The Braindead Megaphone

By: George Saunders

Narrated by: George Saunders

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.

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

the humur

I loved every minute of it and was sorry when it came to an end. Thank you.

We need more George Saunders in the world.

He is a genius - a gentle but unflinching, compassionate and laugh out loud hilarious commentator on our world and our times.

Funny, thoughtful, worth your time

These essays age well. George himself reads the text and also plays the lovely interstitial music between chapters, his own compositions on steel guitar.

George Saunders is a genius!

I started by reading one of his many books and now I have read 6 or 7 and I will not stop. He is deeply satirical and you can see his influence by other writers and also see his impact on writers now. It is with such originality and humor he provides the perfect allegory for the deep issues plaguing the modern age, Any and all of his books are a must read for me. He has a remarkable way of tight rope walking the absurd and ridiculous world we live in.

Thoughtful

Uneven at 15 years distance, in my view, but worth the price for the Huckleberry Finn essay alone.

I need more.

wasn't prepared to like these stories as much as I did.
Will have to look up 1 or 2 more collect ions to have valid confirmation.
Perhaps I wl try Lincon on the Bardo as change of pace, but a. looking forward to,Pastoralia.