A review by millsjeff
In Persuasion Nation by George Saunders

dark funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

To someone who has never read Saunders, it may seem hyperbolic to always give the man 5 stars. And yet…

He is America’s greatest living writer, and this collection is, in my opinion, second only to Tenth of December. Surprisingly emotional and moving. Always hilarious. 

Highlights include “My Flamboyant Grandson”, “Bohemians”, “CommComm”, and “Christmas”.

There is, however, one absolute dud of a story. “93990” is good, and would be an achievement for most any other author out there. It is devoid of Saunders’ distinct voice and fingerprints, and does not stack up with the rest of his oeuvre.