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The Braindead Megaphone

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About this listen

 From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Man Booker Prize-winning novel Lincoln in the Bardo and the story collection Tenth of December, a 2013 National Book Award Finalist for Fiction.

The breakout book from "the funniest writer in America"--not to mention an official "Genius"--his first nonfiction collection ever.

George Saunders's first foray into nonfiction is comprised of essays on literature, travel, and politics. At the core of this unique collection are Saunders's travel essays based on his trips to seek out the mysteries of the "Buddha Boy" of Nepal; to attempt to indulge in the extravagant pleasures of Dubai; and to join the exploits of the minutemen at the Mexican border. Saunders expertly navigates the works of Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, and Esther Forbes, and leads the reader across the rocky political landscape of modern America. Emblazoned with his trademark wit and singular vision, Saunders's endeavor into the art of the essay is testament to his exceptional range and ability as a writer and thinker. Essays Travel Writing & Commentary Nonfiction

Critic reviews

"Some novelists seem to make great reporters. Two of the best journalists of the last 50 years are Norman Mailer and David Foster Wallace; their literary nonfiction is jaw-droppingly good, the equal of their fiction. Maybe it's time to add noted short-story writer George Saunders to this short list... Is Saunders' book on target? Hoo boy. [Grade:] A"—Entertainment Weekly

"Saunders's bitingly clever and compassionate essays are a Mark Twain-syle shot in the arm for Americans, an antidote to the dumbing down virus plaguing our country."—Vanity Fair
All stars
Most relevant
This is completely brilliant. Its thoughtful and calm and funny and humane. It’s dumb and profound. Saunders is such a good narrator, and it helps with the self-deprecation. Loved it.

Jokes + humanity

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And that’s saying a lot. His fiction is so off-the-charts fabulous, but his essays blow the fiction away. The fact that he does his own audio, including the guitar riff transitions is just another example of why George Saunders is the real deal. Completely genuine and generous. Intelligent and accessible in equal measure. I’d reserve my very highest praise for Saunders, and specifically for this essay collection. If you’re a writer or writing instructor, it’s an absolute must.

Maybe my favorite Saunders ever

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George Saunders is so wise and witty, and such a good performer, that I could listen to him read the phone book, but here you get to hear him read a collection of his own essays and literary criticism, and it is wonderful. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, being a group of unlinked essays that cross a wide range of issues, but then again that's what you get with an essay collection. and they are all linked by Saunders' trademark razor sharp social commentary, wisdom, kindness and humour. The title story is worth the price of admission alone. I loved it and am planning to press it on friends.

Wise and witty book to dip in and out of

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