Back to short stories after the success of his first novel, George Saunders continues writing of talk and over talk, multiple voices, mental chatter, bald-faced clichés and idioms, fragments and newspeak; of glum lives; and the demoralizing institutions his people find their way to fated upon hopelessness. Part of Saunders’ genius, and there’s no questioning his literary genius, is that he’s read everyone, his influences far too many to catalog. The title story is an allegory where in names are given, not the symbolic names of virtues from Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, but names of the average joe, names interchangeable and without meaning. Saunders’ stories are hilarious until one realizes, actually one is never freed of knowing and kept nervous knowing, how deep a tragedy is thinly covered under the humor in these stories. A couple of stories, unvarnished in bleak naturalism, reminds us of the quiet dignity lived, of a written letter unsent or sent, unanswered, in a sad situation. For George Saunders, the human condition, as proven by history or one person’s lived experience, is suffering. To read these stories is to be reminded of Henry Miller quoting Rabelais: For all your ills, I give you laughter. And Saunders’ response: Really? I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Random House..

Liberation Day is perhaps full of stories that almost worked for me. With a few exceptions that really got me thinking, I found this overall a weaker set than his previous works. However a normal day for Saunders is still head above almost any other author- so these are definitely worth the read. I'll never think about theme parks the same way again!

4 stars for not quite living up to my (high) expectations) but for delivering on unique worlds in such short pieces. I'm still a fan!

Fans of Tenth of December will be pleased with this new short story collection. Saunders adds elements of science fiction and fantasy to the stories so infused with social commentary that they read more like a blend of essay and fiction. And he's got a lot to say, but it all boils down to look at how we're treating each other.

Saunders isn't for everyone, but for those of us who get him, this is a winner.

I don't know what I can add to the praise that Saunders will no doubt receive for this collection of 9 short stories except to say that it's a must read for fans of the form. Three of the stories are very dystopian, which I found surprising, but they are perhaps my favorites- if I could chose favorites. The nice thing about Saunders is that each of his stories is a little world of its own. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Read them one at a time- over days- and enjoy.

I will start by saying that I was honestly likely one of the few people that didn't enjoy the largely acclaimed Linclon in the Bardo by George Saunders. However, I was excited to try this short story collection because of the different format and intriguing description. Overall, I was not disappointed and mostly enjoyed this short story collection. In the eARC I received, the editor particularly highlights the first and last stories in the volume and I would agree that these were two of the best. I particularly enjoyed the first story, which is also the titular story. Some of the stories that followed seem to be similar to this lead story, and I particularly like Love Letter as well, but others struck me as much different in terms of content and theme. That being said, there were definitely some stories I didn't connect with in this volume, but I am basing my rating based on the great strength of the high points. I know this collection is already getting buzz from critics and I am sure it will continue to once it is released.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publishers Random House publishing Group- Random House for an advanced copy of this collection of short stories by one of our best writers.

George Saunders annoys me. Saunders can write a novel, Lincoln in the Bardo that entertained and amazed me so much that when I finished the novel, I have done something I haven't doen since I was a teen, and began reading the book from the beginning. Saunders wrote a book on enjoying understanding Russian Literature so much, I wished I could take his class and sit at his feet and learn. And Saunders can write short stories. Short stories that stay with the reader years after they have been read, ideas, characters, dialogue just as fresh in my head as I when I read them the first time, and wrote on a file card that I keep of things that stun me while reading. That's why he annoys me. Yet I look forward to every letter he puts on paper. Liberation Day: Stories is another top-notch collection that is a reflection of our times. The ugliness that we allow, the wealth that is kept and not shared, the politics that does nothing but divide and decry, the anger and despair that seems to fill everyone, a time when even dreams can cause animosity and pettiness.

There are nine stories in this collection, most with phantasmagorical elements, science fiction and the strong stench of politics and all that can cause. The future they show is one that ten years ago seemed like a drug dream from a Philip K Dick novel. Now in this year of our lord 2022, totally makes sense, and probably where we are going. Describing them would be wasted words, nothing I write will make sense. An underground amusement park with a Hell section and the player there who comes to the realization that there is more to the world. Old people on fixed incomes having their minds wiped to take part in political protest theatre. A man who wants to buy a house being sold by the owner,, but his face gives away to much in the final transaction.

Stories range in size from very long, to short. Saunders has a skill in that as a writer he knows when to hold the story, and when to fold the story. Each story is the perfect length to tell what needs to be told, showing and building, before removing the readers breath with an ending or a series of endings that force a person to think or contemplate things. This is a real skill that Saunders has, one that Saunders makes it look effortless, but the work involved must be exhausting. Characters no matter who bizarre or normal the situation make sense. They talk and act like real people, even as everything is going bad all around them. Each story is distinctive and different but all showcasing a civilization that hates itself, and doesn't know how or cares to change.

Another great collection. I wish there were more stories, but this gives people a reason to go on, to try and make things a little better for everyone. Just to see what Saunders would make of a more perfect union for everyone. Recommended for fans of short stories, people who like words and how they are placed and for people who just like think about what we are doing to ourselves.

Delighted to include this title in the October instalment of Novel Encounters, my regular column highlighting the month’s most anticipated fiction for the Books section of Zoomer magazine. (see column and mini-review at link)

George Saunders is my very favorite author and Liberation Day is no exception. Every single story packs such emotional weight, even when light. Saunders can land an ending like no other. Saunders knows what it means to be human and is able to put it into words like nobody else can. Clearly I'm fan girling here and cannot articulate myself, but this man is a genius.

Saunders is just. so. good. at this, at twisting the everyday into the slightly off, exposing the things that make us human in all our flaws and foibles. It's all near future where something's gone slightly off the rails. The opening (title) story in this collection is worth the rating alone, but all of these pieces (a few of which appeared in the New Yorker the last few years like advance singles for this eventual album) work fantastically in dialogue with each other. I just like the way Saunders writes, and I'm looking forward to see what comes next.

In case there was any doubt that George Saunders is one of America’s finest authors one needs to look no further than his latest collection of mind blowing stories, #LiberationDay. In fact after reading #LiberationDay the first time I waited three weeks and read it again, giving the stories a chance to germinate. And boy, did they. Let’s just say #LiberationDay has earned a spot on my bedside table so I have immediate access any time I want to remind myself how masterful these stories are. Once you give it a peek I’m sure you’ll find #LiberationDay an exhilarating ride. Enjoy your journey !

I believe that Mr Saunders could write a telephone book and I would love it. He never ceases to amze me with his writing and stories. Another winner here.

Prepare to be blown away by this new short story collection by George Saunders which shock, delight and entertain from first to last. Some are speculative in scope, some get down and dirty in the trenches of human relationships and explore our sense of ethics and justice. I have several favorites including Love Letter, a grandfather's warning letter to his grandson, and Elliott Spencer, exploring the power of a man's memories--but all of the stories are powerful and well-written.

I received an arc of this new collection from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

I very much enjoyed this collection, which fits right in with Saunders' earlier Pastoralia and CivilWarLand in Bad Decline. It's a fun read considering it covers some dark themes, but that's kind of his deal. As always, these stories hold little moments of shining hope among the bleakness. This was a good, weird read that I'll be sure to recommend to patrons. I think it would make a fine entry point for people who haven't read other Saunders books.

In his newest short story collection, Saunders does what he does best - blow your mind with his brilliant stories and his fascinating perspective on the world. As irreverant and odd as the very first story begins, it pulls you into this collection and opens your heart. I just love looking at the world through Saunders' eye and will read everything he puts into it.

This is a pretty solid collection of short stories. Each is memorable in their own way, though it is difficult to discuss them without giving too much away. Needless to say, a world is created in each one that is unique and causes the reader to stop and think a bit.

LIBERATION DAY is a great pick for fans of literary fiction. This collection is truly genre-bending, with some science fiction and fantastical/surreal elements. At times difficult to follow, Saunders' prose rewards the persistent reader. The stories are embued with satirical humor and crackle with wit.

This collection is just what you'd expect from George Saunders - a book of humorous and weird short stories.

I received a copy from Netgalley for review. I chose it because I wanted to be sure to finish a Saunders book. I admit I did not finish His last book, but I thought short stories would be easier. They weren't. The first story was so creepy I could not read it in one sitting. The others were easier to read, but still a difficult read. Though obviously well written, and indeed award winning books, Saunders remains an impenetrable writer to me. So I thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book, and I vow to stick more to genres I can appreciate.

First off, my thanks to Random House and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this title. I have been a fan of Saunders since his very first book, so I was, of course, very excited to read this, his latest offering. I was not disappointed.
Current "King of the Short Story", this is Saunders' first story collection since "Tenth of December" (2013) or his last fiction since "Lincoln in the Bardo" (2017). It is also his first title since the in-depth study of classic Russian short stories, "A Swim in a Pond in the Rain" (2021), and it is interesting to think back on some of his commentary there on the short story, and compare it to what he does here.
The biggest difference between the two is his 3 stories here where humans who have had rather iffy lives have now been reprogrammed and made use of in a variety of other ways. The title story incorporates this, and is the most successful of the 3 stories of this type - it takes up about a quarter of the @ 250 pp book. I could have done with one less - the story about the entertainers with no audience underground below Pueblo, CO. At times he seemed to be filling in background to the situation, rather than writing a story.
He is much more dystopian here than earlier, and much more political. There is no question which side he is on in our country's current political situation. Also, these stories border on SciFi or Fantastic, something that may be should not surprise the reader, given some of his earlier short titles.
But the other stories here once again are set around characters who are rather on the edge of society. People with dreams, but dreams which have never been realized. And, once again, their voice is so important in telling their story, or that of their "protagonist".
The only disppointment here is that after nearly 10 yeas we only have a couple handfuls of stories to read and enjoy - and 2 or 3 of them are so bried, just a few pages long each.
It is Saunders - read it!

This latest short story collection by George Saunders is a winner. I love his work-- the spot-on voicing of characters, his weird and captivating imagination, and the poignance of situation and perspective that can sneak up on you and deeply touch you. Many thanks to NetGalley for the privilege of reading this advance copy.