Episode description

Acclaimed author George Saunders visits Google to discuss his book “The Braindead Megaphone.”

"The Braindead Megaphone", 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 stories, such as the mysteries of Nepal’s so-called "Buddha Boy", the extravagant pleasures of Dubai, and his attempts to join 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.

George Saunders's writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's, GQ, and The Guardian. A professor at Syracuse University, he has won the National Magazine Award for fiction and an O. Henry Award.

Originally published in September of 2007.

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