enhanced my experience immensely. I highly recommend listening it, either if you already read the book or as a first time contact with the title.
That being said, I wasn’t familiar with Saunders’ work before and I am very glad to have found it. I am looking forward to reading more of his books.
Entertaining stories! Settings range from the mundane to the unbelievable, but each character seems to encounter a conflict that forces him/her to face what they know is “right.” I found it fascinating to experience the excuses the characters made for not acting on what they know they should have done. Recommended for readers who are interested in politics and personal relationships.
Yep. Pretty great. Some of the sci-fi adjacent stuff wasn't necessarily up my alley (and all were kinda similar?), but he's clearly a master with heart. Looking forward to reading more, and finding more Buddhist nods in his older works.
Listened to on audible. Excellent production. One of the stories I didn’t like and it felt like a rough draft of one of the others. The rest were impeccable in that funny dark creepy way Saunders does like no other.