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This book has been on my list ever since it was published. I was intrigued from the point I first learned about it. George Saunders, an author whose short stories I have thoroughly enjoyed, uses material from the creative writing program in which he teaches to provide us insight into the short story writing process. Reading this met all my expectations. I enjoyed the stories that were used, several of which I had read previously. I am feeling very humble, because much of the insight that George Saunders provides were not realizations I came to on my own. But George Saunders in no way speaks down to his audience. Instead, it was if we were just having a conversation between peers or between student and teacher, respectful, casual, comfortable, desirous of learning from one another.

In helping me to understand the stories, I did not feel I was reading a review of a story written by a critic. These are stories that Mr. Saunders greatly admires and loves, and he was helping me to see what he felt the author had accomplished and how the author had accomplished it. He was trying to show me the techniques used and choices made through which the author had produced something truly great in his opinion. On several occasions throughout he reiterates that this is just his opinion. Interspersed throughout, Mr. Saunders explains his own writing process, which is quite eye-opening as well.

I enjoyed this. I learned from it. But not as much as I could have. There is a lot there, despite the simplicity with which it is presented. I most enjoyed the attempt to explain the stories from the craftsman’s perspective.