About Books & Literature: All Eyes on the 'Tenth of December'

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Books & Literature From Emily Faherty, your About Books & Literature Editor In last week's Books & Literature newsletter, we shared our Bestsellers Expert's top 10 books of 2013. This week, we present our Contemporary Literature Expert's favorite books of the year. The two lists feature lots of great picks, but there is one especially interesting choice they both have in common. It seems only fitting (given today's date) that we highlight the book that had everyone talking this year: Tenth of December by George Saunders. Review: 'Tenth of December' What made Saunders' collection of short stories so appealing to readers (and our Experts)? "He's perfected the art of subtle development and does so almost behind his own character's backs," says one of our reviews of the book. "Saunders is a calculated, skilled writer with some of the most original slight-of-hand around, capable of packing a reverberant punch within a whimsical mitt." Tenth of December Book Club Discussion Questions Critical Analysis From Our Short Stories Expert Search Related Topics:  george saunders  short fiction  funny books By George! We're not the only ones who think highly of Saunders. The acclaimed American short story writer was recently named one of TIME's 100 most influential people in the world and a finalist for the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. If you're not familiar with his writing, get familiar with it. Now. Review: In Persuasion Nation Saunders on His Unique Writing Style More Great Short Stories Sources Tenth of December first appeared in the October 31, 2011 issue of The New Yorker. The magazine is renowned for its fiction and is the go-to place for many readers to discover the next big thing in literary culture. Top 3 Places to Hear Short Stories on the Web Free Short Stories From Project Gutenberg Search Related Topics:  literary magazines  short stories  The Only Other Book on Both Lists... Our Experts agree on just one other book when it comes to the best of the year. That would be The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri. Our reviewer calls it a "powerful and unforgettable book" and says Lahiri "builds a world that is so real we feel that we can reach out and touch it. The pain caused by untold truth, hidden for years, is palpable as Lahiri breathes life into her characters and the milieu in which they exist." Just because it's the "Tenth of December" today doesn't mean you can't also pick this one up, too. Search Related Topics:  jhumpa lahiri  women authors  literary fiction Related Searches Best Free Books Talking Books Great Books Literature Top Books Featured Articles 5 Funny Books for the Holidays The New Yorker's 20 Best Writers Under 40 Review: 'Unaccustomed Earth' by Jhumpa Lahiri 5 Great YA Adventure Books The 2013 National Book Award Fiction Winner Is... The Best December Children's Books   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Books & Literature newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2013 About.com   Advertisement