Book Review #6 - Tenth of December

I hadn't heard of this book until I went into our local bookshop and it was prominently displayed with a "Best Read of 2013!" bookmark sticking out of it. I didn't buy it, because I was in there to buy another book and I'm pretty stingy with hardcovers, but when I saw it on the shelf of new releases at the library, I snatched it up.

Best read of 2013 it is not, for me, but this collection of short stories by George Saunders, who currently teaches creative writing at Syracuse University, is certainly fascinating. I liked the first person, journal entry style narration that he used throughout the book, although it was so casual at times that I wondered how he would grade a student's paper written this way. Every time the thought, "I don't know why anyone would think this is extraordinary,"came to my mind, which it did while reading nearly every short story, a plot trick or his unexpected use of science fiction would immediately elevate the writing to a "wow" level. If he intended to showcase the difference between great language and mediocre language in a small space then he succeeded. It's like looking at a Jaguar and a Kia side by side. He really can be impressive with his words when he wants to be.

But I don't think that was his point. I think the unpolished and rough writing was done purposely to match the various unsavory or rough characters featured in each story. I wish I had a favorite story of the ten included in this work, or one that I just couldn't stop thinking about days later to elevate my opinion of this book. It's not that I need cute and cuddly characters to root for. Believe me, there are no cute and cuddly characters. The book begins with a story about a hapless teenager forced to decide whether to be brave or safe, which was interesting until the end. There is a horrific story about two women involved in the sale of a puppy who think they are being the best parent and spouse possible. There are stories that feature a sleazy salesman, a financial idiot, a soldier, a long-winded boss, a dying cancer patient and a socially unaware overweight boy. These stories are rather depressing although each is written with a sharp, uncomfortable humor that doesn't make if funny but also doesn't make it dreary. More like scary dark.

So, whoever wrote, "Best read of 2013!" must like scary dark with a side of twisted humor.  I don't know if I would have liked his style better if I could have become attached to these characters in a longer format or if someone explained to me why all these stories were thrown together into one book or if I hadn't started reading with really high expectations but I finished The Tenth of December feeling disappointed. I appreciate that there were many flashes of brilliance but, overall, other than being a bit shocked at times, nothing made me feel more aware of those unknown lives surrounding me or the all-encompassing human experience. Just that his view of that experience is that most people, in whatever class of life, are rather pathetic.